Grammy Talk

[sarahmichigan]

Had an acquaintace say she thought it was some kind of political correctness that Outkast won instead of White Stripes for Album of the year. In response, I said:

I really think the White Stripes and Elephant are overrated. I listened to the album again a few days ago, and while I like several of the songs, some of them are *really* irritating. I haven't listened to Speakerboxxx, but judging from the two break-out hits, those guys put out some catchy, catchy tunes. As does Beyonce.

I think it's like the recent debates in literature. Some people are so caught up in being high-minded artistes with their 10-page descriptions of their toilet and starting each chapter with 2 quotes from some obscure romantic poet, that they forget that readers WANT A GOOD STORY! (separate rant which I will not subject you to).

I don't care how arty you are or what your prog-rock roots are-- people want good voices and catchy tunes. While the White Stripes certainly have some songs that can get stuck in your head, I dont' think you could accuse either Jack or Meg of having a melodious voice (Meg's makes me shudder on that "cold, cold rain" song).

I agree with an article I saw at salon.com (that came out well before the grammys) that said hard rock was lacking this last year, and R&B and hip-hop artists were really doing the innovative work. THAT's why I think there were so many African-American winners, not because of some kind of political correctness on the part of Grammy voters.

I was happy Missy Elliott took home a grammy, too. I love her!

As for Evanescence, they get on my nerves. I can stand one or two songs, but not the whole album all at one time. That lead singer has a beautiful voice, but I don't like the way she uses it-- she's always using it in a crying-moaning way. I suppose that's their whole goth-rock schtick, but I guess I'm not taken with their schtick (dionysus1999 likes them).

Comments

[pstscrpt.livejournal.com]

The first time I heard "Bring Me Back to Life", I was on my way to my sister's in Ann Arbor before the poly meeting. I was distracted enough by it that I drove past her apartment, wound up downtown, and got quite badly lost. I like 'em, anyway.

The one song I've heard on the radio from White Stripes was decent, but similar to and pales in comparison to most anything by Billy Talent.


I agree with an article I saw at salon.com (that came out well before the grammys) that said hard rock was lacking this last year, and R&B and hip-hop artists were really doing the innovative work. THAT's why I think there were so many African-American winners, not because of some kind of political correctness on the part of Grammy voters.

Was Kelis nominated for anything? "My Milkshake" is great -- it's like if Stravinski were alive and writing pop music.

Again, I have to bring up Billy Talent. Other than them, though, it seems like I'm buying mostly old CDs lately. My favorite recent addition is Jethro Tull's Minstrel in the Gallery, which was released in 1975. Nevermore's Enemies of Reality cam out last July and is decent, but not nearly as good as the two albums before it (not that they're popular enough to make a dent). Now that I look, Apocalyptica seems to have a new album, but it's only available as a a $40 import. Damn.

[dionysus1999.livejournal.com]

I agree about the White Stripes. They are fun in a garage rock way, but don't deserve the hype, unlike Electric Six, which crack me up every time I listen to them.

I like the overblown sound of Evanescence, but I can see how you could find them annoying.