In my last post I had my curmudgeon on as I cast a jaundiced eye on the Oscars and the news media. Today I'm feeling a lot more positive and hopeful for the future.
Why? I watched The Grammys, which in my opinion is a much more entertaining show focusing on young people making interesting and exciting music. Not all of it do I like. But a lot of it is good. And it offers a fresh new look at the world for these tired old eyes and ears of mine.
To be honest, I don't follow the music world very closely . . . or essentially, not at all. So watching the Grammys is a way for me to discover new music that otherwise I would never hear of. (I typically listen to Classic Rock stations on Sirius XM in the car, or else an all-news station, occasionally classical music.)
So while the Oscars give us lame and tasteless jokes, ponderous speeches and awards for obscure indie films, the Grammys feature live performances by top acts and new talent -- and much less in the way of personal pet peeves or political posturing.
The show, hosted by the affable late-night talk show host Trevor Noah, opened up with a performance by Olivia Rodrigo. Ever hear of her? I hadn't. She's young; she's pretty. You might think her music is sappy, but I'm guessing your teenage grandchildren are likely big fans. She sang a adolescently angst number called Drivers License. It's clearly aimed at the younger audience, not people like me. But hey, I remember those days, and I liked it anyway.
Some other popular performers who were new to me:
Jon Bastiste performed his hit "Freedom."
H.E.R. did a medley.
BTS, a K-pop group, acted out a song called "Butter."
There was a number by a group called Silk Sonic. One of the guys looked familiar. Bruno Mars? Yes. I remembered him from a previous Grammy show, plus a Superbowl halftime show. Now, apparently he's teamed up with a fellow named Anderson .Paak to form a kind of pop, R&B soul group. They're pretty good! By the way, you can find all these songs on youtube if you're interested.
My favorite of the night was Billie Eilish. I'd heard of her. But I didn't know any of her songs. This is her new one called "Happier Than Ever."
Some of the acts were familiar names. My wife's favorite country singer Chris Stapleton sang his hit "Cold." Carrie Underwood performed her new song "Ghost Story." Lady Gaga, Nas, Justin Bieber, John Legend all made appearances.
There was more, plenty more. But to tell the truth, the show went on past my bedtime, so I didn't see it all. But if you're interested, the Billboard Music Awards are coming up on Sunday, May 15, broadcast by NBC TV. You'll be able to watch a lot of the same acts -- and enjoy some of the vibrant creativity going on in our country today, the creativity we sometimes forget about as we moan and groan about the state of our country, the state of the world, and how things aren't as good as they used to be.
12 comments:
My taste in music is similar to yours. Usually if I keep NPR tuned in, I can hear everything I need to hear.
I LOVE Jon Batiste! The guy has both massive talent and humility. He got his Masters from Julliard, so he's no garage band slouch.
I listen to music in my car, but I really never hear anything new unless my grandchildren take over and connect blue tooth to their phones. Award shows are never on my conscious awareness so I almost always miss them.
I'm a big fan of Stephen Colbert and "The Late Show" so I'm very familiar with Jon Bastiste. (It's probably past your bedtime.) I also enjoyed some new artists I didn't know about: H.E.R. and Olivia Rodrigo. My granddaughter said she likes Olivia.
I haven’t listened to any new music in a couple decades at least. Mostly I listen to NPR these days. But this post has reawakened a need to watch it the next go around.
I also don't listen to much music these days. I like it... especially Pentatonix, country music, Celtic music, and old songs. But never watch the Grammys or the Oscars. Our grandson had on some podcast when we traveled to Texarkana and back this weekend. I'm not familiar with podcasts either... reminded me of NPR radio (which I do like). DH usually has sports talk on in the car.
More power to you in opening your mind to new things, Tom.
Missed the Grammies and missed the Oscars except for the repeated playback of one situation. I do love Trevor Noah though, so sad that I missed him. I'm a blues and soul person and I do like staying current and finding fresh voices but I'll admit I haven't listened to much music this past year except what's on the record player. (Why yes, I have a record player and some old records I still love to listen to!)
I have fallen in love with Jon Batiste's music. He is so talented.
I haven't watched any of the music/theater/tv award shows in quite a while. I am totally out of sync with today's music but you're right about getting a taste of what is out there by watching. My sister swears that you get old faster when you quit listening to current music. Ok. I'll let her take one for the family.
You actually watched the Oscars? I am vert impressed, I, for one, just cannot do that. I suppose that makes me...well something. But, I did watch King Richard. It was fabulous. So there is that.
Good to read your stuff Tom...it is alway a pleasure.
Barbara (b+)
I'm sure many of these new groups are talented (saw Jon Batiste on Austin City Limits.. unbelievable) but will they pass the test of time like so many from the 60's, the Rolling Stones and McCartney to name just a few. Still exciting to see after 50+ years. I think you do get old when you get away from music...keep on Rockin...
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