Thursday, December 4, 2008
The nominations for the 51st Annual Grammy Awards were announced Wednesday, and the biggest acts of the year got the most props. Hip-hop superstar Lil Wayne led the way with eight nominations, followed by Brit-rockers Coldplay with seven nominations. A diverse group of artists including Kanye West, Ne-yo, Radiohead and newcomers Adele and Duffy also received multiple nods, along with music veterans like Bruce Springsteen and the duet of Robert Plant and Allison Krauss.
I've picked out a few of the big categories and put in my projections for who will win and who should win. I'm starting with the rock categories and will add a few more every week until the awards ceremony on Feb. 8. Let the musical bickering begin.
Best Rock Album
Coldplay - Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends
Kid Rock - Rock N Roll Jesus
Kings of Leon - Only By The Night
Metallica - Death Magnetic
The Raconteurs - Consolers Of The Lonely
Who Will Win: Coldplay - Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends
It's the rock album with the most nominations and the most copies sold. Plus, it finds these typical piano-rockers stepping out into eclectic territory with world instruments and unorthodox song structures. All of these factors will be enough for them to win.
Who Should Win: Metallica - Death Magnetic
Since there isn't a "Best Metal Album" category, this return-to-form record from the metal titans SHOULD get this prize. Too bad it probably won't.
Best Rock Song
Bruce Springsteen - "Girls In Their Summer Clothes"
Radiohead - "House Of Cards"
Death Cab for Cutie - "I Will Possess Your Heart "
Kings of Leon - "Sex On Fire"
Coldplay - "Violet Hill"
Who Will Win: Coldplay - "Violet Hill"
This was probably the toughest one to predict, but when it's too close to call, go with the band with the most nominations.
Who Should Win: Kings of Leon - "Sex On Fire"
The Nashville boys go all post-punk and poppy and get it done in a big way. But their indie status will work against them.
Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals
AC/DC - "Rock 'N Roll Train"
Coldplay - "Violet Hill"
Eagles - "Long Road Out Of Eden"
Kings of Leon - "Sex On Fire"
Radiohead - "House Of Cards"
Who Will Win: Coldplay - "Violet Hill"
See answer from above category.
Who Should Win: AC/DC - "Rock 'N Roll Train"
It's old school AC/DC. Actually, is there any other kind of AC/DC? The fact that they are still rocking out this hard being this old should earn them an award, but their lack of nominations lowers their chances for a win.
Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance
John Mayer - "Gravity" from Where The Light Is - Live In Los Angeles
Paul McCartney - "I Saw Her Standing There" from Amoeba's Secret
Bruce Springsteen - "Girls In Their Summer Clothes" from Magic
Eddie Vedder - "Rise"
Neil Young - "No Hidden Path" from Chrome Dreams II
Who Will Win: John Mayer - "Gravity" from Where The Light Is - Live In Los Angeles
Mr. Mayer is a young Grammy golden boy. In my opinion, The Boss may be the only person who has the chance to beat him out.
Who Should Win: Bruce Springsteen - "Girls In Their Summer Clothes" from Magic
Actually, I take that first answer back. The Boss will win this one.
Best Alternative Music Album
Beck - Modern Guilt
Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs
Gnarls Barkley - The Odd Couple
My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges
Radiohead - In Rainbows
Who Will Win: Radiohead - In Rainbows
Because it's their best album since "Kid A," and that was the last and only time they won this category. They're due for a second.
Who Should Win: My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges
These genre hoppers go from Prince funk to ratty-haired southern rock to tender folk, and Jim James blows every singer away in this category. Give them a few years and Grammy will come calling.

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