THE HOT LIST (FEB. 09 EDITION)
1) Dave Grohl – The guy just never goes out of style. Not in a fashion sense (there is nothing wrong with jeans and a black tee, though), but rather in a cultural one. There are not a lot of rock musicians that manage to stay in the forefront of the musically interested consciousness, never really going away, and not annoy the populous at large. But he pulls it off. That he backed up P.M. last night on drums (and managed to Rock [capital intended]) is just further proof.
2) Artistic Integrity – While this is a hot button issue for me w/r/t the Grammys, I feel that there were a few instances where awards were given out based not on marketability, being old and once relevant, or pop star looks, but rather on old fashioned musical awesomeness. While I wont get into detail, good for you, voting members.
3) Ideas That Are Good on Paper, But Bad in Practice – Hip Hop Summit, I’m looking at you. I’ll be the first to admit that, in theory, putting four of the biggest rappers on the planet together on stage (plus a VERY pregnant Sri-Lankan) probably sounds awesome in a planning meeting when crazy ideas about wacky live collaborations are being tossed around with wonton fury. But colabos [sic] very rarely work. And that many egos on stage create only chaos. Separate performances? Yes, thank you. But put together it just gets confusing and alienating. And to broadcast three quarters of the performance in “edgy” black and white just proves that the show’s director needs to be called in for a sit down (preferably by me). And I’m not even going to start on the Chris Martin/Jay Z debacle … Actually, I am. Again, each one on there own = greatness. But together? Seriously? In no way does it match up! Can soft-and-accessible-non-offensive-adult-pop-rock and hip hop mix? Yes. It can even mix when Chris Martin (possibly the least hip hop person residing on God’s beautiful green Earth) is involved. But what happened on stage last night was almost inexcusable. For these things to be pulled off, the music, vibe, context, and most importantly, the content have to mesh. What I saw was a play for ratings and water-cooler conversation (which, in light of what you are currently reading, it succeeded at in spades). Of course, if Jay Z called and asked if the DC*B wanted to join him on a track, I’d be open to it.
4) Kanye’s Hair – disregarding the H.H. Summit, Kanye’s hair these days is killing it, proper.
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5) The Fast Forward Button on my Tivo – I could write poetry to this thing. It deserves love letters, chocolates. My Tivo recorded over three hours of the Grammys. I got through the entire thing in under an hour and a half. And that’s not just cruising though commercials. That’s trimming the fat of the actual show! Sugarland? Fast forward. Kenny Chesney? Fast forward. BB King’s old guy solo? FF. A gross approximation of the Four Tops? One verse, a chorus, then FF. Stevie Wonder? Sorry, but its just not the same any more. FF. Honorable mention also goes to my Tivo’s delete button.
One thing that didn’t get rushed through? Neil Diamond. Which is a perfect segue to…
6) Neil Diamond’s eyebrows – If those caterpillars rumbled with Kanye’s hair, I think we would have a Pay-Per View caliber bout on our hands.
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7) Anticipation – Gotta keep it alive.
Sweet Caroline (FIST PUNCH, FIST PUNCH, FIST PUNCH), good times never seem so good,
-Hogan