Grammys revert to 'Grannies' image

Like most rock writers, I came out of the Grammys slightly (okay, very) disheartened at the outcome. For once, the panel had nominated a healthy selection of young blood, some artists who actually showcased musical artistry. not technological wizardry. Punk veterans Green Day came back from a brief hiatus with their strongest album yet, a bombastic rock opera of humor, politics and tragedy, and netted seven nominations, including Album of the Year and Best Rock Album. The not-so-modest Kanye West survived a near-tragic accident and wrote an epic album dubbed as a hip-hopera by critics, and led all nominees with 10 nods. Most critics had chosen West or Green Day to sweep the categories, unless voters gave sympathy to the late Ray Charles and his album, Genius Loves Company, a solid affair, but far from a career-defining epic. Well, sympathy took its toll on voters and Charles swept the awards. Did he deserve an Oscar? Sure, he led a very remarkable career, but this album hardy showcased it, unlike Johnny Cash's sorrowful finale. However, Green Day and Kanye West outdid themselves and outworked most of their peers, and came up almost empty-handed (they each won awards in their respective genre's categories). While some newcomers were rightfully dismissed (Hoobastank? Pleeeeeease...) some other promising newcomers (The Killers, Modest Mouse) were omitted in favor of less-deserving dinosaurs such as U2. For an awards show that is trying to put forth a more youthful image each year, the Grammy voters dropped the ball, and have helped relegate the show back to its unflattering "Grannies" moniker.

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