Grammy musings

Is it just me or have the Grammys become boring and predictable, as well as unbalanced?? Some types of music seem to have tons of categories, while others barely get a nod. And it seems that way for the artists as well.

If you are in the news enough, especially for crimes or immoral behavior, you have a much better chance of winning than the artist who works hard and is a role model to others. The other way for an artist to win is to have been around a long time, even if their current body of work isn't up to par. In this case, they should have been awarded when their music was great, not just because they have managed to last in the industry. Or perhaps, the Grammys should create a new category-- "Has-been with the most staying power for some unexplainable reason."

As for the performances, I understand that the object is to draw viewers who, in turn, watch the commercials and, hopefully, buy the advertisers' products. But it seems that the producers limit their selection of genres. When's the last time you saw an internationally acclaimed orchestra perform? Or perhaps Joe y La Familia (who won for tejano album this year)? Or anyone from one of the "lesser" categories??

The Grammys should take advantage of its massive viewership to enlighten and educate people by exposing them to a broad range of music, some of which they may never hear otherwise. This is a fantastic opportunity for people to discover a new genre that can bring happiness into their lives. And by sidestepping this chance, the Grammys is only further adding to the "homogenization" of the music industry, from A&R and the labels through to what we are offered on mainstream radio. No wonder people are turning off their stereos and avoiding music stores in favor of surfing the Web for a new groove.

OK, this is only the tippy-toe of the iceberg that is my rant about the Grammys (and the entire music industry, 'cause you know it has to have its paws in the awards too). What are your thoughts? Was it worth sitting throught the Grammys? Did you agree with the choices of who to honor? Were the performances worth your time? Or has it become just another one of the multitudes of awards shows filling up our television time to the advertisers' delight?

As for me, instead of buying what the industry is selling (so to speak), I'm going to keep going to the source for my music-- the Internet, local clubs, my friends and the artists themselves....