Entertainment
The Battalion
Page 7A • Thursday, February 4, 2004
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The 46th annual Grammy Awards preview
The 2004 line-up promise performances,
xcitement and a whole lotta hip-hop
By Jessica Lock
THE BATTALION
The time has come again for musicians to strut their stuff in all
ie red carpet’s glory. But beyond the expected glitz and glam. The
6th Annual Grammy Awards, which will be held Feb. S at 7 p.m. at
fcadio City Hall in New York City, will be an event honoring those
/ho have left their mark on the music industry in the past year.
For those who are expecting an energy packed show, this year
/ill be no exception. According to the Grammy Awards’ official
Web site, scheduled performances include Justin Timberlake,
Christina Aguilera, the White Stripes, Outkast, George Clinton and
he Parliament Funkadelic, Norah Jones and many more.
Though many tune in for the actual handing out of the awards,
ithers watch for the entertaining antics of their favorite celebrities.
Kristin Wilbourn, a senior American studies major, said although
he Grammy Awards is an event that recognizes talent, she thor-
ughly enjoys the glamour.
"I usually get together with some friends, order pizza and gossip
ibout the show." Wilbourn said. "1 like to watch all the people come
lown the red carpet to see what designer they are wearing and who
heir date is.”
Pomp and circumstance aside, the Grammy Awards has managed
o uphold a prestigious and respectable image throughout the years,
or most artists, the Grammy is an accolade that surpasses even
heir wildest dreams.
Jason Adamo, an independent singer/songwriter based out of
^Jew York, is one such artist who appreciates the value of a Grammy.
“It says ‘job well done’ on getting your music out there,” Adamo
aid. “It would be a great award to receive one day.”
As seen in the past, winning an award means shelling out a mem-
uable acceptance speech. Celebrities have become flustered when
he bright lights shine upon them, leading to embarrassing but funny
noments. On the other hand, there are those who have their twenty-
jage acceptance speeches ready to go. From the speechless reac-
ions to the hysterical ones, one can certainly see and feel the impor-
ance an award like this carries.
And then there’s that little nuisance called time - winners never
eem to have enough of it. There is always someone waiting to
cue the orchestra and cut them off. After all. who can forget the
[ J 2002 Grammy night when of Alicia Keys began speed-talking just
o she could thank every last contributor to her album “Songs in
\-Minor?’’
Aditmp believes the show should allow longer speeches.
"T/ie artists have worked hard to get where they are,” he said. “I
late when they cut the (acceptance) speech short.”
Lack of time is one of many complaints about the Grammy
Awards. There is also the issue of how the winners are chosen.
According to the Grammy Awards’ official Web site, recordings
md music videos are submitted by Recording Academy members
tnd record companies. The experts then review the entries to make
ure they meet all requirements. After the screening process, the
nembers vote on areas within their expertise.
Dan Rose, a junior psychology major, said he prefers to have pro-
essionals in the voting process.
“I think it is better that professionals vote because it lends to the
redibility of the awards," Rose said. “There are already enough
awards shows out there that allow the fans to vote.”
Although the Grammy is a respected award, there are still those,
such as Adamo, who express concern over the fact that fans cannot
nominate or vote on whom they deem to be worthy.
“I prefer the award shows voted by fans and peers,” he said.
Another complaint surrounding the hyped annual event is its
failure to recognize the lesser-known contributors to entertainment.
Pam Kelly, co-host/producer for Houston’s 94.5 FM “the
Buzz’s” “Rod Ryan Show,” said there are some categories that are
overshadowed.
“Some music is simply not as popular and the general public
doesn’t realize the importance of certain behind-the-scenes roles
such as ‘producer,’” Kelly said. "I think the (Grammy Awards has)
lost credibility over the years as far as categorizing music, but have
gained viewers due to the hype surrounding the ceremony.”
Wilbourn said she also enjoys watching for newcomers in the
industry.
“I really like to see the performers especially those that aren't
mainstream,” Wilbourn said. “It allows me to be open to different
kinds of music.”
Simply put, hype sells. The Grammy Awards are special not only
because it showcases performer’s achievements, but also because of
the star-studded glamour.
Rose said the Grammy Awards is a good show to tune into to
catch some great moments.
“You can always count on something crazy happening,” he said.
Kelly gives a short and sweet answer to why she believes the
Grammy Awards will be such a special event: “Musicians, stars and
all that glamour.”
The 46th Grammy Awards will air on CBS at 7 p.m. on
Sunday, Feb. 8.
THE BATTALION
ENTERTAINMENT STAFF
i u [w cvi at*i :<
RECORD OF THE YEAR
“Since ‘Blueprint 2” is
supposed to be Jay-Z’s
last album, he’s all out
there. He deserves the
Grammy.”
“I believe Outkast’s ‘Hey
Ya!’ will win because it
has a catchy tune and
original quality that
many other songs do not
possess.”
“‘Hey Ya!’ by Outkast is a
winner for sure. Who
doesn’t love that song?”
Graphic by Ivan Flores • THE BATTALION
“Outkast’s
‘Speakerboxx/The Love
Below’ is a package that
is pop at its most versa
tile form. Besides, seven
million copies sold don’t
lie; Oukast will be walkin’
out the do’ with awards fo’ sho’.”
• • Grammy Nominees for Record of the Year
■ Best Contemporary
R&B Album for
"Dangerously in Love"
■ Best Female R&B
Performance for
“Crazy in Love”
■ Best Song for
"Crazy in Love”
i R
The Black Eyed
Peas featuring
Justin Timberlake
“Where is the
Love?”
Other
nominations:
Album of the Year for
Justin Timberlake’s
“Justified"
Best Pop Male Vocal
Performance for Justin
Timberlake’s
“Cry Me a River”
Best Pop Male Vocal
Album for Justin
Timberlake’s “Justified”
EMIINI3M
Eminem
‘Lose Yourself”
Other
nominations:
• Song of the Year for
“Lose Yourself’
• Best Rap Song for
“Lose Yourself"
• Best Male Rap Solo
Performance for
“Lose Yourself”
Other
nominations:
• Best Rap Song for
“Excuse me Miss"
Feat. Pharrell
Williams
• Best Rap Album for
"The Blueprint 2”
• Best Song for
“Crazy in Love”
Outkast
“Hey Ya!”
Other
nominations:
Best Urban/Alternative
Performance for
"Hey Ya!”
Best Rap Album for
"Speakerboxx/The
Love Below”
Album of the Year for
“Speakerboxx/The
Love Below”
“Outkast’s Hey Ya’ is a
top pick because it is a
catchy tune with a
replay-value that the
ROBERT other nominated songs
saucedo do no t have.”
Record of the Year Graphic by Ruben DeLuna • THE BATTALION
For more information on the 2004 Grammy nomi
nated artists and to view complete lists of the
nominees, go to www.thebatt.com
Mjjm
Music Review V 2.002
Beyonce
“Danserouslv in Love”
Cofumbia Records
iCYl
*1!
Beyonce’s solo debut, “Dangerously in Love,” is dangerously
ootyiicious. This album exudes a confidence and sexiness never
efore seen from the Destiny’s Child front woman. Lyrics such as
Do you want to get nasty, I dare you to undress me,” make it appar-
nt Beyonce has grown up. Her coming-out is reminiscent of
ariah Carey’s liberation on “Butterfly” or Janet Jackson’s sym-
transition from shoulder pads to midriff-bearing halter-tops.
Although Beyonce’s sultry voice is easy on the ears, this CD
ffers nothing original. It conforms to the R&B/Pop mold with plen-
of rap cameos, interludes, cliched lyrics and overdone beats.
“Dangerously in Love” starts off strong with the infamous horn
tro of “Crazy in Love.” With help from Jay-Z, it became the
iggest single of the summer and can still be found in rotation on
bolic
any top-40 station or dance floor.
One notable letdown was “Signs,” an homage to the Zodiac that
even a cameo from Missy Elliot couldn’t help. The “can you pay my
bills” attitude that Destiny’s Child is renowned for can still be heard
on some songs, especially on “Yes,” which says: “you was at my
house, I was sittin' on my couch, you was really buggin', so I told
you to get out.”
However, for the most part, Beyonce’s talent is solid enough to
carry this album and leaves little memory of her former group. The
album ends with the tune “Daddy,” an ode to her father that seems
awkwardly out of place among songs like “Naughty Girl” and
“That’s How You Like It.”
The songs worth listening to are “Dangerously in Love” and
“Naughty Girl.”
All in all, Beyonce’s first solo attempt proves it deserves more
attention than her low-rise jeans or her relationship with rapper
Jay-Z. That attention could come on Grammy night; “Dangerously
in Love” is nominated for six Grammy Awards and has the potential
to steal the show.
Music Review V 2.002
Coldplay
“A Rush of Blood to the Head”
Capitol Records
The opening heavy bass beats in the solemn first track,
“Politik” and the last seconds of the piano solo of the melancholy
finale “Amsterdam” merge a compilation well-deserving of its
“Best Alternative Album” Grammy in 2003. Each song ear-catch
ing and different from the other, Coldplay’s “A Rush of Blood to
the Head” weaves a beautiful tapestry that is partly sad and ten
der, partly blissfully upbeat. Hopefully at this year’s Grammys,
one of its best singles will earn formal recognition in addition to
its past top-40 radio fame.
The alternative band’s most recent CD is a welcome break from
Chris Elmi
See Beat on page 8A