Grammy Winners

What an amazing turnaround the Grammys have had. Nobody used to care that much about them. Of the all the major awards and their award ceremonies --the Oscars for film, Tonys for live theater, and Emmys for TV-- the Grammys had the least cachet, the least cultural relevance. Sound Opinions rock critics Greg Kott and Jim DeRogatis have noted on a number of occasions they were like that from the start; the music industry's Old Guard established them in 1958 to promote "good music." Meaning music other than rock 'n roll, that abomination teenagers were listening to.

The Old Guard's battle and war were lost long ago, their territory overrun. All that's left is the castle they built in hopes of defending it. Being as they are immobile and heavy, castles don't adapt fast or easily. But the Grammys are obviously trying, and perhaps are finally getting somewhere.

Or not. Here are some of this year's winners. You decide.


Record Of The Year
* "Please Read the Letter," Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

Album of the Year
* Raising Sand, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

Song of the Year
* "Viva La Vida," Coldplay

Best New Artist
* Adele

Best Electronic/Dance Album
* Alive 2007, Daft Punk

Best Rock Album
* Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends, Coldplay

Best R&B Album
* Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Hudson

Best Rap Album
* Tha Carter III, Lil Wayne

Best Country Album
* Troubadour, George Strait

Best Contemporary Jazz Album
* Randy In Brasil, Randy Brecker