The first half of this is reaction is by friend of EnterTheShell.com and Drinkcast alum, Michael.
Michael’s Reactions
The Grammys had their annual nomination party complete with performances by Katy Perry, B.o.B, Bruno Mars, Train and Justin Bieber. The event was held to announce the Grammy Nominations and springboard the promotion of the big show, the 53rd Grammy Awards (which will air Feb. 13, 2011 at 8pm ET/PT).
Here’s the thing about the Grammys: They have the weirdest guidelines for your work to be nominated. Albums must be released between Sept. 1, 2009 and Sept. 30, 2010 (a 13-month period) to be eligible for this year’s Grammys. So anything that comes afterwards is out of luck, which puts us out of luck because some of the best music comes out during the latter part of the year. Why can’t the Grammys take a note from the Oscars, which wait for the whole entire year to get the crème de la crème films in contention?
By following these guidelines they’re really short-listing this year’s Best Album race. This being the Grammys, the best album race covers a variety of genres: The Suburbs, Arcade Fire (Indie Rock), Recovery, Eminem (Rap), Need You Now, Lady Antebellum (Country), The Fame Monster, Lady Gaga (Pop), Teenage Dream, Katy Perry (Pop).
Being completely honest, if I were a voter I would vote for The Suburbs by Arcade Fire, not only because it’s one of the best albums of the year, but also because it is light years better than the other nominees. My real problems with these nominations are with GAG-a and Perry. First, wasn’t The Fame nominated last year? It was, in fact. Doesn’t The Fame Monster have the same songs? Yes, in fact 14 of the 22 tracks are from the prior album. Ok, ok so let’s take the eight new songs and say that’s the basis for the nomination; those must be some really phenomenal songs, right? Second-rate Madonna knock-offs. With the exception of “Bad Romance,” I call this nomination a bust.
I would have gone with The ArchAndroid by Janelle Monae, two entire suites of musical bliss, or even Lungs by Florence and the Machine. The Katy Perry nomination also feel unearned seeing as most critics lambasted the album, unless this was the academy’s thank you for performing at the televised nomination party.
Record of the Year nomination went to B.o.B and Bruno Mars (“Nothing on You”), Eminem feat. Princess RiRi (“Love the Way You Lie”), Cee Lo Green (“F— You”), Jay-Z and Alicia Keys (“Empire State of Mind”) and Lady Antebellum (“Need You Now”). The showdown for this award will be between the collaborated songs “Love the Way You Lie” and “Empire State of Mind,” which puts last year’s Rap/R&B chart-topper with this year’s Rap/R&B topper. If I had it my way, Cee Lo Green’s “F— You” takes the prize.
Best New Artist is the most diverse I have seen in a while: Florence and the Machine, Mumford and Sons, Esperanza Spalding, Justin Bieber and Drake. I hope Florence and the Machine wins this one and I’m glad the fans don’t pick the winners or else Bieber Fever would sweep the entire show.
For those disappointed by this year’s nominations, well better luck next year when the overhyped (read: over it) Kanye West and Taylor Swift showdown will take center stage. Yes, I’m already hyping up next year’s award show…Maybe I can snag a nomination for Best Spoken Word Album!!! Oh, sorry I’m out of contention. It seems that GAG-a’s Fame Whore Monster stole all the nominations.
P.S. we all know who the reigning pop queen is anyway and its not you Gaga its Robyn (!) whose “Dancing on my Own” was robbed!
Sara’s Reactions
Not to worry, my friend. Robyn got her nomination as more were announced throughout the evening. Robyn’s “Dancing on My Own” was nominated for Best Dance Recording along the likes of Goldfrapp (“Rocket”), La Roux (“In For The Kill”), Lady Gaga (“Dance in the Dark”) and Rihanna (“Only Girl in the World”). We’ve got some huge pop heavyweights on this list in Gaga and Ri-Ri, but it’s time for them to step aside and let a real dance veteran (Robyn) finally get what she deserves.
Our girl Janelle Monae deserved to be in the Best Album category HANDS DOWN but instead she must settle for Best Contemporary Album while “Tightrope” feat. Big Boi got a nom for Best Urban/Alternative Performance. I’m really peeved by this. I’m not the only one who believes Jane deserves a Best Album nom, as The ArchAndroid: Suites II and III has appeared near or on the top of countless Top Album lists around the blogosphere.
Speaking of Big Boi, probably the most under-rated song of the year which appears on probably the most under-rated album of the year, “Shutterbugg” feat. Cutty gets a nom for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. Good luck to Big Boi, whose album Sir Lucious Left Foot…The Son of Chico Dusty is more likely than not going to make it to the top five on my list of best albums of 2010.
On the rock end, ETS faves Vampire Weekend, Arcade Fire, Band of Horses, The Black Keys and Broken Bells round out the nominations for Best Alternative Album. In my opinion, Vampire Weekend’s Contra or Broken Bells’ self-titled debut are totally deserving of the win. Band of Horses’ Infinite Arms was a disappointment while I just can’t wrap my head around The Black Keys (Brothers) or Arcade Fire (The Suburbs).
In a fun favorite for Michael and myself, Kathy Griffin and Flight of the Conchords will be duking it out for a tiny gold phonograph for Best Comedy Album. My vote goes to K-Griff who I’m a huge fan of but more for the reason that FOC’s I Told You I Was Freaky was nothing compared to their self-titled debut (with the exception of “Carol Brown”).
Now, there’s no way we can react or even read every nomination on this list (do they really have to have a nomination for EVERY genre?) so to see the list for yourself, click here and see if your favorite artist made the cut. Then, give us YOUR reactions!
Here are our takes on some of the albums mentioned above:
- Album Review – The Suburbs by Arcade Fire
- Album Review – The ArchAndroid: Suites II and III by Janelle Monae
- Album Review - Sir Lucious Left Foot…The Son of Chico Dusty by Big Boi
- Album Review – Brothers by The Black Keys
- Album Review – Teenage Dream by Katy Perry
With the recent news of the murder of Mexican banda singer Sergio Vega, I was exposed to a whole new lesson in music. Like great examples of West Coast/East Coast rap rivalries (such as Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls), some musicians in the Mexican music scene are constantly looking over their shoulders.
As many of you probably didn’t know, the BET Awards were recently held here in sunny Los Angeles. With the world mourning the one year anniversary of Michael Jackson’s death, BET decided to pay tribute to the gloved one. So who did they decide to perform his songs? Ne-Yo? Usher? John Legend? Jaime Foxx? No! BET decided to trot out Chris Brown?
Yes, I know. I’m not Mailo. I’m Sara; the one who tends to keep her heated opinions to herself. Well, not this week! This week, I have hijacked Mailo’s Editorial blog and am holding a gun to society’s head and pleading, “STOP PRE-RELEASING ALBUMS IN DIGITAL FORM ONLY!”
Heavy Metal rock legend James Dio died May 16th after a year long battle with Cancer. James Dio fronted the legendary metal band Black Sabbath after the departure of Ozzy. Ozzy was no doubt a larger than life frontman, but James Dio more than held his own. Dio was aso the lead singer for Rainbow and his own band, Dio. Although he was not the first to do it, he was the one who made the “horn sign” popular, a gesture referring to the devil.
In our last episode, the ETS Crew discussed the harsh comments made by Usher. So that we’re all on the same page, here is exactly what Usher told the Associated Press:
5. Business As Usual- EPMD- One of the best Rap Groups of All-Time released their 3rd album in 1991. This may be a controversial pick because EPMD has never been known as one of the”Elite” rap groups, but they are. Also, the debut album, “Strictly Business” may be everyone’s favorite, but I urge you to listen to both these albums, and you’ll see, this album is far superior. This album featured LL Cool J and introduced Redman into the Hip-Hop community. The obvious trademark song was Gold Digger. Truth be told, every song is a hit, from I’m Mad to Underground. This album doesn’t need a “skip button” because every track is a hit!
4. Things Fall Apart- The Roots- This band was one of the first to bring back the live instruments and re-introduce scratching. Their drummer and mega producer Questlove shapes the sound of the album. If you’ve never read the book, “Things Fall Apart” by Achebe, it is one of the greatest pieces of literature I have ever read. The book is a classic and so is this album. The track, The Next Movement has to be one of their greatest songs and is included in this album. “U Got Me” features Erykah Badu on the backing Vocals and guests Eve on the track. Thr otts continue to make great music and are still influencing the rap acts of today. They can be seen on the NBC late night show with that really annoying guy from Saturday Night Live. I forget his name, but he’s really annoying!
3. Wu-Tang Forever- Wu-Tang Clan- The groups sophomore album, released was released in 1997. It came at a time where rap was too commercial. With the rise of MTV, rap was losing something, and it has yet to get it back. Now the same girls screaming for the Backstreet Boys & N’Sync were also screaming fro Eminem & Jay-Z. Wu-Tang brought respect back into the Hip-Hop game, at a time where real Mc’s were trading in their mics for a 1980′s sample. They are also an All-Star group of Raekwon, RZA,GZA, Method Man, Ol Dirty Bastard, and Ghostface Killah, now that is some serious star power. Snce the release of this album, Wu-Tang has really gone into hiding. Method Man has all sorts of legal troubles and we all know of the death of Ol Dirty Bastard. Although they are still making records, this may have been their finest hour!
2. Licensed To Ill- Beastie Boys- The debt album from some white guys in New York. Their debut album was released in 1986, and this album was the 1st to make it onto Billboard’s Top 200. That’s sounds funny to say, but that was a big deal back then. The album has sold over 9 million copies and has some of the most well-known songs of all-time: You’ve Gotta Fight For Your Right (To Party), Paul Revere, Brass Monkey. Girls, Slow Ride & Posse In Effect. I was very tempted to put this album in the number 1 position, but I couldn’t. Don’t you just hate when a musicians thinks that they are “growing” as artists and refuse to play any of their older hits? Beastie Boys fall into this catergory, with their refusal to play “You Gotta Fight” in any of their live shows!
1. The Adventures of Slick Rick- Slick Rick- The debut album of Slick Rick was released in 1988. This album contains one of the biggest rap songs of all-time, Mona Lisa. That song is what put it slightly ahead of the Beastie Boys. Children’s Story, The Ruler’s Back and my personal favorite A Teenage Love put this album into a rare class. Although Slick Rick’s career was cut short, due to being imprisoned, this CD is one of the most loved rap albums of all-time, and in my opinion, I think it is the greatest!
5. Safe & Sound- DJ Quik- released in 1995, this was Quik’s third studio album. Now I know this may be offensive to some people, but I think he is the best producer here on the left coast. I know people will go one about Battlecat. Daz and of course Dr. Dre, but Quik’s funk style is second to none. This album continues the feud between he and Mc Eiht, with the songs: Let U Have It & Dollarz & Sense. Songs like “Safe & Sound, Something for the Mood, The Ho In You” really show the production value Quik has to offer. Again, from start to end, Quik’s beatz and lyrics make this one of the best west coast albums of all-time. Quik has since “retired” from rap music. I ask this question, “Is their an Old-Timer’s Day for rappers?” Rap is such a trendy genre that rappers fall in and out of favor fairly quik!
4. All Eyez On Me- 2Pac- This was 2Pac’s 4th album, released in 1996. This was his first record with Deathrow and with producer Dr. Dre. This was one of the first, if not the first, double album in rap music. In this album, 2Pac explored every facet of life. He explored the Gangsta side on songs like (Picture Me Rollin’, 2 of Amerikka’s Most Wanted), the party side (Thug’s Passion, What’z Ya Phone Number) and a more reflective side (Life Goes On, I Ain’t Mad At Cha). This was the last official record he released as 2Pac before his death, and in the eyes of many, probably his best work. Much has been made of Tupac’s death, they have never found the killer and have never had a motive. It seems that there is as much controversy surrounding his death as their was when he was alive.
3. Death Certificate- Ice Cube- Released in 1991, this was Cube’s 3rd solo release. Ice Cube is probably the “Father” of Gangsta Rap music. He was the lead writer and rapper for the super group NWA. This is one of the finest west coast albums ever made. Ice Cube had some very political content in his music, songs like “Bird in the Hand, Alive on Arrival, Color Blind and True to the Game” are thought provoking songs about the harsh reality of South Central. The album also includes what is quite possibly the most famous diss record, “No Vaseline.”
2. The Chronic- Dr. Dre- Released in 1992, this was the solo debut of Dr. Dre since splitting with NWA. This was also the first record for Deathrow Records. The album also introduced is to Snoop Doggy Dogg, Kurupt, Daz, Nate Dogg, and the Lady of Rage, just to name a few. Snoop and Dre collaborated on almost every song and made him and Deathrow Records a household name. This album also continued the feud with long time friend Eazy-E. The production value on the album is top-notch and can be compared to any “East Coast” album put out in the 90′s. Although the West Coast rarely gets respect in the Rap Industry, this is one of the few which does.
1. Straight Outta Compton- NWA- The album starts off fierce with Ice Cube opening up like this: “Straight Outta Compton/Crazy Motherfucker Named Ice Cube/From The Gang Called Niggas With Attitude” It all went up hill from there. Think about this line up” Ice Cube, Mc Ren, Dr. Dre and Eazy-E. Talk about a who’s who in west coast music! This album was released at a time when NO rap music was coming from the west. Their first album “NWA & The Posse” was a prelude to this masterpiece. Songs like “Fuck Tha Police, Express Yourself, Dopeman & 8-Ball” are staples in west coast rap. Cube was the lead writer and Dre produced the album, now that is what I call a dream team!
Last week, The Film Freak was kind enough to join us on the show and talk about the movie “The Runaways.” In so many words, The Film Freak pretty much called the movie horrible. For those of you who don’t want to see the movie, yet aren’t too familiar with the band, I’ve decided to do a little write up.
Anyone who reads my blogs regularly, knows that I gravitate towards the female voice, but pre- The Runaways, there weren’t many girl rockers. Think about it. How many all girl rockers were there? I couldn’t think of any. The closest I came was the band Heart, but they were sisters and the rest of the band was all male. Blondie, but again, the band was all male. The same could be said about Janis Joplin and Mama Cass, but there were two men and two women, So needless to say that The Runaways were revolutionary in that way.
