Oh, you knew it was coming… And who better to talk about heavy freaking metal than yours truly? How about those youngsters Def Leppard burning up the scene right now! Seriously, anyone would think that I was a NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences) member and took part in the voting this year myself. For the two of you who have absolutely no idea what I’m talking about, let me inform you that Tenacious D just beat out Anthrax, Mastodon, Motorhead and Slipknot to win the ‘Best Metal Performance’ Grammy award. Yes, that Tenacious D; the fat bald guy and the comedian who starred in that film ‘School of ROCK’ (or was it ‘School of Metal’)!?
Of course, this isn’t the first time that this category has received backlash. Back in 1988 when the award was called ‘Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance’, aging Brits Jethro Tull beat out Metallica’s ‘…And Justice For All’… A result which prompted audible booing from the audience, an infamous magazine advertisement (right) and Lars Ulrich actually making people laugh 4 years later with his “I’d like to thank Jethro Tull for not putting out an album this year” quip. Just to confuse matters further, this hybrid award made a return to the Grammys three or four years back. Understandably, it was booted again rather quickly, but one has to wonder if it made any difference in light of recent happenings.
For anyone wondering, Tenacious D’s award-winning effort was a song called ‘The Last In Line’. Sound familiar? That’s because it isn’t even an original; it’s a 1984 song by the New York metal outfit Dio. While Jack Black and Kyle Gass’s tribute to the late great front-man is far from awful, it’s by no means the best metal performance of the year. What were the NARAS members smoking when they voted for this category? Then again, should we even care what the Grammys say is the best metal performance, considering the disdain they have shown the genre in the past? In an ironic twist of fate, the parody performance artists have won an award that is arguably a parody in itself.
But we here at SputnikMusic are a persevering (aka stubborn) bunch who are solution focused, aren’t we? Yes, any bozo can point out that the Grammys are currently a waste of time, while any delinquent can riot and burn the place to the ground with devil horns raised. The good folk at NARAS don’t want that though, they want solutions. So let’s provide them. Is there anything that can be done to improve the voting process? Has heavy metal caused the problem itself by splintering into a cornucopia of sub-genres? Can Paramore take the next step and win the award next year, since they just won ‘Best Rock Performance’ for a pop song? Ahhh, who am I kidding, I’m not the expert to provide the answers… But I know you guys are. So make up the questions if need be…
As they say at the end of those dreaded English essays: DISCUSS…..
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And I guess that getting the nominations right is the first step of the equation.
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oh please the Grammys are about as surface-level as you can get with music awards shows, their award for the metal genre being no exception. For them it's about the stuff that charted on Billboard, not the stuff that gets rave reviews from actual music journals
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Slut, the Golden Globes are awards for film & television. It's basically an alternative to the Oscars & Emmys, which many people prefer.
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No but I'm quite sure it got nominated because Metallica had something to do with the album
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LOL SharkTooth, maybe they should have Metallica sponsor the award each year.
Thanks TalonsOfFire, One thing I wasn't expecting here is people being fine with Tenacious D winning. Does no-one like Mastodon & Motorhead anymore? Poor Lemmy has been nominated a few times without success now.
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One thing I wasn't expecting was Tenacious D to win. Getting back to the Jethro Tull incident, they didn't actually go to the Grammys that year because they thought they were 0% chance of winning!
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Even though I don't mind Tenacious D winning, even for a cover, Mastodon's was by far the best album out of that category, much as I liked the Dio tribute album.
I feel the same way Davey. I feel that having a cover song be a nominee is a stretch, and should only be done if it really deserves to be there. But to have two, even for a worthy cause (a tribute album to one of the greatest vocalists in metal), and a joke band covering it win is pretty disappointing, much as I love Black and Gass. Though I didn't watch the awards or their performance so I can't speak to that part.
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Arcade, it's very difficult to take the Grammys seriously when something like this happens... BUT yes, we should take them seriously if they are to be the #1 awards for the industry. Hence why things really need to change.
The comparison to the R&R Hall of Fame is an interesting one... & one I'd need to think about more. It may be another column for another time. I will say that I've been to it though & liked it. It's better than the rest of Cleveland!
We're with you zaruyache. And as much as I'd like to suggest it's more than what Shark Tooth suggests, it probably isn't much more.
GB, you were heading in a similar direction to what I was at one stage by looking at past winners. While the Metallica love is over the top, there has been some arguably deserving nominees & winners. It's these outliers that just make no sense whatsoever.
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Rudy, it's like you're name-dropping. You're not going to tell us a story about how you hung out with them, are you? Let me guess: Kyle at McDonalds.
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Mastodon are the best
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcSIvp4fGX0
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Now that's what I call a balanced diet Rudy.
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Just ignore it like a night's bad dream.
Okay, The TD cover IS heavy metal all right. In all fairness, it was predictable as well as boring as phuck.
Regardless, I only wish most of you did not fret over who didn't win this particular award. Grammy's just another private party, open to public eyes. In case no one noticed, they bluntly vote to nominate 80's metal bands with a (popular) newbie or two. It works out since the fanboy metal community is kinda happy, 'Omg! :') they nominated the gods! :') and More often than not the award goes to the 80's band regardless of what shit they just just put out. How relevant are the nominations today, in terms of creativity, expressiveness and technical finesse? But No. OMG YAAY! Metallica, Preist, Maiden, Sabbath! It's like it was a life time achievement candy. Tenacious D is not a welcome change. A Dio cover by a hollywood band. Im sure if Dave Grohl does another, more radio friendly Probot, 8/10 he would be nominated for metal. 5/10 it would win. The pathetic trend will never end because they need to please maximum fanboys in every category. In fact, they themselves must be fanboys in a NASAR suit.
"Creative and talented members" you say? I see people pleasing "artless, old grannies" who are critically deaf when it comes to rock/metal nominations. "Prioritising creative & technical excellence in music.." you say? Dry Farts, in my humble opinion. If there would be a Raspberries Award for the' Best Popular Music Award Category' - Hands Down Grammy's Best Metal Performance. (Unless they are as dumb in every other category. I hope not but I couldn't care less to check) Actually, I hope they don't start nominating good genre bending, expressive metal bands at all. It would be an insult. If they did, I hope the band rejects the award. Two reasons: 1.Instant publicity for being an outlaw. 2.Grammy's/NASAR freaking deserve it.
In fact this will be my base comment for every Grammy's related discussion I come across in years to come. They are simply not worth so much investment of a metal-heads time. Thank you NASAR, continue having a ball. In fact since you mention, Paramore could actually pull it off with a Motley Crew Cover!
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SomeGuest, deep down we all do, because we want to see deserving musicians get recognition on the big stage.
Thanks for the detailed response Fireants. I know, I know, I was being a bit ambitious asking for a solution. But bad dreams are difficult to ignore, as they tend to come back night after night.
The "pleasing maximum fanboys" argument is probably a valid one. But I do wonder if there are other lazier issues such as taking the time to understand the genre - or even listen to those who would be worthy of a nomination.
FYI, the other categories are all over the place. Some are mainstream baiting, some aren't. It's a clusterf*ck tbh. See the whole Kanye/Beyonce vs Beck debate going on right now.
Paramore ripping out 'Girls Girls Girls' just wouldn't be the same. LOL.
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I agree, given the importance within the industry, and the fact that they are key select people voting/shortlisting. It seems they are fanboys of the classic bands and perhaps careless about trying to appreciate finer metal bands, just because they're satisfied.
Regarding mainstream, I don't follow these foks but since you mentioned - Kayne's talking like the show belongs to his Father in Law. Lol. I know beyonce has an amazing voice/tone but not in a mood to listen try her nomination atm. Ironically I streamed three of beck's songs and there is not much I could say in it's defence. 2 songs were like a dulled up emotionless version of something REM would do. Regardless of how far up his own ass he sounded like, I partly agree with Mr.West. There's nothing glamorous or trendy about the two songs off Beck's record. Vocally dull. Musically uninspiring. One, Paper Tiger was different, interesting, but Record of the year should be flawless. Doesn't even have exploding youtube hits so.. Did Grammys they throw a dice on this one? I hope so because only that would make sense.
Hahah maybe, but again, it could still smash the charts in a 'I kissed a girl' sort of context. We'll never know !
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I laughed too hard at this
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As they say Fireants; vote with your feet & bums on seats. So you're correct, if the Grammys were deserted & another awards ceremony got popular, then change can happen. But there's a lot of tradition to pass under the bridge first.
I guess, that until someone influential comes out & states in a large public forum that the Grammy's decisions are plain wrong & put up alternatives and why, then change won't occur.
Kanye will be Kanye. I'm not a huge fan of he or Beck, so have tended to ignore the catfight with a slight smirk on my face. There is a funny meme going around comparing the lyrics of Beyoncé & Beck. I don't think I have to tell you who comes out on top in that debate!
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Ah if it is the meme of statistics on Imgur that you refer to, that is a bright-side of the outcome for a change. But whats the point of that debate in reality? Do people following mainstream really care if you're a talented multi-instrumentalist (beck) or not when they buy? How many beck's and how many beyonce's have been exposed to the scene? Have the sales chart or grammies consistently favoured becks or favoured the beyonces of the industry? If it is not consistent towards the becks it proves that people don't care if a 100 people were hired to produce your song or One as long as they love the polished catchy tunes or the artist's personality. And grammies, are apparently rolling a dice for a living. Unless a definitive shift in culture happens, all this debate is pointless.
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Fireants, without the facts/stats, I'd say the Grammys are actually fairly split over the years between your Becks & Beyonces. However, the sales charts are another matter. And unfortunately that shift in culture is only going to get worse, if anything, towards the Beyonces of the industry. I mean, look at Iggy Izalea FFS. If you told me 12 months ago that she would be nominated for Grammys, I would have thought that you'd be out of your mind.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYAuR5bkIlQ
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@Davey, Okay lets consider that true.. Still, that means they are doing sort of a balancing act to please the celeb circles while maintaining credibility from the critics. That is outrageous in itself. I'm not sure if thats something you'd agree but let me give you my angle on kayne's diss talk.
There are two possible angles: The first one being what he said at face value. Second is behind the mask.
1." Dear Grammys - Beck has no artistry. we are better talented and you cheated real artistry today."
2. "Dear Grammys - People freaking love us, so you freaking need us! so you'll be wise not to piss us off like this"."
Now face it, Kayne is not a stupid person. A stupid person does not sell like crazy and win accolades for it.
Which of the angles make more sense?
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In fact, forget the award show.
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Stupid people can totally be hit-making award winners, for example: Kanye West
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You're right, so most of the bums on the street are street-smart.people? Have you sold a million copies of your music, to be qualified to make that statement? I'm not saying he has a high academic intellect or something nor that he's a musical genuis. I don't care if he makes pathetic music. But he knows how to produce and sell his music successfully. He's a entreprenuer. He owns a record label that sells well too.
Just because you hate him does not make him stupid, sorry.
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You clearly did write '40 old WHITE males.' Why was it necessary to mention white? I caught on that. It is misleading if it didn't serve a purpose. You can't expect people not notice something you consciously wrote. So now if it wasnt intended, nevermind.
You make total sense meaning old people. Though i'd never assume but if that's a fact does co-relate given the careless pathetic choices Grammy metal has made in general over the years. The youtube link, funny.
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Fireants, I'm sure that "balancing act" you speak of does exist to some degree. Maybe to a large degree. As for where Kanye is coming from, I sort of would prefer not to look into his mind. But yeah, option 2 is most likely.
Zaruyache, I'm more a no-limit hold-em man... Not that I'm good at it, mind you. I need better sunnies & hoodies when I'm bluffing.
tempest wasn't being racist... He was being ageist... And since I'm probably older than you, then I'm calling my lawyer. ;-)
As for the stupid person argument, I do think someone can be talented & skilful at something, but not necessarily clever. I can't think of one off-hand in the music industry, but have you ever heard David Beckham talk? LOL.
Spec, I'd like to tell you that I've done the research on your query, but I haven't. It's probably a closely guarded secret, so no-one actually knows the truth. Maybe it is Principal Skinner who decides.
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I love his music, but it seems like he just doesn't understand what is considered "appropriate behavior" in the outside world.
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But I think we would if it was better.
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Actually let's presume that this does exist. What would you have voted for as 'Best Metal Performance' in 2014?
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No, but what makes him stupid is when he accuses Beck of not "respecting artistry" when he himself can't seem to last more than 10 seconds with someone else in the spotlight before he has to bumrush the stage
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You're giving Kanye what he wants Dev: Attention. Plus, he's about to work with Taylor Swift, so give it 2 years and he'll be in bed with Beck too.
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so there was literally no competition whatsoever is what you are saying
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And Ed, shhh re: Kanye winning Best Metal. You'll give him & NARAS ideas.
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Oh they are. Mostly.
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http://www.complex.com/music/2014/01/how-does-grammy-voting-work
2 quotes from it astound:
I soon learned another unwritten rule during private conversations with other committee members: be careful about green-lighting an album by someone who was really famous if you don’t want to see that album win a Grammy. Because famous people tend to get more votes from clueless Academy members, regardless of the quality of their work. This is especially true in specialized categories like reggae and, to a lesser extent, hip-hop, where many voting members of the Recording Academy (who tend to skew older than the demographic for rap music) may not be well acquainted with the best releases in any given year.
The vast majority of the nominations are chosen by people who have little real expertise in a given field. I refrained from voting in heavy metal and classical because I know very little about those genres. But I could have if I wanted to, and that strikes me as a problem.