I don’t know how critics can turn around and accurately write about an album on the same day that it comes out. To me, it’s only right to let an album soak in for a while before giving an opinion. But I have to say that after hearing Radiohead’s recent release of King of Limbs, “Codex” absolutely blew me away from the very first listen. Review to come, but listen to this…
Slight of hand
Jump off the end
Into a clear lake
No one around
Just dragonflies
Flying to the side
No one gets hurt
You’ve done nothing wrong
Slide your hand
Jump off the end
The water’s clear
And innocent
The water’s clear
And innocent
Here’s a list of highlights from the 2011 Grammys…
Album of The Year: “The Suburbs” – Arcade Fire
This album took a few listens to really hit me. But once it did, I was knocked out. It is fluid and balanced. It takes you high and low. It is complex, but presents a simple theme and sticks to it. This Grammy win tells me one thing – the white shoe music executives who choose these awards still have a little love for the hipsters.
Best R&B Album: “Wake Up!” – John Legend & The Roots
John Legend is incredible…
Contemporary Blues Album: “Living Proof,” Buddy Guy
A picture says a thousand words…
Best R&B Song: “Shine” – John Legend & The Roots
The Roots are the most versatile, adaptable, and soulful band in music today. That’s a big statement, but their commitment to keeping soul music relevant in today’s pop world really seems justify it.
Comedy Album: “Stark Raving Black” – Lewis Black
Thank god my favorite comedian hasn’t overdosed on Nyquil (yet). Is that even possible?
Metal Performance: “El Dorado” – Iron Maiden (Just Kidding!!!)
A picture says a thousand words…
Other notables…
Herbie Hancock won his THIRTEENTH Grammy – Best Improvised Jazz Solo for “Change Is Gonna Come”
Urban/Alternative Performance: Cee Lo Green “(Forget) You” - Although this seems like an imaginary award created for the sake of spreading Grammys like a venereal disease (supra Lindsay Lohan), Cee Lo Green has an amazing talent. Also, there is an entertaining irony in the ultra-positive, upbeat sound of “(Forget) You” and its ultra-negative lyrics.
Ray LaMontagne “Beg Steal Borrow” didn’t win Best Song. Damn.
You raise up your head
And you ask “Is this where it is?”
And somebody point to you and says “It’s his”
And you say “What’s mine?”
And somebody else says “Where what is?”
And you say “Oh my god am i here all alone?”
But something is happening here
But you dont know what it is
Do you, mr jones?
Installations by Japanese artist Motoi Yamamato. Labor intensive and beautifully detailed sculptures and floor patterns made entirely of salt. Yamamato adopted salt as his primary medium in honor of his sister’s death.
Yea, that’s right. Tupac and Biggie pouring a Colt 45 on Atticus Finch. Respect.
This is Tupac “Me Against The World” ft. Biggie rapping over Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day.” Not much needs to be said about this track…chill, smooth, inspiring. Tupac’s second verse at 2:06 is incredible.
“Through this supression
They punish the people that’s askin questions
And those that possess, steal from the ones without possesions
The message I stress: to make it stop study your lessons
Don’t settle for less – even the genius asks-es questions
Be grateful for blessings
Don’t ever change, keep your essence
The power is in the people and politics we address”
This picture is a visual representation of the distribution of pirated music among all musical artists. The larger the name, the larger percentage share of illegally downloaded music.
Could it be – the larger the name, the greater the band… or more savvy the fans?
The Allman Brothers Band is one of the longest lasting and best loved bands to come out of the 1960s. Their prowess and creativity rival the Rolling Stones and The Beatles, and their commitment to exploration of blues-based improvisation is something to really respect. In recent years, the addition of Derek Trucks has really enhanced the Allman Bros sound and experience. His high energy electric slide playing is unprecedented. Some cool & recent Trucks soloing for your enjoyment…
If anything has ever turned me on to John Mayer’s music, this is it…
Playing an instrumental version of “Human Nature” is a bold and powerful statement. It appears that by omitting vocals, Mayer is paying homage to Michael Jackson’s unparalleled vocal talent, effectively saying not even I am worthy of singing the King’s music (which is really saying something, considering the ego of the guy who’s saying it).
The simplicity of Mayer’s playing befits the tragedy and sadness of the situation incredibly well. This is a funeral. It would seem inappropriate to play something over-the-top, and Mayer seems to recognize that. Fantastic performance.
Note: The backup band is the same as MJ’s band from the This Is It performance film.
