Rosado's Random Thoughts- 2011 Grammys - The Cultute of Pop, DVD, Movie, TV, Pop Culture Review

Rosado's Random Thoughts- 2011 Grammys

Posted: Sun, 13 Feb 2011 22:37:01 PST

Lady Antebellum Big Winner, Arcade Fire Upsets

Another awards show down, one more big one to go as kudos season a-winds...down

Unlike previous award shows recaps I've done recently, I'm taking more of a casual approach...No red carpet review, no serious analysis. Other than tweeting the occasional non-spoiler blurb, I didn't even type/write any notes. Mainly because I was so damn entertained, and that's why I love the Grammys because there's so much diversity along with a no-host format that's really found its groove in recent years.

But, before I dive in, a message to those complaining that the Grammys have turned into a concert: Give it up, guys! For one thing, can you imagine the cost of tickets if this show hit the road? Sans commercials and presenter patter, you're getting over two and half hours of solid entertainment in the comfort of your abodes. So in the words of The Kinks, “stop your sobbing”!

Now, back to the not so way back machine....

-Aretha Tribute: For starters? All is forgiven Christina Aguielera...What a set of pipes on “Ain't No Way” that had to have Miss Franklin going, “Girllllll” and cackling with delight at home. Martina McBride, Yolanda Adams, Jennifer Hudson and Florence Welch all had a chance to shine as well in one of the best tribute sequences I've ever experienced. Sah-lute!

-Lady Gaga: I like some of her songs, but the spectacles and costume changes are starting to lose their charm. Emergence out of the egg reminded me of some bad Oscar night production numbers. And if you've wondered why you don't see song and dance on the Academy's biggest night? Now you know.

-Bruno Mars and B.o.B. are okay, but Janelle? My God; this lady is the real deal with a presence that brings James Brown like chills to me....and tossing that mike stand away at the end? Now that's rock and soul....Love her.

-Justin Bieber/Usher: Not a huge fan of these two, but they compliment each other really well and their music is fun to listen to.

-Muse: Cal me an old fogy, but these guys beat Neil Young, Jeff Beck and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers? Can we get a recount?

-Lady Antebellum-Since I'm a big country music fan, I was thrilled to see them pick up a back seat full of trophies tonight...and paying tribute to the late, great Teddy Pendergrass was icing on the cake.

Bob Dylan: Rock's greatest poet has his good and not so good nights, but happily the former was the case. Terrific, rockin' version of the master's Maggie's Farm with Mumford and Avett in solid support...and I swear I saw a smile cross Bob's face for a second.

-Cee Lo Green and Gwyneth Paltrow with The Muppets(!): Now, this is the performance I wished for on Saturday Night Live a few weeks ago. As one who grew up in the 70's, Cee's early period Elton John wardrobe had me (and most likely EJ, too) grinning from ear to ear...and Gwyneth is really turning into quite the musical performer...Who knows, maybe we'll see her on the Grammy podium in years to come.

-John Mayer: Why is he donning the Johnny Depp look? Still mad at him for those embarrassing comments he made to Playboy last year. That aside, very very nice collaboration on Jolene along with Keith Urban and Norah Jones in a Dolly Parton tribute.

-Eminem: I like this guy, his music and his passion. But would it kill him to smile every once in a while? Looks like he's always in need of some Maalox.

-Esperanza Spalding:....and a million Bieberettes hurl various objects at their TV screens across the country. Huge, huge upset; although I was hoping for Florence and the Machine to come out on top. But maybe's it's a good thing given the Best New Artist curse...Christopher Cross? A Taste Of Honey? The defense rests, your honor.

Mick Jagger: MICK!!!!!!!!! For the uninitiated, he wasn't paying tribute to The Blues Brothers, but the great Solomon Burke who wrote this song back in the 1960's, which The Rolling Stones covered on their classic Now! Album...but that version sounds like a demo compared to the performance he did last night.

Young people out there? This is what becomes a legend most...

Barbara Streisand: Every time I hear her do Evergreen, I'm that shy wallflower kid trying to fit in with my age group in high school...and it was music like hers that soothed my sorrows. Bless you, Babs. You still have it.

Rhianna-All I can say is, Chris what's his name? You are an idiot. Wonderful set of performances tonight with Eminem and Drake...and was outfit numero two flaming to the eyes? Wow...

Arcade Fire: One of the biggest upsets I can recall in over 40 years of watching this show...people still getting their eyesight and ears back from their intense performance earlier must've been going WTH?

Eminem seemed like a lock for Album Of The Year from most music prognosticators. Big sales surge all but certain next week...and how about that bonus performance? Geez, the last half hour of a show was an infomercial for these guys.

For those who missed some or all of the show, here's a link to where you can find all the winners, including many not presented on TV...

-J.R.

Jeffrey Rosado is a writer, performer, pop culture historian and all around nice guy...unless you raise a hand to someone as beautiful as Rhianna. That's when I go Billy Jack on you.

Follow Jeff on Twitter: marquee_man

-Return To Main Blog-