While last year was the year of Adele, this year the awards was spread out among Mumford & Sons, Frank Ocean, Kelly Clarkson and The Black Keys repping the 330! (That's the zip code of their home city Akron, Ohio, which is also home of this blog.)
I am glad that Goyte and Kimbra's "Somebody I Use to Know" won Song of the Year.
"Somebody " is by far one of the best songs of this decade, but over the past few months, Goyte has been dwarfed by buzz for Fun., which is fine is band, but I felt that Goyte made stronger songs.
However, back to the performaces.
The one performance that didn't make this list was Taylor Swift's Willy Wonka like version of "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" where she vaguely called out her latest ex, One Direction's Harry Styles in a British accent. The interesting thing about her performance is that it seems like some of her fans are tiring of Taylor ripping on the guys that she dated.
Personally, I'm just waiting for the day that she meets her Nashville version of Kevin Federline but instead of her writing about him, he will write about her first Now that is song (or book) I will be waiting for...But enough about Taylor Swift and her many men, below are the top 10 performances at this year's Grammys:
1.) Bob Marley Tribute: Bruno Mars, Sting, Rihanna, Ziggy and Damien Marley
When Puffy brought out Sting during the MTV Awards tribute to Biggie. While it was cool to see the former Police leader performing on "I'll Be Missing You", Sting seemed a bit stiff stiff next to the jumping Puffy Daddy.
Flash forward over a decade later to Bruno Mars performing "Locked Out of Heaven" and Gordon Summers seemed right at home on the ragga muffin type riffs as Mars to prove he's one of the best artists around today. Nice touch with Bob Marley sons Ziggy and Damien joining in.
I just wish the Grammy's gave more love to reggae as well as jazz, classical, EDM, Latin & Hip Hop.
2.) Justin Timberlake performs Suit and Tie with Jay-Z
The return of JT was very cool in a pop-urban Sinatra kind of way. The thing is "Suit and Tie" reminds me of Robin Thicke. Timberlake fans hate hearing this, but pick up any of Thicke's recent efforts and you'll see what I'm talking about.
This is no way diminishing Timberlake's music, which should be quite good as always, but the underrated Robin Thicke should have received this same kind of love while Justin was away making movies.
3.) Kelly Clarkson performs Tennessee Waltz and Natural Woman
I took heat from Beyonce fans before the presidential inauguration, when I said Kelly Clarkson was a better singer. Following her live, (not lip synced) performance for President Obama and her soulful Grammy takes on these Patti Page and Carol King classics, my position seems justified.
4.) Levon Helm Tribute: Elton John, Mavis Staples, Mumford & Sons and Brittany Howard from the Alabama Shakes.
Mavis Staples is 73 years old and still kicking arse! Thankfully, Alabama Shake's Brittany Howard is around to carry the golden mic of soul, once Miss Staples retires. Great tribute for iconic member of "The Band."
5.) Jack White
Much like how Mumford & Sons wowed the Grammy's crowd a few years ago, which ultimately led to their Best Album win last night , White's bluesy/hard rock performance will hopefully shine a spotlight on one of music's most creative artists of this generation.
6.)Miguel and Wiz Khalifa-Adore
Even though Miguel's "Adore" lost "Song of the Year", he actually won by his soul stirring performance that even made Kelly Clarkson blush. While nothing is planned at this point, a Miguel/Clarkson duet, might one of the most soulful songs of this decade.
In contrast, Frank Ocean's performance was quite panned; However to be fair, while Miguel is a natural performer, Ocean's strength is more writing than performing at this point of his career.
7.) LL Cool Performs with Chuck D Travis Barker, Tom Morello, and DJ Z-Trip
Although the performance was cut off before the show was over, its good to see that the NCIS: Los Angles star still represents Queens and Hip Hop, while rapping along with Chuck D.
Sadly, I think this the only time Chuck D ever performed at the Grammys, which is ironic since Public Enemy is on their way to the Rock and Roll of Fame this year thanks to achievement of being music greats. (Did anybody catch Travis Barker's slight nod to LL Cool J's Rock The Bell's remix?)
8.) Black Keys with Dr. John and Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
I wished that Dr. John and Preservation Hall Jazz Band could have done more than just be a back up on band on the "Lonley Boy", but being from Akron, Ohio, its always great seeing someone from your hometown like The Black Keys pay their dues and score big in life.
It proves that there's always a chance to do great things, no matter where you come from.
9.) Maroon 5 & Alicia Keys
...And the award for Best Hips playing the drums goes to.....Alicia Keys!
10.) Katy Perry: Green Dress
OK this wasn't a performance, but the ex-Mrs. Brand's walking out in a peek-a-book outfit was pretty award worthy all by itself.
No comments:
Post a Comment