Blimey, where did the first month of the year go? It's already time for the Grammys, which take place this Sunday. Atlanta is well represented, as are a fair few other hip indie artists, like MIA and Hot Chip, who we are keeping our fingers crossed for. But when it comes to people we really, really want to win, Janelle Monae really is the ticket. If you haven't checked her out, do yourself a favor, watch the video above and see her at a show, which is, seriously, a life changing, life affirming experience.
But anyway, back to the whole reason for this post. Our mates at Paste Magazine have just posted their picks for who they think will win, who they think should win, and who they think really should win. Like many of us massive music fans, the magazine has a love/hate relationship with the Grammys, since, like we can all agree, so many fine artists get overlooked while so many not-so-talented folks get the nods and the statues (cough, Jonas Brothers, cough cough). Examples of their picks and reasoning:
Best Rock Song
The Nominees:
"Girls In Their Summer Clothes" – Bruce Springsteen, songwriter (Bruce Springsteen)
"House Of Cards" – Colin Greenwood, Jonny Greenwood, Ed O'Brien, Philip Selway & Thom Yorke, songwriters (Radiohead)
"I Will Possess Your Heart" – Benjamin Gibbard, Nicholas Harmer, Jason McGerr & Christopher Walla, songwriters (Death Cab For Cutie)
"Sex On Fire" – Caleb Followill, Jared Followill, Matthew Followill & Nathan Followill, songwriters (Kings Of Leon)
"Violet Hill" – Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion & Chris Martin, songwriters (Coldplay)
Who will win: "Girls In Their Summer Clothes" – Bruce Springsteen
And he'll quit if it goes to a song called "Sex on Fire."
Who should win: "I Will Possess Your Heart" – Benjamin Gibbard, Nicholas Harmer, Jason McGerr & Christopher Walla
And I'll quit if it goes to a song called "Sex on Fire."
Who really should win: "Sequestered in Memphis" – The Hold Steady
This is a case where the students have surpassed The Boss.
Best Urban/Alternative Performance
The Nominees:
"Say Goodbye To Love" – Kenna
Wanna Be" – Maiysha
"Be OK" – Chrisette Michele Featuring will.i.am
"Many Moons" – Janelle Monae
"Lovin You (Music)" – Wayna Featuring Kokayi
Who will win: "Many Moons" – Janelle Monae
Janelle Monae is one of the most original talents we've come across in some time. The optimist in me believes she'll be recognized for it.
Who should win: "Many Moons" – Janelle Monae
The second best song on her Metropolis EP is still one of the best songs of the year.
Who really should win: "Sincerely Jane" – Janelle Monae
Right artist. Wrong song.
Read more here. Who do you want to win? Who was totally overlooked in the nominations? Let us know in the comments!
