The Grammys, and other award stuff....

[hornplayer]

Another topic that pertains to music and commercialism, is the all of those award ceremonies.<P>Who (and I dont mean literally, I mean like, who in Gods name would pick THOSE winners?!), picks the winners? Ive seen a lot of people defend the quality of genres that I TEND (Politically correct) to dislike, like c/rap, by saying, "Well, hes won three Grammys, so he HAS to be good!"<P>And is it really about that...is it about the music or more PR money making stuff? Ill admit that most of the time I think it IS to reward good music, but other times Im not sure...<P>And what about Eminem and Elton John? Was it a PR 'lets boost sales' stunt or 'lets show the world that were in this for the music' event?<P>Just wanted to know what everyone here thinks...Ive gotten views from both sides of the fence from lots of people, so any thoughts would be great.

[Nicole Marie]

It's all about money. Which album grossed the most etc. It's not about talent. I think that's true, look who won. $$$$

[JasonK]

I, for one, applaude any activity that gives us more of Britney Spears and Christina Aguliera....(can't get enough)....after all, without nights such as the Grammy's, N'Sync would have to be in bed by 8:00 PM. It gives them a chance to stay up late, like real adults....<P>Who let this thread out?? woof, woof, woof...woof<P><BR>

[~Leslie]

ACH! This forum has gone whacky today! Well since everyone is in their cups, I'll just say that humorist Dave Barry said it best when he did his Baddest Song Survey, re-naming them "the Whammies" . Say folks, I gotta tell ya, the most hilarious topic I ever posted on the web was entitled just that! The nominations and categories ppl came up with were truly ROFLOL material. <P>As for this years big event, I have to say I was pleased with the results more than I have been in the past. (Oh, I know I'm going to get baked at 400 degrees for that statement.WATCH OUT!!!! INCOMING!!!!!!!!!!!

[audiogirl]

Dear Leslie,<BR>I must say that after reading your replies to various topics, your last post does seem contradictory, given that you seem to loathe most music of today, and I'm not disagreeing that "good" music, as many of us feel, may be in serious trouble. I didn't catch enough of the Grammys to really have an opinion, although I did see part of the Emeinem/Elton duet. I don't really know how bad a lot of music is nowadays, because I hear nothing on the radio to make me want to listen for very long. I am aware of Britney and Christina, the boy bands, etc. On what do you base this statement? Please compare this year with previous years. I am not preheating my oven..... I would like to know why you feel this way.<P>not betty crocker, but audiogirl<P>

[serge urtizberea]

Any awards show that chooses its winners within a preselected group of individuals (read: not the public) must be looked at at least a little suspiciously. I, for example, never thought that Murray Perahia would lose out for best solo recording, despite his beautiful and immaculate rendering of the Goldbergs. I declare fraud! I demand a vote recount! (wait, I'm sorry, that joke's SO two months ago...)<P>The range of Grammies available to today's musicians is nice to see, though. Everything from polka to kids' music can get its own special award. There are ten or twelve different Grammies for classical artists; that's not bad. I wish that the albums or artists that/who did win would advertise their award-winning status more often. An award is an award, and it should always be made known.

[JasonK]

As a past Grammy winner myself, I must say that it is a distinct honor and privledge to not be nominated, but to win...to get nominated and not to win really bites. <P>I remember when I was nominated for best Pan Flute-Kazoo concerto, I loathed my competitors....all I could think was "Zamfir, you big jerk....there is nothing magical about that Panflute, your an inferior kazoo player."<P>It was an ugly scene, but competition can bring out the dark side of art.

[~Leslie]

Audiogirl, Truth be known secretly to many outside this forum, that I am a woman of many musical hats. I am not a crusty old woman posting elitist positions yet,... just a middle-aged one. And so....<P>I have to tell you....<P>Check out this site's front page for more classical results.....Yo Yo Ma is in there.<P>I think Chick Corea got one for Concerto for Spain.....<P>Seeing Steely Dan & U2 upstage Eminem felt good. Really good.<P>But knowing Pat Metheny got his 13th(?) (I think) much deserved Grammy (even though noone even saw him) for best jazz instrumental solo was just too cool for me. He gives them to his Momma, who must be using them for doorstops by now. He taught guitar at Berklee when he was 19 years old. I know, I was there. <P>~cheers

[JasonK]

Leslie..aka THE PUNKSTER,<P><BR>so did you take lessons from Metheny?<P><BR>

[~Leslie]

Oh Jason,.......I wish, oh how I wish. I studied with Ron Bentley, co-chairman of the Berklee guitar department. <P>HOWEVER, I transcribed a long audio jazz guitar lesson with Pat, that anyone interested is more than welcome to email me offline, and I would be more than happy to forward a copy.~

[hornplayer]

Its gotta be both...its the perfect mix of commercialism and awards for excellence...and no one questions it.