As suggested, the following reviews are all for CDs by bands with female singers. All are fairly new and not necessarily well known. which is why I'm here. So let's get crackin'.
THE CIVIL WARS-LIVE AT AMOEBA
Full disclosure: I knew almost nothing about The Civil Wars when I purchased this special Record Store Day Release. Apart from their brief appearance at the Grammys I'd not heard a thing by them and didn't know what to expect. What I got was a charming little disc that made me want to investigate further.
The Civil Wars are a duo who rely solely on an acoustic guitar and their own voices, at least during the live sets. Their music sounds like a blend of Southern songs from the 1800s, and 60's folk songs. It is a sound that is both trapped in time and timeless. Stark, simple, and in places, hauntingly beautiful. The on stage chemistry of John Paul White and Joy Williams is a treat, especially Williams whose girl next door persona makes you love her instantly. There's a lot of talent in these two.
Be forewarned, this is not a disc to drive to. It is for listening to in the quiet times, contemplating and absorbing. The songs are stark and arrangements are bare. If there is a complaint its that the music doesn't vary enough, and that may hurt them in the long run. And the production value is pretty horrible, it sounds like a bootleg. But it is a live recording from a record store so what can one expect?
I can see why some people aren't impressed with the style, it's not easily accessible, and if you're not in the right space could be considered boring. But it works for me.
Key Songs: Tip Of My Tongue, 20 Years, Dance Me To The End Of Love
3.5 out of 5 Daves
GRACE POTTER AND THE NOCTURNALS-LIVE FROM THE LEGENDARY SUN STUDIOS
Another Record Store Day release. This one is really great. The songs go from bluesy and soulful to fuzzed out screamers and back again. Potter's vocals have that slightly gravelly quality that's full of sex and full of soul, regretful and joyful. You know, the way fans of Janis Joplin think she sounded. If Joy Williams (from The Civil Wars) is loveable for all the right reasons, Grace Potter is loveable for the other reasons. The ones you don't tell your mother about.
These songs were recorded over two separate sessions at Sun studios in Memphis and I'm happy to report that it sounds great. The band is on and every track is a good one. I can't recommend this enough. If you can find it, buy it.
Key Songs:: Night Rolls On, Sugar, Put Your Head Down, Can't See Through
5 out of 5 Daves
ALABAMA SHAKES-BOYS AND GIRLS
Alabama Shakes have a great, gritty, Southern soul sound. They have a tight band. They have an awesome front woman in Brittany Howard. They have a great vibe and all the potential to be one of the great bands of the decade.
They just don't have the songs to back it all up.
Don't get me wrong, "Hold On" is the best single in recent memory, but it's as good as the record gets. There are moments, sure, when the record almost touches greatness, but it consistently stops just short of what it could do. And that's the frustrating thing about this disc. It's not bad, just disappointing.
About half of the songs on "Boys And Girls" feel like demos that weren't fleshed out. It's seldom that I'd say this but this band needs a name producer to show them how to finish the songs, smooth out the edges and make a cohesive record that hits all the lows and highs a soul based record should. Brittany does sing these songs with total conviction and saves most of the record. But musically the songs all sound of sameness, and there's only so much she can do.
Look, I want to like this record. I want to love this band. I really do, I've listened to this disc multiple times, and it just hasn't grown on me much at all. Maybe in a few months I'll listen again and be blown away and have a "What was I thinking" moment. I certainly hope so. I will say, in fairness, that I would like to see them live as I think they'd be killer. I just wish the material held up to the band playing it.
Key Songs: Hold On, I Found You, You Aint' Alone, Be Mine
3 out of 5 Daves
That's it for now. More soon.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Recent release:Shooter Jennings-Family Man
Family Man marks Shooter Jennings's return to his alternative country roots. As good as his Heirophant side project was, this is a welcome return indeed. His sound has always been one part country and one part rock, but in many ways this may be his most country record yet. Make no mistake, the rock and roll heartbeat runs through this release, but the fiddle and harmonica make enough appearances here to dress the material in just the right amount of western duds to make this album a treat for fans and newbies alike.
The concept of family runs through this album, though not always front and center. Some of the better songs here like "Daddy's Hands", "The Family Tree" and the unnecessarily controversial "Southern Family Anthem" touch on it directly. Others such as "The Long Road Ahead" and "The Deed And The Dollar" approach it from the angle of a relationship. The other constant here is quality musicianship and quality songs.
Unfortunately, there are a few misfires. "The Black Dog" is a meandering dark ghost story that never really goes anywhere, "Summer Dreams" is nice but fails to make much of an impact. And closer "Born Again" is a valiant effort that just misses the mark. Normally three off songs wouldn't be bad, but there are only ten songs on the disc. Fortunately the good far outnumbers the bad and make this a disc worth buying.
Yet there are still a few questionable choices even in the good stuff. For example, Tom Morello's guitar sounds fine when he's raging at the machine (see what I did there?) but he probably shouldn't be guesting on a potential hit country song like "The Long Road Ahead". And as far as "Southern Family Anthem" goes, Shooter should have known a title like that would cause people to give special attention to the track. It does reinforce some negative stereotypes about the South but these problems are nationwide, the song is just set in a Southern family. All true stories from his extended family according to Shooter, but I'm not convinced. Besides, if the word "Southern" were removed most people complaining would have no problem. At any rate, the song is an attempt at a Drive-By Truckers style song, not only in it's sound and structure but vocally too. I like the song but it's a rip off, let's face it. And as for the previously mentioned "Black Dog", well, Jennings produced this CD by himself so that's the kind of stuff you get when there's no one around to say no.
But enough complaining. There's a lot to like here. More than once there will be reminders of Waylon that should warm the soul. The rock songs are fun ("Manifesto No. 4" comes into mind), "Daddy's Hands" just might bring a tear to the eye, and the country blues of "The Family Tree" will make you want to lay around the shanty, mama, and put a good buzz on. Ten Internet points if you got that reference and are humming to yourself right now.
So all in all, a solid release, though a flawed one. But definitely worth your ten bucks at Wal Mart.
4 out of 5 Daves.
Visit http://shooterjennings.com/
The concept of family runs through this album, though not always front and center. Some of the better songs here like "Daddy's Hands", "The Family Tree" and the unnecessarily controversial "Southern Family Anthem" touch on it directly. Others such as "The Long Road Ahead" and "The Deed And The Dollar" approach it from the angle of a relationship. The other constant here is quality musicianship and quality songs.
Unfortunately, there are a few misfires. "The Black Dog" is a meandering dark ghost story that never really goes anywhere, "Summer Dreams" is nice but fails to make much of an impact. And closer "Born Again" is a valiant effort that just misses the mark. Normally three off songs wouldn't be bad, but there are only ten songs on the disc. Fortunately the good far outnumbers the bad and make this a disc worth buying.
Yet there are still a few questionable choices even in the good stuff. For example, Tom Morello's guitar sounds fine when he's raging at the machine (see what I did there?) but he probably shouldn't be guesting on a potential hit country song like "The Long Road Ahead". And as far as "Southern Family Anthem" goes, Shooter should have known a title like that would cause people to give special attention to the track. It does reinforce some negative stereotypes about the South but these problems are nationwide, the song is just set in a Southern family. All true stories from his extended family according to Shooter, but I'm not convinced. Besides, if the word "Southern" were removed most people complaining would have no problem. At any rate, the song is an attempt at a Drive-By Truckers style song, not only in it's sound and structure but vocally too. I like the song but it's a rip off, let's face it. And as for the previously mentioned "Black Dog", well, Jennings produced this CD by himself so that's the kind of stuff you get when there's no one around to say no.
But enough complaining. There's a lot to like here. More than once there will be reminders of Waylon that should warm the soul. The rock songs are fun ("Manifesto No. 4" comes into mind), "Daddy's Hands" just might bring a tear to the eye, and the country blues of "The Family Tree" will make you want to lay around the shanty, mama, and put a good buzz on. Ten Internet points if you got that reference and are humming to yourself right now.
So all in all, a solid release, though a flawed one. But definitely worth your ten bucks at Wal Mart.
4 out of 5 Daves.
Visit http://shooterjennings.com/
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Recent release:Lucero-Women And Work
Lucero-Women and Work
For those not familiar, Lucero is an alternative country band from Memphis Tennessee. Over the course of their nine studio albums they have moved from an alt country/punk sound to the current country soul of Women and Work. The mere fact that a band in a musical category that can be so pigeon holed and resistant to change-by its own fans-can be allowed to grow and evolve is an extraordinary achievement. This makes Lucero one of the more interesting bands out there and a new release is always highly anticipated. Each album is a little bit different, building on the record before it. The trouble is, sometimes they miss the mark.
So what about the new record then? Well, as mentioned the punk leanings are not on display here, except in look and attitude, which is quite noticeable. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it is missed. However, much of what makes the Lucero sound is still very much intact. Songs of longing, survival, frustration and the tetemporary fix? Check. Whiskey and cigarette vocals? Check. Whiskey drenched music? Check. Honest, from the gut lyrics? Check. So what's missing? Fire.
Every song on Women and Work is good, none are great. This is troubling because so many of them should be. The whole thing just sounds a little lax, like the band never quite found their groove. Maybe the sessions went on too long and the guys just got burned out. Or maybe they were trying too hard for a certain sound they never achieved. Perhaps Lucero are trying to reach that well deserved mass audience that 2009's excellent 1372 Overton Park inexplicably didn't deliver. I don't know what the reason is, but this material just falls a little flat.
Again, the songs are good. There are many bright spots, but nothing really shines. It may be a good place to start, and I am certain to revisit this disc. It's a great nightcap to a long day, and a good way to ease yourself into the morning after. I guess the long and short of it is that Lucero could do better, but you could do a whole lot worse.
Key songs: On My Way Downtown, Women And Work, Juniper, When I Was Young, Like Lightning.
31/2 Daves
visit http://luceromusic.com/
For those not familiar, Lucero is an alternative country band from Memphis Tennessee. Over the course of their nine studio albums they have moved from an alt country/punk sound to the current country soul of Women and Work. The mere fact that a band in a musical category that can be so pigeon holed and resistant to change-by its own fans-can be allowed to grow and evolve is an extraordinary achievement. This makes Lucero one of the more interesting bands out there and a new release is always highly anticipated. Each album is a little bit different, building on the record before it. The trouble is, sometimes they miss the mark.
So what about the new record then? Well, as mentioned the punk leanings are not on display here, except in look and attitude, which is quite noticeable. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it is missed. However, much of what makes the Lucero sound is still very much intact. Songs of longing, survival, frustration and the tetemporary fix? Check. Whiskey and cigarette vocals? Check. Whiskey drenched music? Check. Honest, from the gut lyrics? Check. So what's missing? Fire.
Every song on Women and Work is good, none are great. This is troubling because so many of them should be. The whole thing just sounds a little lax, like the band never quite found their groove. Maybe the sessions went on too long and the guys just got burned out. Or maybe they were trying too hard for a certain sound they never achieved. Perhaps Lucero are trying to reach that well deserved mass audience that 2009's excellent 1372 Overton Park inexplicably didn't deliver. I don't know what the reason is, but this material just falls a little flat.
Again, the songs are good. There are many bright spots, but nothing really shines. It may be a good place to start, and I am certain to revisit this disc. It's a great nightcap to a long day, and a good way to ease yourself into the morning after. I guess the long and short of it is that Lucero could do better, but you could do a whole lot worse.
Key songs: On My Way Downtown, Women And Work, Juniper, When I Was Young, Like Lightning.
31/2 Daves
visit http://luceromusic.com/
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Recent Release: Bruce Springsteen-Wrecking Ball
Okay, finally got a new CD to review. Let's go.
First of all, this is not an E Street Band release, it is Bruce solo. There are E Street elements, of course, but it's not that kind of record, so all you fanatics can consider yourselves duly warned. Now that we've got that out of the way, let's talk about the new record, "Wrecking Ball".
I wasn't too excited when I first picked popped this in the player. I'd heard the first track/single, "We Take Care Of Our Own" and liked it, but found it to be Bruce by numbers. My fear was that the entire record would be more of the same. I found his last CD, "Working On A Dream" to be disappointing, not living up to its own potential or delivering as a follow up to the great "Magic" CD from a few years back. So I had a little bit of trepidation upon first listen.
Well, it turns out I needn't have worried. Bruce by numbers? "Wrecking Ball" is anything but. This is a powerful, direct, emotional slice of life that is exciting, thought provoking, and a grand artistic statement about our life and times. This album should be put in a time capsule to demonstrate to future generations what life was like in 2012. It's that good. Topical but not political, Springsteen explores the collective American psyche through topics such as patriotism, faith, economic woes, employment or the lack thereof, love, and the hope that lingers and shines its light even in the darkest times.
But it's not just the lyrics or songwriting prowess on display that makes this album stand out. Bruce Springsteen has managed to (finally) make a solo album that not only stands toe to toe with the E Street stuff, but becomes a whole other living breathing entity. He combines the rock stylings we're used to hearing from him with Celtic influence, Gospel, Americana, and cool drum loops and effects to make something truly unique. Yes, Bruce has taken us down some of these avenues before (with varying degrees of success), but this is where those roads all meet and reveal a destination greater than the journey.
Some may not care much for the departure in sound, but these are largely the people who believe that Springsteen hasn't done anything worthwhile since 1983. So if you can open your mind and ears, this is an album worth using both to explore. Genuine fans should love it and if you're not a fan, well. this just might do the trick.
Key songs: "Shackled And Drawn", "Death To My hometown", "Wrecking Ball", "Rocky Ground", "Land Of Hopes And Dreams"
Rating 5 out of 5 Daves
Visit: http://brucespringsteen.net/
P.S.-Due to possible changes in laws governing the Internet, I shall not be posting anymore songs until I know what's safe to post. I will link to official websites (as above) so the reader can investigate further.
First of all, this is not an E Street Band release, it is Bruce solo. There are E Street elements, of course, but it's not that kind of record, so all you fanatics can consider yourselves duly warned. Now that we've got that out of the way, let's talk about the new record, "Wrecking Ball".
I wasn't too excited when I first picked popped this in the player. I'd heard the first track/single, "We Take Care Of Our Own" and liked it, but found it to be Bruce by numbers. My fear was that the entire record would be more of the same. I found his last CD, "Working On A Dream" to be disappointing, not living up to its own potential or delivering as a follow up to the great "Magic" CD from a few years back. So I had a little bit of trepidation upon first listen.
Well, it turns out I needn't have worried. Bruce by numbers? "Wrecking Ball" is anything but. This is a powerful, direct, emotional slice of life that is exciting, thought provoking, and a grand artistic statement about our life and times. This album should be put in a time capsule to demonstrate to future generations what life was like in 2012. It's that good. Topical but not political, Springsteen explores the collective American psyche through topics such as patriotism, faith, economic woes, employment or the lack thereof, love, and the hope that lingers and shines its light even in the darkest times.
But it's not just the lyrics or songwriting prowess on display that makes this album stand out. Bruce Springsteen has managed to (finally) make a solo album that not only stands toe to toe with the E Street stuff, but becomes a whole other living breathing entity. He combines the rock stylings we're used to hearing from him with Celtic influence, Gospel, Americana, and cool drum loops and effects to make something truly unique. Yes, Bruce has taken us down some of these avenues before (with varying degrees of success), but this is where those roads all meet and reveal a destination greater than the journey.
Some may not care much for the departure in sound, but these are largely the people who believe that Springsteen hasn't done anything worthwhile since 1983. So if you can open your mind and ears, this is an album worth using both to explore. Genuine fans should love it and if you're not a fan, well. this just might do the trick.
Key songs: "Shackled And Drawn", "Death To My hometown", "Wrecking Ball", "Rocky Ground", "Land Of Hopes And Dreams"
Rating 5 out of 5 Daves
Visit: http://brucespringsteen.net/
P.S.-Due to possible changes in laws governing the Internet, I shall not be posting anymore songs until I know what's safe to post. I will link to official websites (as above) so the reader can investigate further.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Grammy Report
Okay, so I skipped the year end breakdown, but you know, most of what I would have said was already covered in these posts anyway. So I may get to some of that but let's do a Grammy thing first. I am typing as the broadcast airs so this will be in order and probably too long. But it's my blog so deal with it.
1. Bruce Springsteen kicked things off well. Kind of a typical Bruce song, but a good one. And completely by accident, the song "We Take Care Of Our Own" led into a Whitney Houston tribute.
2. Nice job, LL Cool J. The show could have crawled to an early halt with the prayer/tribute and it could have come off hammy. But LL pulled it off and actually had me a little emotional and pumped for the show. Also nice to see so many people with heads bowed and actually praying.
3. Two years in a row, Bruno Mars brought it. Not normally my cup of tea but I may have to check this guy out.
4. Bonnie Raitt looks exactly the same as she did twenty years ago. Sounds great too. Her duet with Alicia Keys on Etta James's "Sunday Kind Of Love" was well done and respectful to the original. This may be a really good show after all this year.
5. Nope, sorry. Chris Brown just killed it.
6. Kelly Clarkson wants to be Adele now. Just sayin'.
7. Didn't hear Jack Black's introduction, but he looked good, so I assume it was worthy. Always nice to see the Foo Fighters. "Walk" is a great song and they rocked it. Dave Grohl in the old school slayer shirt. Awesome.
8. Coldplay still suck. Rhianna didn't help. When did Chris Martin start thinking he's Joe Strummer?
9.Foo Fighters win for Best Rock performance. They had to, none of the other bands nominated actually rock. And they cut off Dave Grohl for Ryan Seacrest. This is why the music business sucks now.
10. Okay, so I had some Beach Boys jokes ready, mostly at the expense of Maroon 5. But I have to admit, it was nice to see Brian Wilson back doing the music he created with the surviving original members. Even though I'm not a fan for more than about 5 minutes every June.
11. Not a bad song from Sir Paul. Would have liked something more upbeat though.
12. The Civil Wars sounded awesome. I know nothing about them but want to find out.
13. Dear Taylor Swift, the curls were adorable, please bring them back.
14. I am so over Katy Perry. Which is the only thing I agree with Russell Brand about.
15. Sick of Lady Antebellum too. And does Miranda Lambert have a boob tattoo or was that just her dress? Somebody find that out and get back to me.
16. She's got a good voice and lots of talent, but this time next year I will be over Adele too. Sorry.
17. Is it me, or did it seem in slightly poor taste to start off the Glen Campbell tribute with "Gentle On My Mind"? It's a great song, but come on.
Nice to see the Glen Campbell tribute though. I didn't see his farewell tour when it came to St. Louis and it will be a regret. I can't help but feel a tear well up as I watch this performance. According to most reports his memory on stage is already beginning to slip. Nailing it tonight, but in just a few years, Glen Campbell won't remember being Glen Campbell. He won't remember singing any of these songs. "Rhinestone Cowboy" will come on the radio or television and he may have a vague recollection in the back of his head but he won't remember singing it. that that was him in what could only be described as a past life. Sad. Even more so since we know it's about to happen and we are seeing the man's last good days. A Grammy tribute is a fitting way to go out. God bless you Glen, and good luck.
18. TonyBennett-still the man.
19. I liked Whitney Houston as a pop artist, "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" stands as a fantastic example of what was fun about 80's pop music. Kinda liked "I'm Your Baby Tonight" too. But I always hated the hatchet job she did on Dolly Parton with her version of "I Will Always Love You". And now they are tributing her with someone else (I don't recognize the woman singing) butchering it further in Whitney's name. Frustrating.
20. I don't understand the Chris Brown/Foo Fighters/Mouse head-thing mash up. I don't like mash ups and this one was no exception. No appeal to me at all. Nothing wrong with music you can dance to, but modern dance music sucks. Points to the Foos for not being afraid to roll with it and try the experiment, but not my thing. And it was a shame to link the good name of Don Cornelius to that mess.
21. Nicki Minaj...WTF? Total train wreck. And I like train wrecks...and horror movie references...but seriously...this makes my brain hurt. I'm all for art, especially when combined with pop music or in forms one wouldn't expect. In theory I should have loved that. Poor execution and an unclear message/storyline. Horrible. Yet here I am blogging about it and thinking about what I just saw. So maybe it was a success? I dunno...leaning towards suck though. It made me miss Lady Ga Ga.
22. Happy for Adele. She's going to be overplayed all year and we will be sick of her soon. She seems genuinely moved though, and a deserving person. So well done.
23. Paul McCartney appears to be LL Cool J's homie. I want to see that buddy movie.
24. And we close the evening out with the closing moments of what I refer to as the "Abby Road Suite". Classy. Guitar jam with the rock guys from the broadcast. Nice to know there's still some love for rock and roll out there. These are desperate times for rock in the bigger picturte, so it's nice to see rock take its rightful place on the throne. Even if it is Sir Paul.
So that's it. Overall an enjoyable show. I tried to take each performance on its own merit, but my personal opinions can't help but creep in. Most of the music I listen to on a regular basis isn't the type of stuff that gets acknowledged by the Grammys. Or, in fact, by the general public at all. Which isn't exactly why I listen to it, I listen because it moves me and I enjoy it. However, the fact that most of my favorite artists are largely ignored is precisely why I blog about it. even if someone just happens to stumble on this page I feel like I'm doing my part to get the word out. The site has been inactive for a while but things will be up and moving here again soon.
Til then, play it loud.
1. Bruce Springsteen kicked things off well. Kind of a typical Bruce song, but a good one. And completely by accident, the song "We Take Care Of Our Own" led into a Whitney Houston tribute.
2. Nice job, LL Cool J. The show could have crawled to an early halt with the prayer/tribute and it could have come off hammy. But LL pulled it off and actually had me a little emotional and pumped for the show. Also nice to see so many people with heads bowed and actually praying.
3. Two years in a row, Bruno Mars brought it. Not normally my cup of tea but I may have to check this guy out.
4. Bonnie Raitt looks exactly the same as she did twenty years ago. Sounds great too. Her duet with Alicia Keys on Etta James's "Sunday Kind Of Love" was well done and respectful to the original. This may be a really good show after all this year.
5. Nope, sorry. Chris Brown just killed it.
6. Kelly Clarkson wants to be Adele now. Just sayin'.
7. Didn't hear Jack Black's introduction, but he looked good, so I assume it was worthy. Always nice to see the Foo Fighters. "Walk" is a great song and they rocked it. Dave Grohl in the old school slayer shirt. Awesome.
8. Coldplay still suck. Rhianna didn't help. When did Chris Martin start thinking he's Joe Strummer?
9.Foo Fighters win for Best Rock performance. They had to, none of the other bands nominated actually rock. And they cut off Dave Grohl for Ryan Seacrest. This is why the music business sucks now.
10. Okay, so I had some Beach Boys jokes ready, mostly at the expense of Maroon 5. But I have to admit, it was nice to see Brian Wilson back doing the music he created with the surviving original members. Even though I'm not a fan for more than about 5 minutes every June.
11. Not a bad song from Sir Paul. Would have liked something more upbeat though.
12. The Civil Wars sounded awesome. I know nothing about them but want to find out.
13. Dear Taylor Swift, the curls were adorable, please bring them back.
14. I am so over Katy Perry. Which is the only thing I agree with Russell Brand about.
15. Sick of Lady Antebellum too. And does Miranda Lambert have a boob tattoo or was that just her dress? Somebody find that out and get back to me.
16. She's got a good voice and lots of talent, but this time next year I will be over Adele too. Sorry.
17. Is it me, or did it seem in slightly poor taste to start off the Glen Campbell tribute with "Gentle On My Mind"? It's a great song, but come on.
Nice to see the Glen Campbell tribute though. I didn't see his farewell tour when it came to St. Louis and it will be a regret. I can't help but feel a tear well up as I watch this performance. According to most reports his memory on stage is already beginning to slip. Nailing it tonight, but in just a few years, Glen Campbell won't remember being Glen Campbell. He won't remember singing any of these songs. "Rhinestone Cowboy" will come on the radio or television and he may have a vague recollection in the back of his head but he won't remember singing it. that that was him in what could only be described as a past life. Sad. Even more so since we know it's about to happen and we are seeing the man's last good days. A Grammy tribute is a fitting way to go out. God bless you Glen, and good luck.
18. TonyBennett-still the man.
19. I liked Whitney Houston as a pop artist, "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" stands as a fantastic example of what was fun about 80's pop music. Kinda liked "I'm Your Baby Tonight" too. But I always hated the hatchet job she did on Dolly Parton with her version of "I Will Always Love You". And now they are tributing her with someone else (I don't recognize the woman singing) butchering it further in Whitney's name. Frustrating.
20. I don't understand the Chris Brown/Foo Fighters/Mouse head-thing mash up. I don't like mash ups and this one was no exception. No appeal to me at all. Nothing wrong with music you can dance to, but modern dance music sucks. Points to the Foos for not being afraid to roll with it and try the experiment, but not my thing. And it was a shame to link the good name of Don Cornelius to that mess.
21. Nicki Minaj...WTF? Total train wreck. And I like train wrecks...and horror movie references...but seriously...this makes my brain hurt. I'm all for art, especially when combined with pop music or in forms one wouldn't expect. In theory I should have loved that. Poor execution and an unclear message/storyline. Horrible. Yet here I am blogging about it and thinking about what I just saw. So maybe it was a success? I dunno...leaning towards suck though. It made me miss Lady Ga Ga.
22. Happy for Adele. She's going to be overplayed all year and we will be sick of her soon. She seems genuinely moved though, and a deserving person. So well done.
23. Paul McCartney appears to be LL Cool J's homie. I want to see that buddy movie.
24. And we close the evening out with the closing moments of what I refer to as the "Abby Road Suite". Classy. Guitar jam with the rock guys from the broadcast. Nice to know there's still some love for rock and roll out there. These are desperate times for rock in the bigger picturte, so it's nice to see rock take its rightful place on the throne. Even if it is Sir Paul.
So that's it. Overall an enjoyable show. I tried to take each performance on its own merit, but my personal opinions can't help but creep in. Most of the music I listen to on a regular basis isn't the type of stuff that gets acknowledged by the Grammys. Or, in fact, by the general public at all. Which isn't exactly why I listen to it, I listen because it moves me and I enjoy it. However, the fact that most of my favorite artists are largely ignored is precisely why I blog about it. even if someone just happens to stumble on this page I feel like I'm doing my part to get the word out. The site has been inactive for a while but things will be up and moving here again soon.
Til then, play it loud.
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