Bringing Music Back To The Grammys

Bringing Music Back To The Grammys

Imagine my surprise.  In an upheaval of modern tradition, not only was solid, independent music nominated for Grammys this year, but the nominees are even presenting themselves as icons for the viewer-declining awards show.  If I had to venture a guess, I'd imagine this is because the majority of people that would sit down and watch 2 hours of music awards (such as myself) aren't interested in seeing the peddled musical drivel that historically touts about at the gala and is shoved down our throats on pop radio.  

But now all that's changed.  Radiohead's "In Rainbows" and Lil' Wayne's "Tha Carter III" are both in the running for top honors at the Grammys, Record of the Year.  Seeing both independent and somewhat-unknown albums on the short list says, to me, that the music industry en masse are becoming uncomfortably aware of a few things.

First, it is clear that not only does a band not need a label to release an album, but that same album can transcend all other albums to become one of the best of the year. 

Second, the influence of music not produced by Clive Davis is reaching undeniable.  As the record conglomerate is forced to stop suing people and consider radical new avenues of sale, the reality of the new era of music is becoming abundantly clear, and it's very much like Billy Corgan and others predicted many years ago: music is becoming a more malleable and free commodity.

Thom's poster (and others) are visages of themselves made up of music that has inspired them, and that they themselves have written.  I was especially happy to see Björk's "Unravel" at the forefront, a song Yorke has said many times is one of his favorite songs.  The posters are effective and meaningful, which seems to represent what the Grammys as a whole are trying to become.  For the first time in recent memory, I'll be sitting down on Feb. 8th to see how deeply good music has permeated the industry.  With any luck, it won't be the last time.