IT'S LIKE THAT: Grammy's Highs & Lows

By Jim Shearer on 02/09/2009

Alrighty, so the 51st Grammy Awards are in the books, and fittingly--because it seems like the veterans always get a little extra love at the Grammys--Robert Plant and Alison Kraus took home the crown jewel award of the evening, Album of The Year, for Raising Sand.

(left: Wonder what Joe Satriani's thinking right now?)

I'd lying if I told you I wasn't secretly hoping Lil' Wayne would win the award. I wasn't crazy about Tha Carter III, but having him step to the podium to give a speech for Album of the Year would have blown my freakin' mind. (A Radiohead win would have been nice too).

Anyway, here are my Grammy Highlights and Lowlights:

HIGHLIGHTS:

Song Of the Year
Coldplay, "Viva La Vida"
Just cause it makes the Joe Satriani drama even that more interesting!

Best New Artist
Adele
So glad The Jonas Brothers didn't win (whew).

Best Pop Performance
Coldplay, "Viva La Vida"
Just cause it makes the Joe Satriani drama even that more interesting!

Best Rock Performance
Kings Of Leon, "Sex On Fire"
Yes, I'm a fan of those Followill boys! And look who they took out to win their Grammy: AC/DC, Radiohead, The Eagles, and Coldplay.

Best Hard Rock Performance
Mars Volta, "Wax Simulacra"
Another victory for indie-minded music fans. Mars Volta also took out some big names: Judas Priest, Motley Crue, and Rob Zombie.

Best Rock Album
Coldplay, Viva La Vida
You can see the smoke emanating from Joe Satriani's forehead right now.

Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album
Jaguares, 45
Not counting 'zine writing or college rock radio, the first band I ever interviewed professionally. Good for them (winning a Grammy that is)!

Best Musical Show Album
In The Heights
Representin' my NYC hood! I'm also happy cause Lin-Manuel Miranda spoke with my wife's 5th grade class, and he came baring freestyle rhymes while wearing an Optimus Prime t-shirt!

Best Soundtrack Album For a Motion Picture
Juno
It wasn't a bad night for indie nation. What up Kimya Dawson!

Best Short Form Music Video
Weezer, "Pork and Beans"
I couldn't agree more (although I wouldn't have been upset if Gnarls Barkley's "Who's Gonna Save My Soul" won--my second favorite video of the year).

LOWLIGHTS:

Album Of The Year
Robert Plant & Alison Kraus, Raising Sand
Someone's just trying to make Robert Plant not feel guilty about not touring with Led Zeppelin.

Best Pop Collaboration
Robert Plant & Alison Kraus, "Rich Woman"
Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Jordan Sparks, Chris Brown, Rihanna, Maroon 5, Alicia Keys, and John Mayer are all scratching their heads.

(right: It's a beautiful picture, but wouldn't Jimmy Page look better in Robert Plant's arms?)

Best Electronic/Dance Album
Daft Punk, Alive 2007
I love Daft Punk as much as anyone, but a live album winning the best Electronic/Dance Album Grammy? Huh?!

Best Dance Recording
Daft Punk, "Harder Better Faster Stronger"
You think Kanye had something to do with this? Hot Chip's "Ready For the Floor" was robbed.

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album
Natalie Cole, Still Unforgettable
Dang, you really gotta get off this "unforgettable" thing already.

Best Alternative Music Album
Radiohead, In Rainbows
I only like when Radiohead wins Grammys as the underdog. Having them beat out My Morning Jacket and Gnarls Barkley is the same as having Robert Plant and Alison Kraus beat out them.

Best Recording Package
Metallica, Death Magnetic
No Age's Nouns would have made it even a better night for indie nation (bummer).