Grammy's 2011

ryanevolution · February 2011

Tiki Barber wrote:

ryanevolution wrote:

I'm also sick of all this folky tinged "americana" strings and violins on everything. Gimmicky to me.

okay, well the arcade fire is amazing, and they appeal to a pretty large demographic. a lot of people love them. if you care to hear what they're all about then you would listen to their albums. if not, then i suppose you don't really care anyway....

please explain the comment above though, not sure i understand what you are referring to. it wouldn't happen to be the performance of the night with mumford & sons/ avett brothers and dylan would it? cause their was nothing gimmicky about that. not really a huge fan of mumford, but i love the avett brothers, and the entire performance including mumford & sons was a great moment.

Who does AF appeal to? Kids? Under 24? I dont see it. I do want to know what they are about, that is why I'm asking. Because even after watching them I dont get it. Album of the year? I will check it more. Im not ignorant.

Tell me about them.

The "americana" thing, is all these groups doing a real old folky style and wearing old-timey clothes. It feels wrong to me at this time. For ME. It's NOTHING about the grammys per se, just that a lot of groups are doing the fiddle, violin, cello, old-timey sound and copping that super-old style. I am criticizing the artistry of the musicians. And it was even more apparent when I saw Dylan in front of them. A true artist, who rebelled against everything with intelligence and meaning. These current guys, while they can play, are lacking a lot in terms of heart, character, wit, and straight up "This Machine Kills Fascists" attitude.

----and I thought Mick had the performance of the night!

RedMosquito22 · February 2011

Tiki Barber wrote:

please explain the comment above though, not sure i understand what you are referring to. it wouldn't happen to be the performance of the night with mumford & sons/ avett brothers and dylan would it? cause there was nothing gimmicky about that. not really a huge fan of mumford, but i love the avett brothers, and the entire performance including mumford & sons was a great moment.

Agreed 100%. I don't see how anyone could call any band with a stand up Bass and banjo or mandolin for that matter gimmicky. Bluegrass has been around forever and really hasn't ever changed. The grammy's in general are a joke. Art being Judged by 75 year old idiots in the academy.

The same thing was said about Pearl Jam and everyone else in '91. Who are these guys that are wearing flannel and torn jeans.

Lifted · February 2011

ryanevolution wrote:

Tiki Barber wrote:

ryanevolution wrote:

I'm also sick of all this folky tinged "americana" strings and violins on everything. Gimmicky to me.

okay, well the arcade fire is amazing, and they appeal to a pretty large demographic. a lot of people love them. if you care to hear what they're all about then you would listen to their albums. if not, then i suppose you don't really care anyway....

please explain the comment above though, not sure i understand what you are referring to. it wouldn't happen to be the performance of the night with mumford & sons/ avett brothers and dylan would it? cause their was nothing gimmicky about that. not really a huge fan of mumford, but i love the avett brothers, and the entire performance including mumford & sons was a great moment.

Who does AF appeal to? Kids? Under 24? I dont see it. I do want to know what they are about, that is why I'm asking. Because even after watching them I dont get it. Album of the year? I will check it more. Im not ignorant.

Tell me about them.

The "americana" thing, is all these groups doing a real old folky style and wearing old-timey clothes. It feels wrong to me at this time. For ME. It's NOTHING about the grammys per se, just that a lot of groups are doing the fiddle, violin, cello, old-timey sound and copping that super-old style. I am criticizing the artistry of the musicians. And it was even more apparent when I saw Dylan in front of them. A true artist, who rebelled against everything with intelligence and meaning. These current guys, while they can play, are lacking a lot in terms of heart, character, wit, and straight up "This Machine Kills Fascists" attitude.

----and I thought Mick had the performance of the night!

i don't know what you want to hear. go listen to funeral...or neon bible, or the suburbs. if you don't get it, you don't get it. i saw them a couple times this summer. i saw young kids with their parents, and i saw people that probably could've been pushing 70. blacks, whites, asians, hipsters and frat kids. they are a great band, they have mass appeal because of it....just seems like you are making a lot of judgements without really understanding the artists. to call a band like the avett brothers gimmicky, is kind of ignorant if you ask me, whether you like their music or not.

mick was fantastic though, i agree on that, although it wasn't my favorite performance.

Zoso · February 2011

personally loved arcade fire since their first record and ever since loved them more and more.. their appeal seems pretty universial when it comes to people who like rock and indie music.

ryanevolution · February 2011

I just watched/listened to a few tunes on youtube. Its ok, i just dont like it. I dont hate it. I'll check out more, and give the album a chance. What works for them is the mass effect. I can see how people like the chorale, "group" effect of a mass of people singing. I feel the huge band is a gimmick. ONLY MEANING -

"1.an ingenious or novel device, scheme, or stratagem, especially one designed to attract attention or increase appeal."

An INGENIOUS device to attract attention. I dont like them musically, but they have created quite an attraction garnering gimmick with this huge band, strings, female drummer, etc.

It is like what I learned from Jack White in "It Might Get Loud"...he was talking about his success and the success of the White Stripes. He said he created the gimmick of the guy and girl band. Specifically a female drummer, and the red and white clothes and look. He knew by creating that GIMMICK, they would get noticed. He also said if he was just a regularly dressed guy playing blues songs no one would give a shit."

You are in a bit of a huff over some preconceived notion of a negative connotation of the word "gimmick" associated with gambler trickery.

- And I LIKED the Avett Brothers. They were real good players and singers. And that cellist was going off! I wasnt crazy over that song but they WERE GOOD!

pjhawks · February 2011

heard of Arcade Fire but never really listened to them but thought their performance last night was fantastic. i really enjoyed it and i don't enjoy much in music these days. Cee Lo with Gwenyth and the Muppets was pretty good too.

Mick was good but stil prefer the Blues Brothers version. although for an old guy Mick still brings it.

DewieCox · February 2011

I hear all this crap about AF being huge, but I don't know a single person that likes their music. I even have most of it on my ipod and played it for people to see if they dig it, and for that "glorious" :roll: moment when I wake up and am into it myself. Hasn't happened and probably isn't going to.

It took me awhile to get into Radiohead too, but I could always see that they were amazing musicians, with these guys I don't hear that at all.

The singer seems like the biggest douche this side of Bono, and his wife sucks at singing.

nuffingman · February 2011

JOEJOEJOE wrote:

Mick Jagger was great, as was Cee Lo, and Eminem. As usual, I am still puzzled over the appeal of Muse!

I used to be but now see them as one of the best bands on the planet. And they are awesome live!

I'm puzzled by the appeal of Arcade Fire and Mumford.

drummerboy_73 · February 2011

ryanevolution wrote:

I just watched/listened to a few tunes on youtube. Its ok, i just dont like it. I dont hate it. I'll check out more, and give the album a chance. What works for them is the mass effect. I can see how people like the chorale, "group" effect of a mass of people singing. I feel the huge band is a gimmick. ONLY MEANING -

"1.an ingenious or novel device, scheme, or stratagem, especially one designed to attract attention or increase appeal."

An INGENIOUS device to attract attention. I dont like them musically, but they have created quite an attraction garnering gimmick with this huge band, strings, female drummer, etc.

It is like what I learned from Jack White in "It Might Get Loud"...he was talking about his success and the success of the White Stripes. He said he created the gimmick of the guy and girl band. Specifically a female drummer, and the red and white clothes and look. He knew by creating that GIMMICK, they would get noticed. He also said if he was just a regularly dressed guy playing blues songs no one would give a shit."

You are in a bit of a huff over some preconceived notion of a negative connotation of the word "gimmick" associated with gambler trickery.

- And I LIKED the Avett Brothers. They were real good players and singers. And that cellist was going off! I wasnt crazy over that song but they WERE GOOD!

I'm with you as well - the "appeal" of so many bands nowadays is base on their appearance, stage gimmicks, etc. - much more so than just the music standing on it's own. That's why whenever someone suggests a new band to me and refers to a YouTube clip, I close my eyes on the first listen. If the music alone doesn't grab me, I don't care whatever else they're doing. I worked for several years in event production, and besides corporate events, the company I worked for did tours for Avril Lavigne, Train, and a few other mainstream acts. I understand that the visual component and personality of the act can greatly enhance a live show - ENHANCE - but shouldn't be a crutch for a lack of good musicianship and quality of sound. This is why I don't really care for Arcade Fire - they're decent songwriters, but mediocre musicians, and what I did hear on the Grammy show (for the 10 minutes I tried to watch), sounded horrendous - from a strictly professional observation. PJ on the other hand - it's 5 guys in jeans and t-shirts, minimal stage props/lighting...all about the music.

To each their own though - I don't hate any particular genre of music - if it's done well. This is only my personal opinion. I've listened to damn near every genre and own a wide variety of music. My wife is Japanese, so I've eve got some J-Pop on the ol' computer too!!

JOEJOEJOE · February 2011

I think Arcade Fire are the real deal. Their music has soul and passion, and their lives shows really bring out a "togetherness" vibe.

They usually end their main sets with Neighborhood #3 (Power Out) &
Rebellion (Lies).....pound for pound, one of the best combinations I have ever seen.

drummerboy_73 · February 2011

JOEJOEJOE wrote:

...and their lives shows really bring out a "togetherness" vibe.

That's why I hate hippies...

Actually - I love a "togetherness" vibe...as long as everyone likes what I like!

JOEJOEJOE · February 2011

drummerboy_73 wrote:

JOEJOEJOE wrote:

...and their lives shows really bring out a "togetherness" vibe.

That's why I hate hippies...

Actually - I love a "togetherness" vibe...as long as everyone likes what I like!

I didn't say a hippie togetherness vibe.....more of a diseffected youth angst togetherness vibe!

magikev · February 2011

I love Arcade Fire. Saw them for the first time a few nights ago at a small club show in LA, and they tore the roof off of the building. The 8 musicians are definitely not a gimmick, and they all serve their purpose in the band. Not to mention, NOBODY serves the same role throughout the show. They are all talented multi-instrumentalists. Part of having such a large band is the ability to created a very unique, nuanced sound and recreate it live without the aid of backing tracks. Their music is original, which is something sorely lacking in today's music.

And regarding other artists, I love Cee Lo Green's new album, and Eminem is one of the best rappers ever. Whether or not you like his lyrical content, I don't understand how people can deny the talent. Lady Antebellum? Not a huge fan, but I can respect what they're trying to do, and they seemed genuinely humble with all their Grammy nods. Lady Gaga? Same story. Don't dig her music, but she's super talented. For those of you who doubt that, check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PK787DPw7yk and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys9UI4NT ... re=related. . . .those are her before changing her musical direction. Pretty good stuff.

I think there is room in the world for a ton of musical styles to be appreciated. Just wish that people would open their ears more before proclaiming that they don't "get it." Sometimes it isn't a matter of being told something about the music that will suddenly give you a revelation about the artist. It's really more a matter of going into it without preconceived notions first. Just my $.02.

Lifted · February 2011

ryanevolution wrote:

I just watched/listened to a few tunes on youtube. Its ok, i just dont like it. I dont hate it. I'll check out more, and give the album a chance. What works for them is the mass effect. I can see how people like the chorale, "group" effect of a mass of people singing. I feel the huge band is a gimmick. ONLY MEANING -

"1.an ingenious or novel device, scheme, or stratagem, especially one designed to attract attention or increase appeal."

An INGENIOUS device to attract attention. I dont like them musically, but they have created quite an attraction garnering gimmick with this huge band, strings, female drummer, etc.

It is like what I learned from Jack White in "It Might Get Loud"...he was talking about his success and the success of the White Stripes. He said he created the gimmick of the guy and girl band. Specifically a female drummer, and the red and white clothes and look. He knew by creating that GIMMICK, they would get noticed. He also said if he was just a regularly dressed guy playing blues songs no one would give a shit."

You are in a bit of a huff over some preconceived notion of a negative connotation of the word "gimmick" associated with gambler trickery.

- And I LIKED the Avett Brothers. They were real good players and singers. And that cellist was going off! I wasnt crazy over that song but they WERE GOOD!

fair enough. i understand what you mean, but lets be real here, i wasn't getting in a huff over a preconceived notion of the connotation of the word gimmick. i was simply taking it in the context of how you were using it, and what the overall message of your post was... which was rather negative toward the artists we're speaking of. you questioned their artistry, while calling the bands a gimmick, for violins and old timey sounds and such. seriously though, these bands might not be for you, but listen to an arcade fire album a few times with an open mind. their songwriting and lyrics are excellent, and as someone else mentioned, although it's a large band, everyone serves a purpose. maybe you still won't like them...but you seem to be somewhat intrigued, either that or you just like to get a rise out of passionate arcade fire fans.

Better Dan · February 2011

Zoso wrote:

personally loved arcade fire since their first record and ever since loved them more and more.. their appeal seems pretty universial when it comes to people who like rock and indie music.

Same here. Loved them from the time I first heard Funeral several years ago. Really just great music!

Better Dan · February 2011

ryanevolution wrote:

I just watched/listened to a few tunes on youtube. Its ok, i just dont like it. I dont hate it. I'll check out more, and give the album a chance. What works for them is the mass effect. I can see how people like the chorale, "group" effect of a mass of people singing. I feel the huge band is a gimmick. ONLY MEANING -

"1.an ingenious or novel device, scheme, or stratagem, especially one designed to attract attention or increase appeal."

An INGENIOUS device to attract attention. I dont like them musically, but they have created quite an attraction garnering gimmick with this huge band, strings, female drummer, etc.

It is like what I learned from Jack White in "It Might Get Loud"...he was talking about his success and the success of the White Stripes. He said he created the gimmick of the guy and girl band. Specifically a female drummer, and the red and white clothes and look. He knew by creating that GIMMICK, they would get noticed. He also said if he was just a regularly dressed guy playing blues songs no one would give a shit."

You are in a bit of a huff over some preconceived notion of a negative connotation of the word "gimmick" associated with gambler trickery.

- And I LIKED the Avett Brothers. They were real good players and singers. And that cellist was going off! I wasnt crazy over that song but they WERE GOOD!

I think some of their musical performances can be seen as over the top if you aren't already a fan. Really, I recommend just starting with the albums. I picked up Funeral on a whim several years ago without hearing any of the reviews or knowing anything about the band, and sometimes that's the best way to listen to new music.

musicismylife78 · February 2011

that interview with ray lamontagne was painful. very cool he won for contemporary folk album. john norris got ray's deal but that woman with him seemed sort of bizaare to me. you can tell ray hates these types of events which makes it odd he not only attended but gave interviews. its even up on the grammy website, which is odd

RedMosquito22 · February 2011

Tiki Barber wrote:

ryanevolution wrote:

Who does AF appeal to? Kids? Under 24? I dont see it. I do want to know what they are about, that is why I'm asking. Because even after watching them I dont get it. Album of the year? I will check it more. Im not ignorant.

Tell me about them.

The "americana" thing, is all these groups doing a real old folky style and wearing old-timey clothes. It feels wrong to me at this time. For ME. It's NOTHING about the grammys per se, just that a lot of groups are doing the fiddle, violin, cello, old-timey sound and copping that super-old style. I am criticizing the artistry of the musicians. And it was even more apparent when I saw Dylan in front of them. A true artist, who rebelled against everything with intelligence and meaning. These current guys, while they can play, are lacking a lot in terms of heart, character, wit, and straight up "This Machine Kills Fascists" attitude.

----and I thought Mick had the performance of the night!

i don't know what you want to hear. go listen to funeral...or neon bible, or the suburbs. if you don't get it, you don't get it. i saw them a couple times this summer. i saw young kids with their parents, and i saw people that probably could've been pushing 70. blacks, whites, asians, hipsters and frat kids. they are a great band, they have mass appeal because of it....just seems like you are making a lot of judgements without really understanding the artists. to call a band like the avett brothers gimmicky, is kind of ignorant if you ask me, whether you like their music or not.

mick was fantastic though, i agree on that, although it wasn't my favorite performance.

Tiki, I wouldn't worry too much about it, he also thinks that the Illuminati planted Lady Gaga and Jay Z into the POP Music Culture to brain wash kids.

Grammy's 2011

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