4 of 25: Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago

My intention for this list wasn't necessarily to pick my top 25 favorite albums, and I wanted to highlight bands that maybe people haven't heard much about yet. So naturally, I pick an album that likely goes against both of those things. Originally self-released and then picked up by Jagjaguwar, For Emma, Forever Ago is a sparse, hauntingly ruminative collection of songs focusing on a theme of missed opportunities and bittersweet memories. At least that's what I think it's about based on how it sounds. Every time I listen, I get so swept up in Justin Vernon's vocals (eerily reminiscent of TV On The Radio's Tunde Adebimpe) that I can't focus on what he's actually saying.

The story behind this album is that Vernon, after splitting with his former band, isolated himself in a cabin in the Wisconsin woods and wrote/recorded most of the songs on For Emma. And that's exactly what it sounds like it. "Skinny Love," which I first heard on a TV show at some point (I think it was "Chuck"....) is immediately accessible. You'll be humming it for hours after hearing it. Although short, For Emma requires patience. But making it through to the end is a reward, as two of the best songs ("For Emma" and "Re: Stacks") close the album.

Vernon has made appearances on a number of the late-night talk shows in the past couple months, and with a new EP (Blood Bank) garnering high praise, it feels like he might be on the verge of breaking into the mainstream. His sound is slowly veering away from "acoustic Thoreau", but as for this album... you probably won't want to listen to it on a sunny, Spring day. So before winter is over, get your introspection on and listen to Bon Iver's For Emma, Forever Ago.

3 of 25: Jamie Lidell - Jim

What if I told you I knew of an artist that draws his influences heavily from James Brown, Al Green, Jimi Hendrix, 50s doo-wop, 60s soul, and 70s funk? Is that something you'd be interested in? Now, if that artist also happened to be a former techno DJ from Britain, who gave up his turntable for a wah-wah pedal... does that pique your interest even more? It should. On Jim, Jamie Lidell harnesses the throwback sound he started on Multiply and, although this album contains a few barn-burners, the sound is more subdued.

Opening with hand-claps and birds chirping, "Another Day" kicks off the album with happy rays of sunshine... or is it ("Now I'm letting silence do the talking... I'm searching for another day, another way, for me to open up to you.")? Lidell wastes no time transporting you back about 40 years, stylistically, and you can almost smell the breath of fresh air in which those birds are singing. "Wait For Me" follows and is one of the best tracks on the album, channeling Little Richard in both vocal and piano style (you also get the feeling that Lidell and fellow neo-souler Cee-Lo Green from Gnarls Barkley would get along). All of the songs fit a mood, from the uptempo funk of "Little Bit of Feel Good," to the Al Green homage "Green Light," you're equally inclined to get under the sheets or on top of a dance floor as you listen. As I listen through Jim and the equally impressive Multiply, I can't help but think about how much great music we were deprived of when Lidell was making beats on his computer. All the more reason to enjoy what we've got.

2 of 25: Wale - The Mixtape About Nothing

On its surface, the premise sounds ridiculous: unsigned (but well-established) D.C. rapper creates mixtape based on Seinfeld. But any doubts about the quality or direction of the album are quelled in "The Opening Title Sequence," where Wale spells out exactly what this mixtape is about ("most rappers love nothin', so I made this tape") while waxing poetic about "ringtone rappers," music sales/leaks in the era of piracy, and the credit crisis. All over a beat using the theme music from that television show about... nothing.

Being a mixtape, there are some fillers that probably wouldn't make the cut on a true album, but really... it's pretty lean. You won't find a lot of tracks that don't offer either great beats, great hooks, or incredible lyrics, and most often it's a combo of all three. Wale offers up a ton of highlights throughout this mixtape: from Julia Louis-Dreyfus making a guest drop at the end of "The Vacation From Ourselves," to besting Jay-Z on his own "Roc Boys" hook, to breaking down an entire verse of the fast-paced "The Chicago Falcon Remix," to an unending stream of one-liners that rival anything you'll hear on the radio or otherwise (ex. "good rappers ain't eatin', they Olsen Twinnin' it").

But if you listen to just ONE THING from this album, please make it "The Kramer." Starting with the infamous Michael Richards racial epithet-outburst at a comedy club a few years ago, Wale dissects the implications of using the words "nigga" and "bitch" in rap lyrics over a "Jesus Walks"-eque beat. By this point, we realize that The Mixtape About Nothing is really a mixtape about a lot of things... relationships, race, the economy, sports, getting drunk/high, go-go music (well, you get the point). Maybe its a coincidence that Wale chose Seinfeld, which doesn't feature a major African American character, as the "inspiration" for his mixtape. But I doubt it.

Link: http://www.10deep.com/WALEMIXTAPE/

PS. If you want to get to the other albums, you have to email me or Audra to get the link. Don't miss out!!

25 Albums, 25 Days

Many thanks to Audra for the birthday post... and yes, if you know me at all, the best gift you can give me is to pretend to think I'm funny. So, in addition to reveling in all the laughter I'll be generating today and celebrating my rental car-eligibility, I figured that sharing 25 of my favorite albums over 25 days would be a good way to honor turning 25 on the 25th. I know what you're thinking... "But Matt, all you do is give and give!" To which I'd say, "You're right! I'm probably the most amazing person you know!!" Regardless, it'll give me something to do and is a good excuse to take at least one study break every day. If you want to actually download the Album of the Day (and why the hell wouldn't you?!?), you'll have to email either me or Audra to get the link. I doubt anyone would care that I'm sharing their music with a few people, but I don't really understand the law. Besides, how could I possibly be able to remember all the things I'm not supposed to do?!? Anyway, once you have the link, all the albums will be in the same place and a new one will be added every day (only the most recent 5 will be downloadable [not a word]... don't dilly-dally!), so bookmark that bad boy, sit back, and relax. It's like Hanukkah... except like three times as long (that's what she said)!


So without further ado, let's talk a little about Delta Spirit's Ode To Sunshine. I have to thank my brother for introducing me to this San Diego band towards the end of last year (in fact, that's going to be a common theme for a lot of these albums... you can thank Mark [seen below doing a cover of The National's "Slow Show"] for most of the music in the next 25 days. And yes, I've already invested in his music career). These guys have toured with the Cold War Kids, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, and Dr. Dog... and if you've heard any of those bands, you have a good idea of what's in store: good, ol' fashioned rhythm and blues guitar with a rolling piano, well-rationed harmonica, and the emotive pipes of lead singer Matt Vasquez. You'd being doing yourself a disservice by skipping tracks, but album highlights include "Trashcan," "People, Turn Around," "Children," and "Streetwalker." They're a great listen, and since I'm going to their concert tonight, they're the perfect band to kick off "25 in 25."

A Star Birthday!

It only happens once in a lifetime and today is that day for our own music guru. That's right, Happy 25th on the 25th to MTopel! He will be giving you the gift of blog later today because he's so generous but if you see him today make sure to wish him happy birthday and maybe laugh at something he says.

State of the (Music) GSATW

As we say in Atlanta, it's "been a minute" since anything of value has been posted... musically speaking, of course. In anticipation of Obama's State of the Union Address tonight, we offer up a similar structure to let you know what you can expect in the future (and by you, I literally mean, "You... Chrissy... this is what you can expect from me"):

1. Lil' Wayne Quote of the Day - Discontinued
As they say, our eyes were bigger than our stomachs on that one... and although that's anatomically ridiculous, the metaphor holds true (as long as you equate "reading Lil' Wayne lyrics" to "eating"). But fear not, I promise that, until Audra decides I'm dead weight, I'll push Weezy F. as much as possible. The Greatest Rapper Alive will not go unnoticed.

2. Concert Reviews
If you're foolish enough to ignore recommendations for concerts, you'll still be able to read about them. For every show attended, a comprehensive review will go up. That's a fact.

3. Lyrical Criticism
Some bands have phenomenal lyrics that actually tell cool and interesting stories. Some bands have ridiculously shallow lyrics that basically act as filler for the sound. Some bands are Coldplay. It's our duty to analyze the words of our musical artists and delve into the meanings (either intended or implied).

4. Reviews/Bios
Everyone goes through listening "phases" with bands. We'll get into older albums as well as review new stuff that we're really excited about (Spoiler alert: a glowing review of Kelly Clarkson is forthcoming).

5. Music on TV
It'll continue in its current form. Additionally, if you hear of something else that's awesome, let us know and we'll link to it so others can download it easily from iTunes (or from Limewire, whatever).

That's about it. Yes, I realize this is still not a real post, but things are a little busy... people INSIST that you have to know a lot of stuff to be a doctor. I'm not convinced (since Wikipedia has all the answers), but failing out would be embarassing. Just so this isn't completely worthless, here's a great song (Colin Meloy covering Joanna Newsom's "Bridges and Balloons"... double indie points!) for your listening enjoyment. Peace.

The Dilemma of DVR

Digital Video Recorder. I remember fondly the day during sophomore year of college that I received a mysterious silver box in the mail from my sister. Little did I know that this box and the technology it held would change my life and television-watching across the world, forever. It was only a year prior when my roommate and I meticulously programmed my combo TV/VCR to the minute to record our daily fixes of Days of Our Lives and Passions that we would devour in the evenings. When it came to primetime TV however, there weren't enough VHS tapes to accommodate the programming we wanted to watch. So we had to choose. While it was difficult, the pre-DVR era forced us to commit to our shows whether it was the final season of Dawson's Creek or the new brand of reality, Joe Millionaire. We were singularly attached to these shows because we had to arrange our lives around them. Make time or miss it. The time I put into those shows automatically invested me in the characters and storylines because (sadly?) I was missing part of my life to be a part of theirs.

The advent of DVR has changed all of that and I fear it has ushered in an age of... television polygamy if you will. No longer do we have to pledge allegiance to our primetime players. Instead we have the option of recording multiple shows at once and catching others online. While this has undoubtedly increased convenience and access to shows (shout out to my TV Night crew) I'm here to confess today that I feel I am a television floozy, a harlot, a strumpet. Yes I have the shows I'm devoted to week after week but I still play the field, have my shows on the side that I can go to when I need a fun time or to change things up a little bit. Recently I've been feeling a bit guilty for leading on some old favorites. Kind of like that old friend who you know will always be there but recently prettier, shinier, more exciting friends have taken their place and you don't find yourself dialing them up like you used to. So readers of GSATW - I'm leaving this one up to you. I currently have 3 unwatched episodes each of Heroes, Brothers and Sisters and Ugly Betty on my DVR. Do I continue to lead them on with the prospect of future viewing? Or is it time to be honest with them, tell them things just aren't going to work out and let them loose and move on to greener pastures? Please leave your thoughts in the comments and save me from becoming the television watching version of Paris Hilton...because no one wants to see that.

Music in TV

Grey's Anatomy
Shontelle - "Roll It"

Friday Night Lights
Scott Matthews - "Eyes Wider Than Before"
Wolfmother - "Dimension"

Chuck
Cassettes Won't Listen - "Freeze and Explode"
Talking Heads - "Once In A Lifetime"

Get Thee To A Concert (or 5)!

In an effort to avoid going to concerts alone, here are some events happening in the near future in Atlanta. Also included are a few shows later this year, but tickets will undoubtedly sell out soon. Recommendation for purchasing tickets? Unless they're being sold through Ticket Alternative, you're better off going to the box office.

Feb. 25th: Delta Spirit -The Drunken Unicorn
This is a fantastically fun band with a great album called Ode To Sunshine, and if you want an idea of just exactly how awesome their live show will be, you can check it out for yourself. If it's any incentive, The Drunken Unicorn is a part of MJQ Concourse... yes, that MJQ. It serves as the perfect hole-in-the-wall venue for some rollicking piano, guitars, and even the occasional rock harmonica.

Mar. 3rd: Tapes n' Tapes - The Earl; Jesse McCartney - Center Stage
What?!? How am I possibly supposed to decide between these two shows??? I mean, on one hand, you have music blog favorites Tapes n' Tapes, and although their sophomore album Walk It Off doesn't quite reach the same highs as their debut (The Loon), I would imagine their live show being pretty intense. And on the other hand? Well, the man who penned "Leavin'" is always going to command consideration. It's a good thing I have an exam this week, or I'd have to find a way to be in two places at one time.



Mar. 10th: King Kahn and the Shrines - The Masquerade
Please watch the first 5 minutes. That's all I'm asking. If you're not convinced that this show would be almost too entertaining... well, I hope someone can help you.

Mar. 20th: Ryan Adams and The Cardinals - Fox Theater; A.C. Newman - The Earl
As much as I'd like to see Ryan Adams (and possibly Mandy Moore!), I've already got tickets for A.C. Newman, aka one of the members of Canada's indie all-star band, New Pornographers. Newman's debut solo album The Slow Wonder was amazing, and he's touring behind the extremely solid follow-up Get Guilty. Also, it was way cheaper... and I'm poor.

Mar. 26th: Cut Copy - The Masquerade
Go to this show. Seriously. Stop reading, buy tickets, get In Ghost Colours, listen to it, dance, repeat. Then imagine how awesome it'd be to go to their show. A sea of awkward music nerds dancing and screaming for the electronic music that just LET'S THEM BE WHO THEY THOUGHT THEY WERE! I'm adding visual evidence for just how kickass this show is going to be. The guy used his guitar for a cymbal hit!! That's the kind of outside-the-box thinking you're only going to find from Cut Copy. Aussies are crazy like that.


Well... that takes you through the end of March. The National and Bonnie "Prince" Billy are both playing in May (although not together) at the Variety Playhouse. Just giving some advance notices because they may sell out. Anyways, hope to see people out!

Economics, Hip-Hop/R&B, and the Prophet Webbie

Not an hour passes on our 24/7 news channels, websites, blogs, etc. without mention of the economic crisis. It hangs over everything. It has consumed the first days of Barack Obama's presidency and has caused people to do things like make death threats to that octuplet lady, Nadya Suleman. From the dissolution of investment banks to the formation of an $800 billion (or $1 trillion+, depending on who's calculations are used) stimulus package... from disturbingly high unemployment rates to home foreclosures... the last year has been incredibly difficult. Many people are quick to point fingers at those they feel are responsible, and economists everywhere point out that, in hindsight, we should've seen this coming. Well, someone did see this coming. And that someone is Webbie.

Back in early 2008, before gas prices hit $4 and people were still living in their homes with absurd mortgage rates, an inspirational and catchy tune hit the airways... "Independent." Its story is one too seldom heard in the lyrics of rappers... a celebration of a woman who's got her own house, her own car, works hard at two jobs... in short, this woman is "a bad broad." However, through adept lyricism, Webbie already points to signs of an economic downturn. Why two jobs? Is this just a general overachiever? Or should we assume that, with job stability tenuous at best, she'd rather hedge her bets than miss a mortgage payment? It's hard to tease out. Regardless, this is a woman who, as Webbie so eloquently notes "leaves the club kinda early cuz she gotta go to work... she got her own money, she don't need no help, man [pronounced as "maine"]."

And with that, the prophecy of Webbie rings loud and true: Hip-hop and R&B brethren... no longer can we afford the commodity of a woman with no job and who spends all our money! Seek not those concerned with your ability to buy them nice things; rather, it is the INDEPENDENT WOMAN who will help us navigate these tumultuous times!!

Listen closely, and you'll hear that the economic realities have manifested in other musicians' songs as well. Ne-Yo just won two Grammys for "Miss Independent," a song about a woman who's "got her own things." Indeed, this is why Ne-Yo loves her... can you say "shared fiscal responsibility?" Because he can. In fact, Ne-Yo has also released a song with Jamie Foxx and Fabolous called "She Got Her Own," a title that speaks louder than any lyric ever could. Either Ne-Yo invested with Bernie Madoff, or he's way ahead of the curve in understanding the long-term effects of our recession/depression. Speaking of Mr. Foxx... he partnered with T-Pain on "Blame It," and while the majority of the song is a lascivious lament on getting drunk and hooking up, at the end, he makes sure to shout out those independent ladies, "And to the independent ballers / Who can buy they['re] own bottles / And if you['re] looking like a model / When them[sic] broke fellas holla [sic] / Tell them bye / And hold ya [sic] drinks up high."

Without question, this is a scary time for everyone. And while some are content to ignore the realities of the situation and spend frivolously on extravagant non-essentials, the rest of us would do well to heed the sage advice of Webbie and his followers, Ne-Yo and Jamie Foxx. We can get through this, with a little help from independent women.

Music In TV

This will be a (hopefully) weekly post with songs from some of the shows we're watching that we particularly like. We think you'll like them too.

Friday Night Lights
Fink - This Is The Thing

Chuck
Hot Chip - Out At The Pictures

Real World

Cahill - Until Then

90210

Liam Finn - Better to Be

Private Practice

Matt Hires - A Perfect Day

Gavin Thorpe - Stone's Throw

Go To Hell Carolina!!! (Part 1 of 2)

At Grad Students Are The Worst, we don't dislike a lot of things. Just annoying people, dumb people, people who don't agree with us (probably annoying and dumb), ugly things, pointless things, things that we want but don't have, people who have things we want that we don't have, boring things... ok... there are a few things we don't like.

But we categorically hate UNC. Hate their "tradition," hate their stupid gigantic stadium, hate Roy Williams and his faux-down-home-good-ol-boy routine, hate their ugly-ass baby blue (NOT carolina blue, because that doesn't make sense), hate their fans, and most importantly... hate players who pretend to stay at school for the right reasons but really stay there because they're never going to make it in the NBA and realize that the best moments in their life are about to be over because they have weird eyes, a $5 haircut, and zero personality. Yes, Tyler Hansborough... we hate you.

In honor of the big game tonight, we present the following video as evidence that one man truly can make a difference. GO TO HELL CAROLINA, GO TO HELL!!

The Thermals - "Now We Can See"

Portland rockers The Thermals released the title track of their forthcoming album Now We Can See. I'm not that smart, so I can't really describe how they sound musically... the best approximation I can offer is that they're the musical equivalent of this. Thoughts on the new song: it's awesome and what I'd expect from this group: catchy hook, driving power chords, and lots of energy. Check it (and one of my favorite songs from their 2006 album The Body, The Blood, The Machine) out below!

The Thermals - "Now We Can See"

AI: Hollywood Week Favorites

• Matt Giraud – sounds like Elliot Yamin with amazing piano skills.  Tonight he had my favorite performance of the season thus far.
  
• Jamar Rogers – has little Pharrell vibe which is always a good thing for me.  Not sure he has to vocal chops to carry him into the finals though.
  
• Danny Gokey – The Robert Downey Jr. look a like has had strong performances every time out thus far.  His charm and sob story will likely land him a spot in the top 10.
  
• Anoop Desai – The only other Indian to make the big show was Sanjaya..and we all know how that ended.  With the voice, the frattiness and had the guts to sing Bobby Brown Anoop should fare much better.
  
• Lil Rounds – Can pull off the power ballads and has a bit of a Fantasia vibe to her.  The judges have already heaped much praise on her but we’ll have to wait to see if that’s indeed a blessing or a curse.
  
• Anne Marie Boskovich – My favorite female in the competition right now.  Reminds me a bit of Katherine McPhee but a little less polished which works for her.
  
• Ju’Not Joyner  - Don’t know about the spelling of his name but he has a soulful voice and an ADORABLE son!
  
• Michael Sarver – Anyone who’s official title is roughneck and can pull off an O-Town song is great in my book (ignore first dude in video).
  

It’s pretty evident that I think once again there is more talent in the guys but of course that could just be an issue of airtime.  Can’t wait to see the top 36 revealed tomorrow!

Sidenote – someone needs to put Tatianna out of her misery – a tranquilizer dart to the neck ought to do it.

My Grammy Night Awards

There was a lot of hype leading into this year's Grammys and I think that many of the performances lived up to it (See Mtopel posts).  I didn't watch the entire broadcast but here are the best and worst of what I saw.

Best Diva - Carrie Underwood owns everyone – voice, sparkly shoes, pretty much everything.

Best Juxtaposition – Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus.  I thought it was really striking to see true talent up against hype. Taylor Swift should have told Miley Cyrus to back up off her song.  Especially since Miley CANNOT sing!

Best Inspiration - Jennifer Hudson’s performance was haunting and beautiful.  I really admire her for the way she has come through this tragedy with grace and strength.

Best Nervous Mistake - JONAS BROTHERS!!!  (Excuse my inner 14 year old)  Nick may have had a little lyric snub but I still loved them with Stevie.  Joe was channeling Mick Jagger with ridiculous moves but as always I loved the styling – coordinating but each with their individual flavor.

Best Line of the Night – “We’re like the limestone of rock – a little softer but just as charming” – Chris Martin

Best Dressed Backup Dancers – loved Katy Perry’s dancers’ suits and sparkly bras – I would totally wear that to Cadaver Ball….with Carrie Underwood’s shoes.  But really there was no need for Katy Perry to perform – it brought nothing extra to the song – I’d actually rather hear it on the radio.  Not to mention the flats made her legs look …well less than svelte.

Worst Celebrity Impersonation - I know that Kanye has started many a fashion trend but the Wesley Snipes hair is NOT happening!

Best Self-Promotion – The great performance, charming acceptance speech and mesmerizing video clip makes me want to buy a Sugarland album

Best non-televised Grammy category – Best Album Notes

Best Badass - MIA is a badass all you haters who said she should have been at home let’s see what you can do when you’re 9 months pregnant.  Homegirl was rocking that crazy dress and dancing like a maniac. Love her.

"Lost (w/ Jay-Z)" and "Viva La Vida" - Coldplay

Coldplay was a big winner last night (unless you count Chris Martin's midriff-bearing shirt... in which case, everyone lost), and they didn't disappoint onstage. Martin opened solo on "Lost," with Jay-Z joining him for a verse later on. I'm finding myself becoming a fan of this stupidly-addicting song that pulls from the same 7 chord bank that Coldplay's utilized since Parachutes, and it still sounds good. That transitions to "Viva La Vida...", with the whole band on stage doing their high-energy British freak-out session. All in all, it's no wonder these guys are one of the world's biggest rock bands. They can put on a show. And maybe Brian Eno is helping more than we expected...

Radiohead + Marching Band = Best Part Of Grammys

Note: I haven't seen the Grammys yet, but I find it impossible to believe that any performance was better than this collaboration between arguably the best band in the world and the USC marching band. Let's play a game: How much would you pay to be in the band last night? Basically, not only do they have front row seats and a ticket to the Grammys, but they got to play with Radiohead!! I would easily drop $1500. Without question, I would spend $1500 of my hard, earned loan money for that opportunity. Damnit that was sweet...

Radiohead - 15 Step
Uploaded by Alisvideo

Grammy Winners... Whatever...

"At least some of the nominees were relevant this year..." I'm still trying to take solace in that. Anyways, here's a list of winners (of somewhat relevant awards) accompanied with my whiny, bitter, misplaced-hate responses to them.

- Record of the Year: "Please Read the Letter" - Robert Plant/Allison Kraus
Not sure when this was handed out, but pretty sure anyone who heard the song was already in bed. Or never existed. Or is unclear what this whole "music" thing is. Should've gone to M.I.A. for "Paper Planes." Although that shouldn't have even been nominated since it was released in 2007. Actually, I don't really know the rules. So I'll say it... the recording academy is racist. Or their lawyers couldn't get "winner gives birth on stage" insurance in time. Regardless, it's a damn shame.

- Song of the Year: "Viva La Vida" - Coldplay
This was the least terrible song (seriously... "Love Song" was nominated), so it was the right choice. Not sure how they could pick 5 mediocre-to-terrible songs for Song of the Year. Somebody sucks at their job.

- Best New Artists: Adele
Seems reasonable. Don't know much about her except that she's really young. Not sure how the JoBros got passed up. You never say "no" to a Promise Ring.

- Best Female Pop Vocal Performance: "Chasing Pavement" - Adele
Well now this isn't fair at all. Why does this chick gets two awards? Isn't it already past her bedtime? "Bleeding Love" should've won because it sooooo powerful. And moving. And stuff. But seriously, Leona Lewis will fuck your shit up, Academy. You made a BIG mistake.

- Best Male Pop Vocal Performance: "Say" - John Mayer
Shoot me in the goddam face. I get it. He's talented. He has tatoos. He's tall. And apparently he's funny. He's also an insufferable tool that's somehow nominated in like eighty gajillion different categories. "What's that? 'Room For Squares' has retroactively won a Best World Music Album?" I hate the Academy. Sorry Ne-Yo, you should've won for "Closer."

- Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals: "Rich Woman" - Robert Plant & Allison Kraus
I'd love for someone to read the definition of "Pop" to me. Because when I hear the names Robert Plant and Allison Kraus... "pop" isn't the first thing that comes to mind. It's also SO WEIRD that they're the only ones in the category that you WOULDN'T think was pop, and SOMEHOW... they won the Grammy. I hate old people. (C-Breezy and Jordin Sparks got robbed for "No Air")

- Best Pop Vocal Album: Rockferry - Duffy
... in which 75% of his/her (I don't really know Duffy's gender) competition included Sheryl Crow, The Eagles, and James Taylor. I think I just threw up in my mouth. And that's about the dumbest album-artist name combo I could ever imagine seeing. Who the hell is Duffy?!? And what the hell is a rockferry???

- Best Dance Recording: "Harder Better Faster Stronger" - Daft Punk
I realize this song was everywhere this year, but it's EIGHT YEARS OLD!!! No, seriously. It is. I can't believe they're counting live albums. Wait... what's that? The album was Alive 2007?? That's so interesting. How you can, like... skip years and it's not a problem. Give it to "Ready For The Floor" by Hot Chip!! Now THAT'S a dance recording with an even better video!

- Best Rock Performance by Duo/Group: "Sex On Fire" - Kings Of Leon
I didn't realize NME was handing out the awards tonight. Oh well, it's not like Radiohead was in this category or anything. They were? Are you sure? Ok... so just so we're clear, based on tonight, KOL > Radiohead? Awesome.

- Best Rock Album: Viva La Vida... - Coldplay
Is it ok to like Coldplay again? Whatever, I'm alright with it. Do your thing, Coldplay.

- Best Alternative Music Album: In Rainbows - Radiohead
Finally something to be happy about! This is an historically great category with deserving winners (Radiohead have won twice in the past for OK Computer and Kid A).

- Best Female R&B Vocal Performance: "Superwoman" - Alicia Keys
Do people still like Alicia Keys? I feel like she's been around forevvvvver. Ugh. Move aside and give someone else a chance. Jazmine Sullivan... if you're not busy attacking some dude's windshield, howsabout you take a swing?

- Best Male R&B Vocal Performance AND Best R&B Song: "Miss Independent" - Ne-Yo
Good win. Could've seen Male Performance go to Chris Brown for "Take You Down." You know... if he hadn't assaulted Rihanna earlier in the day. Yeesh. Calm yourself child.

- Best R&B Album: Jennifer Hudson - Jennifer Hudson
Don't even know if it's the best of these albums. Don't care. This was the right winner.

- Best Rap Solo Performance: "A Milli" - Lil' Wayne
Considering that this song somehow didn't get nominated for Record of the Year, it had BETTER have won this category! I can't wait to actually go back and watch the awards ceremony, just to see every shot with Lil' Wayne. That man needs a TV show. Like, yesterday. Mainly so someone can document how many songs he actually records in a year. 300 wouldn't surprise me at all. In fact, that would be an excellent consulting interview question. "Approximately how many songs was Lil' Wayne a part of in 2008?" Let's get this implemented immediately.

- Best Rap Performance by a Duo/Group: "Swagga Like Us" - T.I., Jay-Z, Lil' Wayne, and Kanye West
I like this song. I really do. And this was a tough category. And I could've been happy with either "Put On" or "Mr. Carter" as well. But the best song in this group was, without question, "Royal Flush" by Big Boi, Raekwon, and Andre 3000. And especially Andre 3000. He KILLS his verse!

- Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: "American Boy" - Estelle and Kanye West
I think the fact that this category exists is proof... making these golden gramophones is too easy. Of course, I also think it's a travesty that a song with an opening line of "I need a Winn-Dixie grocery bag full of money right now to the VIP section!" can't win a Grammy. The more things change, the more they stay the same...

- Best Rap Song: "Lollipop" - Lil' Wayne
It probably took about 15 listens for me to finally come around on this song, and by listen 25, I was tired of hearing it. Luckily, radio stations played it non-stop for about 3 months. Would've liked to see Lupe grab one for "Superstar," but what're you going to do? Be more disappointed? Not sure if that's possible.

- Best Rap Album: Tha Carter III - Lil' Wayne
Duh.

Which leads nicely into the GRAND FINALE! And the Grammy for the big big big award goes to...

- Best Album of the Year: Tha Carter III - Lil' Wayne
See? Doesn't it look right?!? Shouldn't we be okay with picking a rap album as the album of the year when it's clearly better than EVERY other choice that's available? I mean, I love Radiohead. And I think In Rainbows is a phenomenal album. But I really believe that Tha Carter III was better. Maybe not critically, maybe not even commercially (that would be an interesting statistic), and probably not even musically... but Lil' Wayne owned 2008. He was everywhere. And he deserved to be on that stage tonight for the big award. And instead we had to see Robert Plant (who I respect) and Allison Kraus (ditto). And there's a good chance that Please Read The Letter is a good album. It's possibly great. But I don't know a single person who's heard it.

The big story leading up to the Grammys this year was about how relevant it was becoming. "Look at who's nominated! That's great! People will actually watch!" And people did watch. Hoping to see something a little different. And they didn't.

Oh well... at least the Oscar's are coming up...

Hearing Music Whilst Watching Television

TV On The Radio - Saturday Night Live (NBC, 11:30pm) and The Colbert Report (Comedy Central, Monday, 11:30pm)

Critics rarely agree on anything, but TVOTR brought all those bespectacled, tight-clothed, scruffy-so-it-looks-like-I'm-a-slacker-but-it-takes-me-an-hour-to-get-ready writers together last year by releasing Dear Science,. They're on a victory lap, of sorts, and will be playing on SNL this weekend (that dude from Wedding Crashers... Sac, or Zac, or something... he was the d-bag... will be hosting), with a follow-up performance on the Colbert Report Monday [MLT: I fought hard to use a "TV On the Radio... On the TV!" joke. ARW: But that's lame.] This isn't meant to be a review of the album or a discussion on the band, but anyone who likes music should be listening to TVOTR. Start with Dear Science, and if you don't want to check out the rest of their catalogue, I'll take it back.

Various Artists - 51st Grammy Awards (CBS, Sunday, 8pm)

51st Grammy Awards, and the first relevant Grammy Awards in as long as I've followed music. This should actually be a really interesting show; between the rumored collaborations, the strong nominees for the major categories, and the insane Katie Couric interview of Lil' Wayne this week, nothing could surprise me. I can't wait to see if they have the balls to give a major award to Lil' Wayne (this generation's James Brown). We'll have a full recap of the Grammys next week, breaking down performances and the winners. Grad Student style.

Zach Condon and Coffee Shops

If you're not on the Beirut bandwagon yet, no worries. Chances are Zach Condon and his merry musicmakers are playing at your favorite kaufehaus right now! Now I'm not a regular coffee drinker, but I've been in my fair share of them over the past few weeks studying... or people watching. We'll go with studying. That sounds better. My numbers could be off because I don't have a calculator and/or am exaggerating to make a point, but I would say that approximately 84% of the coffee shops in my area have one Beirut song on their playlist right now. I don't blame them. The antique-European sound and the unique instrumentation (via their "About Me" on MySpace: "a trumpet from Paris, farfisa organ, accordion, piano, ukelele, mandolin, glockenspiel, violin, cello, tambourine, The air powered organ I bought on twelth street, Congo drum donated from the neighbors....A broken microphone stolen from the university of new mexico...") set them apart from a lot of bands out there. Add Condon's vocal chops to the mix, and it's hard to imagine anyone doing anything else other than sipping coffee and having a worldly, philosophical conversation. Or, you know... "studying."

The Cool Kids are... umm, cool?

"Did you know I made this beat with my mouth and a bell?" boasts Chuck Inglish on "What Up Man," the opening track of the Cool Kids' 2008 album The Bake Sale. And while that's not completely true (come on Chuck, we can hear that drum kit!), by the time he gets to that lyric, it's already become apparent that this is not the hip-hop you'd expect now, but 20 years prior... back in 1988. It's this retro style that have earned The Cool Kids praise and labels such as "hip" and "trendy." And it's justified. Not every song on The Bake Sale is going to feature someone creating beats by literally saying "tick," "clap," and "bass," but it's saturated with the types of beats you'd find on a Beastie Boys or Run DMC album. And it fits. Chuck and Cool Kid partner Mikey aren't rapping about how much money they have, how many girls they've been with, or how many criminal charges they've beaten. They rap about the trivial (going to the store) and banal (riding bikes). It's refreshing. And cool.

10 Reasons You Should Watch Privileged

Privileged is a new comedy on the CW about a Yale graduate who takes a job tutoring rich twins in order to further her career as a writer.  I think you should watch it and here's why.

• Joanna Garcia is completely charming as Megan.  Though she sometimes slips to the side of neurotic I like how the show is focused on how she balances her relationships with the twins, her best friend Charlie, boyfriend Will and crazy family while remaining smart and slightly goofy.
• It's set in Palm Beach, Florida - a nice change from the typical LA and NYC.
• Great music selections - my favorite thus far is the Cary Brothers remake of the Sixteen Candles classic "If You Were Here" 
• All scenes involving Marco and Rami - the Baker's snarky chef and butler
• Megan and Will's relationship.  Many times when the super couple of a show gets together the results are disappointing as the building of sexual tension was the only thing making them interesting.  Wegan have managed to stay relevant while actually evolving as a couple.
• The return of the OC's Michael Cassidy to your small screen
• The dynamic between Megan and the twins is sweet but believable
• James Franco's little brother Dave as cute nerd Zach.  He's the Seth Cohen to a new generation.  Favorite quote "I don't party.  I don't even like to use the word party as a verb."
• Beautiful people in beautiful clothes.
• And finally the show was created by Rina Mimoun.  Mimoun has been the brains behind shows such as Everwood, Jack & Jill, Pushing Daisies and Gilmore Girls.  She makes shows with heart that are all too often short-lived.  Don't let Privileged be another casualty and give it a chance! (Tuesdays 9PM on the CW)

The Walkmen - "Four Provinces" Video

I saw this on Pitchfork.tv today in between classes and thought it deserved at least 2-3 further viewings before writing about it. And now it's already off the front page of their website! Regardless, this video is incredible. The director compiled thousands of still photos from the Tibetan plateaus of Nepal. Aside from the beautiful scenery shots, the video follows a young girl as she walks what seems like miles through the landscape. When she finally meets up with her friends for a dance party, it's impossible not to be happy. Seriously. I dare you.

A Good Cause AND Good Music!

In two weeks, 4AD is going to release the best compilation album ever... well, compiled. Not only is it being produced by Aaron and Bryce Dessner of The National, but it's for a good cause!

"A total of thirty-two exclusive tracks have been recorded for the compilation, which will be available as a double cd, triple vinyl and download album, with profits benefitting the Red Hot Organization - an international charity dedicated to raising funds and awareness for HIV and AIDS"

Double CD? Triple vinyl?? Download album??? Ok, that last part isn't that special, but seriously, if giving your money to a great cause isn't a good enough reason to buy this album the day it comes out (February 17th), then check out this unbelievable playlist! Some of the songs are new, some are reworkings of the artist's previous output, and a good number are covers. Each day, the album's MySpace page will be playing a different song until February 14th, so make sure to check back often.

With so much talent at the table, it's hard to pick favorites, but an early front runner would have to be Justin Vernon. "Big Red Machine" with Aaron Dessner is phenomenal, opening with strings and transitioning into a very National-esque piano-driven melody. But it's Vernon's multi-track vocals that completely mesmerize. Combined with his band's (Bon Iver) "Brackett, WI," Vernon stands tall among many of his peers, proving that his breakout 2008 album "For Emma, Forever Ago" was no fluke. Expect more thoughts on him in the near future...

You Know You Love Me

Just a few storyline thoughts…

Teacher/Dan - As a former teacher I am totally icked out by little miss English teacher having one-on-one coffee dates complete with witty banter with Lonely Boy. As much as you may want to be cool and connect with your students there are boundaries but such things don’t exist on the Upper East Side I presume. Also for someone so judgmental Dan sure does make a lot of dumb decisions

Blair’s war – In recent episodes Blair has been channeling her inner Cher Horowitz (Clueless for you culturally deprived) with her rousing soliloquies and calls to action and I couldn’t enjoy it more. I can only dream of the kind of hijinks Blair and Cher could get into in some sort of East Coast-West Coast scheme-off with Cher working for good and Blair for evil. At first they would butt head but ultimately they’d become best friends with the new Kelly Clarkson single in the background…someone in Hollywood please make this happen!

Chuck Bass has become my favorite characters on this show but this whole secret sex society storyline doesn’t look like it’s going to do him any favors. Uncovering Daddy’s secrets seem like a bit of a waste of the fabulous character writing they have had for him as of late.

All in all I thought this episode was a little disappointing. Vanessa and Nate were pointless per usual (it’s really time to kill one of them off) and I feel like the current plot devices are played out. I even missed the Eric and Little J dynamic. GG really needs to get back to the heart of the show – the relationships between Rufus and Lily and Chuck and Blair to regain its greatness.

Until next time,

XOXO

Adios Alabama

I love how 30% of an episode of the Bachelor is either review or preview. Maybe the producers are on to the fact that the majority of their viewers (including myself) have an attention span of about 7 minutes. Plus it’s hard to keep up with all the chicks that Jason keeps making out with! I have to say I was pretty charmed by the single dad when he got his heart crushed by DeAnna and expected him to be a different kind of Bachelor...especially since he’s basically pimping out his 3-year old for booty. However he has gone the way of Andrew Firestone, Charlie O’Connell and many other bachelors before him in slipping his tongue down the throat of just about every tart that shows up.

Jason returns home to his little boy Ty. In the process he reveals that he’s only been away from him about a week. Deep inside I know that they stretch out these episodes like none other but it makes the whole prospect of these women saying they are falling in love with him even creepier when you think about the fact that they’ve literally know him for 7 DAYS!!

Jason picks Melissa for a one on one date. I respect the fact that he didn’t let her meet the kid yet – it can’t be healthy for a kid to see Daddy dating 5 women at once. Highlight of Melissa’s date is as she’s talking about how she doesn’t normally take guys to meet her family “I’m only doing it because there’s something special about you that I want them to see”…. or because the producers and ABC are forcing you to.

Fashion faux pas of the night- Stephanie’s fur vest. I know you’re from Alabama but do you really have to dress like you’re from Alabama? The radio station date was pretty boring though I do give Jason props for finding yet another way to make out with all of the girls in the same room on live radio…ballsy.

I must admit that I have a Bachelor girl crush on Jillian. First off she’s Canadian – instant cool points. And from the beginning (even with the cheesy hot dog shtick) she’s seemed super normal and someone I would totally be friends with. Maybe the limited syndication in Canada shielded her from the fact that most of the women on this show are vapid and desperate. I kind of hope that Jason doesn’t pick her – 1) because I think she’s too good for him and 2) she would make a kick-ass Bachelorette.

Rose ceremony time – Naomi’s face is really shiny…like putting J.Lo to shame with the amount of bronzer and body shimmer she is wearing. Maybe that’s why Jason is so dazzled by her. First rose – Jillian!! I really thought ABC might want to save money on flights to Canada with the recession and all but hooray for her. 2^nd rose – Melissa – not surprising. 3^rd rose – Molly. I love the gusto with which Chris Harrison announces the final rose every week. You’d think after all these years he would have lost some umph but the man brings it every week. Naomi gets the rose and Jason sends ole tight face back to her daughter. I may have made fun of her a lot but I will admit to shedding a tear with everyone on the show – damn you ABC for toying with my emotions!

Coming up next week – hometown visits including hilarious Canadian grandmothers, dead doves and more!

The Start Of Something New

At “Grad Students Are The Worst,” we like television. We also like music. She watches a little bit more than he does, and he listens to a little bit more than she does. But we also help each other out: he gave her every season of “The Wire” to consume en masse, and she helps him with pop/hip-hip/R&B pre-2006 (except for that JTlake/N*Sync comp he’s been dying for). We’re ready to unleash our collective, mind-blowing awesomeness on the masses. Or the people we tell to read this (and really only those people we tell AND who actually listen to us). Feel free to comment, tell us how great we are, and/or disagree with us. But you should know that neither of us has been wrong about anything. Ever. Enjoy reading. Or don’t and go watch some shitty TV and listen to some shitty music. See if we care.

* Bonus points to the first person to get the references of both the title and subtitle