This will be short.
The 54th annual Grammy Awards were quite flat... and shameful... In many ways, it was like witnessing the death of music... killed by the corporate music industry... what with multiple Satanic ceremonies and a general darkness and celebration of a move away from actual talent... well, I'll just say this...
There were only a few bright spots...
The recognition of Whitney Houston's passing. Both in the beginning of the show, as well as Stevie Wonder's shout out and Jennifer Hudson's beautiful rendition of I Will Always Love You (Houston's signature song), the tributes to Whitney were civilized and classic. This is a fitting a touching way to acknowledge the passing of one so dear and important to the world of music (especially on such short notice).
The performance of Bruno Mars (Runaway Baby). This opening performance was really great... no, spectacular! Mars really took the viewer back to music's earlier time period of innocence and real raw talent. His performance was captivating and fun, both vocally and visually... especially when it came to the James Brown break down! It's too bad that it would be the high point of the evening.
Acceptance speech for Best New Artist, Bon Iver. When Justin Vernon came up to accept the award for Best New Artist, he was humble and grateful. He also made statements about the music industry and how it picks and celebrates certain artists. He may not receive the same warm welcome next time, should there be a next time. I also found it interesting that he was the only one who got the music playing, to hurry him up to finish. He had the best remarks.
Acceptance speech for Best New Artist, Bon Iver. When Justin Vernon came up to accept the award for Best New Artist, he was humble and grateful. He also made statements about the music industry and how it picks and celebrates certain artists. He may not receive the same warm welcome next time, should there be a next time. I also found it interesting that he was the only one who got the music playing, to hurry him up to finish. He had the best remarks.
The performance of Taylor Swift (Mean). Taylor's performance of Mean was a good reproduction of her video for the same song. It was expertly performed and she looked like she was having fun. The best part, perhaps, was the Grammy shout out toward the end of the song, "some day, I'll be singing at the Grammys..." That was fun and light.
The performance of Adele (Rolling in the Deep). This was a stunning vocal performance, with supple emotion. Adele's performance of the song of the year was the third worthy performance of the evening. Everything about it was powerful (if not all that colorful)... it was all about her voice and the emotional release of the song... and it pays off.
The tribute to Glen Campbell, by The Band Perry, Blake Shelton and Campbell himself. This was the final real bright spot of the show. It was still innocent and about the celebration of good music. The music made you feel good, and Campbell's performance was inspired and spirited.It felt like a little party... like a cozy concert. It was one of the few performances that inspired a smile.
That's all for the Grammys... it's time to close that musical chapter and continue living and enjoying the music all around us, that is the soundtrack of life. Until next time, stay tuned and keep listening.
That's all for the Grammys... it's time to close that musical chapter and continue living and enjoying the music all around us, that is the soundtrack of life. Until next time, stay tuned and keep listening.
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