The big news today is that the Grammy Awards nominees were announced. Now, I am not a big listener to "popular" music. The only times I've listened to the radio since coming to college have been when I've been home for the weekend and my (undeniably awesome) CD-player-and-tape-adapter setup in the car has been uncooperative. But I have to say, Kanye West (10 nominations) definitely deserves them all. I don't necessarily like The College Dropout as an entire album; there are far too many skits and a couple of throwaway tracks. But in "Jesus Walks," "Slow Jamz" and "Through the Wire," Kanye has three of the best, most addictive songs I've heard all year. Whenever I get around to making a "Best of 2004" music list, I guarantee that at least two of those songs will be on it. I have a feeling that Mr. West will win big, like Outkast did last year, and even if the Grammy's weren't a complete farce that generally feature terrible music, I would say that Kanye definitely deserves whatever awards he gets.
Other comments:
Alternative Music Album: I have not heard the Bjork or PJ Harvey albums in their entirety, so I can't judge, but out of the three remaining (Modest Mouse, Wilco, and Franz Ferdinand), I would have to give the crown to FF. Wilco's A Ghost Is Born has some good tracks, but I think it is a flawed album overall, with too much gratuitous weirdness. It is certainly not up to Yankee Hotel Foxtrot standards-- but I don't blame them for that, because it would be hard to make a record as good as that every time out. Likewise, MM's Good News for People Who Love Bad News doesn't match up with the glory that is The Moon and Antarctica. GNFPWLBN is disappointing, because the first four (well, 3, the intro notwithstanding) tracks are amazing, but after that the quality drops off a lot. Meanwhile, Franz Ferdinand is solid from start to finish. Try not to sing along to "Jacqueline" or "Take Me Out." Try not to smile when "Darts of Pleasure" breaks down into the bombastic Queen-style glory that is its "Ich heisse superfantastiche" outro. Yes, FF has been overexposed this year, which could limit their appeal to snobbish indie fans, but I think we should salute them for making a great album.
Rock Song: "Float On" wins this one hands down. It probably won't win. But at least "The Reason" wasn't nominated. I friggin' hate that song.
Various "Rap" categories: Kanye should sweep them all, if there is any justice in the world. The only one I am conflicted about is the Rap/Sung Collaboration because Kanye's "Slow Jamz" and Jadakiss' "Why" are both good songs. I would have to say that "Slow Jamz" is more entertaining, though.
Well, I won't be watching the Grammy Awards anyway, but tell me how they turn out. I might tune in if the performances look good-- Andre 3000 singing "Hey Ya" with extraterrestrial Indians and a full marching band was possibly the greatest moment of the year.
I've gotta say Patbert, I'm way dissapointed in the FF choice...
Their album blew - they had the potential for good songwriting, but like far too many nowadays, it's all about a catchy riff, some distortion and an interesting though unintelligent chorus.
Boo that man.
Posted by: JP at December 7, 2004 06:59 PMJP-- don't hate. I'm assuming you've heard the whole album... not just endless repeats of "Take Me Out" on the radio, at Twins games, etc. I'd say, give it another listen.
I don't necessarily think it's the best album of the year, but if I have to work within the Grammy framework (i.e., Elliott Smith, AC Newman, Interpol, The Arcade Fire are not nominated), I would vote for FF. I do think that it is a very good album, though, with the exception of "Michael" (Track 9, I believe...) That song is just awkward to listen to. I think it is a great album because it flows very well. The band is incredibly tight, and all the interlocking parts are amazing when put together.
The lyrics might not be great, but they fit with the theme of the band. And you have to admit, the drumming is awesome and the guitar licks get stuck in your head for days. Sure, it's derivative of 80's stuff, but I'd rather listen to Franz Ferdinand than Hoobastank any day.
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