Empty Award

The Grammys mean nothing. The show and the actual awards have lost credibility. It is a vehicle for labels and industry elitists to push their agendas. There is no way anyone can objectively say the Grammys is a legitimate awards show celebrating the best that music has to offer. The whole thing has become a huge joke.

Now, of course there always has to be a big, extravagant moment planned. Last year, The Police used the Grammys as a platform to announce their reunion tour. It was pathetic on all levels - particularly for the band. Sting is simply a guy with a massive ego that embraces fame. It was a no-brainer for him. But, the fact The Police chose the Grammys as the launch pad for their excessively overpriced concert tour shows they are just part of the current system in place. Their tour was all about the money - for them as a band and for the promoter. Again, the Grammys proved to be a stage for an industry agenda.

This year, one rumor suggests Michael Jackson may perform. Jackson is completely irrelevant as an artist in 2008. That isn’t to say that his body of work from the past should be forgotten, but what is the reason for his potential appearance? Sony is on the brink of reissuing a 25th anniversary edition of “Thriller.” Why not promote the release with a performance by the extremely bizarre former star? He may have been declared innocent of the charges against him a couple of years back, but a vast majority of the public certainly sees him as a guilty man. So, other than a shrinking devoted fan base, who is really going to buy a reissue of “Thriller?” Will his appearance be enough to draw an audience? Most likely he won't perform due to his own ego and excessive demands. Guess viewers will have to settle for Justin Timberlake.

How about the actual artists being celebrated with Album Of The Year nominations?

Foo Fighters – Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace
Vince Gill – These Days
Herbie Hancock – River: The Joni Letters
Kanye West – Graduation
Amy Winehouse – Back To Black

If this is a true indication of the best music currently has to offer, it should be no surprise that music sales are down. This is a lackluster mainstream musical landscape currently in place. Herbie Hancock? He is a brilliant piano player, but this is a cliché addition to the line-up to show audiences that there is still some musical credibility associated with the Grammys – has anyone really heard this album? Kanye West? Will anyone remember this album a decade from now? Foo Fighters? Another forgettable rock album – it isn’t terrible, but is it that good? Vince Gill? Seriously…. Amy Winehouse? She is at the top of her game musically, but is it the best album from 2007?

And what happened to Bruce Springsteen? When “Magic” was released, weren’t we all lead to believe it was his finest effort in 25 years? What about the so-called depth of McCartney’s “Memory Almost Full?” Didn’t Timberlake bring sexy back with “FutureSex/LoveSounds?” Not to worry, these three will win awards in other categories. The list goes on and on with soulless, overproduced and lifeless albums released in 2007. What a joke.

And this is why there is absolutely no reason to tune into the Grammys on February 10. There is nothing to celebrate. There is no music to celebrate. It is depressing. The industry is a sinking ship. These are the “best” artists it can celebrate. These are the best artists and projects the pathetic labels are developing. It is a cesspool. Passionate music fans will continue to stay away.