GRAMMY SHOW WAS A SNOOZE AND SURPRISE

****
THE WEB GOSSIP
****

Bruno Mars

GRAMMY NOTES – As has been with almost every Grammy Show presentation, last night’s show was both a snooze and surprise fest: Who would have thought that the group Lady Antebellum would have cleaned up with both Record of the Year and Song of the Year; 5 awards in total. I mean, it’s a lovely song and all, but it’s a direct lift from the 1982 hit by The Alan Parsons Project song “Eye In The Sky.” They're a great band, but their wins were just another indication of NARAS’ continued defiance to applaud and recognize singular talent. I'm not saying they don't … they do occasionally, but, they should do more of it; "Need You Now” was a HUGE radio hit and in reality; that’s what this show is all about: recognizing the records and artists that sold millions. I guess originality is a distant second. Also worth highlighting was Bruno Mars' performance with B.o.B. and Janelle Monae on “Nothin’ On You” which was terrific, and, then he launched into a re-worked version of his current hit “Grenade,” then jumped back to play drums on Monae’s “Cold War.” Definitely the #1 utility man of the show. This guy’s a star … no question about it. Brit-sensation Florence Welch and her stunningly good debut album Lungs which featured the hits “Dog Days Are Over, “Kiss With A Fist," “You've Got The Love” and “Rabbit Heart” lost out as Best New Artist to Esperanza Spalding; the first jazz artist (bass player) ever to do so. Truth be told, I was not all that familiar with her until I had seen her last week on the David Letterman show. Amazing! Also, let’s be fair on this: Lady Gaga’s new song “Born This Way” sounds spot-on note for note like Madonna’s “Express Yourself.” Also, I'm a bit over her stage antics. I mean, those early Elton John-costumes were certainly over the top, but they never overshadowed his terrific music. Gaga’s apparent need to constantly try to outdo herself each time, borders on psychosis I think. To this writer, I'm all for dressing up, or down … but, enough. My particular highlights in the three-hour plus show were: Bob Dylan performing “Maggie’s Farm” with Mumford And Sons and the Avett Brothers; Bob certainly seemed like he was at a different show, but his command of his performance with two newer bands was symbolically terrific. The other standout moment of the evening just has to be 67-year old Mick Jagger’s salute to the late-Solomon Burke with a absolutely stunning performance of Burke's “Everybody Needs Somebody To Love.” Jagger, in slick Nike sneakers, looked great and delivered an aerobic tribute to Burke backed by Raphael Saadiq and his band. If he ever decides to record another solo album, he should call Saadiq immediately. Interestingly enough, Jagger showed most of the other acts there what show biz is all about as he totally electrified the audience and in moments had the crowd (at the awful, barren Staples Center in L.A.) on their feet. He was that good. Also hard to believe: it was his first-ever Grammy performance! One more highlight was the acoustic performance of Lifetime Award Winner Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” by the trio of John Mayer; Norah Jones; and Keith Urban. Again, this is what music’s all about; just a terrific performance by these three. Also, props to the Aretha Franklin opening by Yolanda Adams; Christina Aguilera; Jennifer Hudson; and Martina McBride. An ailing-Franklin, appeared in a taped-opening offering her apologies for not being at the show in person… we wish her the best. Also, Cee Lo sporting what can only be described as a Nubian early-Elton John-ish attire performed his “The Song Otherwise Known As Forget You,” with Gwyneth Paltrow … and, which won a Grammy as well. And, how about indie-Canadian band Arcade Fire, winning Best Album of the Year? All in all, three hour of my life I'll never get back! At least there’s none of the drama that ensued during Michael Greene’s tumultuous tenure; Greene was the previous CEO at the Grammy's and re-signed under fire.

****

Barry Diller

WHAT JULIAN SAYS -- Ever wonder where the next David Geffen or Barry Diller could come from? Check out Julian Sundby by way of Florida, whose Julian Sundby Music is currently turning out and creating some of the best new music around. Listen to what the man said: “I don't understand why people are saying that the music industry is in shambles. It’s a very exciting time for the music business. With the new technologies, the business models have changed in the industry; however, I feel that it raises the bar for labels. Now they have to come up with more innovative ways of promoting and distributing artists.

The Internet leveled the playing field. Write a great tune and it can reach millions of people in a day. Incorporate Sirius/XM with new music and radio programs and you have a formula for success. We are looking at the trends and assembling a network of musicians, radio talent, producers and program directors that understand how to re-invent the old models.

I believe that wireless Internet will eventually be in everyone's car. You will be able to go to YouTube, Rhapsody or Grooveshark and play your favorite song for free. Stream music in a car, and CD's, IPods and radio become obsolete. Create a new online market that combines terrestrial, satellite and Internet radio with great content and you're golden.”


****

FANTASTIC FOUR NO MORE? -- If you're not a comic-book geek you might not realize it; but, last month, the Human Torch (from The Fantastic Four) was killed off, and none other than Spider Man, has replaced him. In fact, the group has officially changed their name to the Future Foundation. Now, again, if you're not of the comic-con connection, this all might not amount to a hill of beans for you, but, in the Marvel Universe this is indeed big news. They even have rather-fabulous all-white/black new uniforms with three hexagons replacing the traditional number four. "I think it's a great idea," said Bob Bretall of the ComicBookPage podcast. "The association between Spidey and the FF goes all the way back to Amazing Spider Man No. 1 in 1962."

One of the most memorable examples of this on-again, off-again partnership with the FF involved a very different kind of costume change. In a 1984 issue of Amazing Spider Man, the webhead ended up putting on the iconic original Fantastic Four costume ... and they got around the problem of his mask by having him wear a brown paper bag on his head.

Bretall thinks that Spidey joining the team makes sense on another level: "Given that Johnny (Storm, the Human Torch) has long been Spider Man’s best friend as a superhero, it just feels right for him to step in and round out the roster to four."

****

Liam Neeson

SHORT TAKES -- Looking forward to seeing Unknown this week at a special screening; film stars Liam Neeson and Diane Kruger (Inglorious Basterds). Directed by Jaume Collet-Sera, it looks positively riveting ... The King's Speech won six awards at this weekend's BAFTA Awards ... it is now the one to beat in the Oscars ... Check out Jolene Matthews, certified public trainer, actress, and model. We'll have more info on her next time ... and, finally, also this weekend was the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) awards, where Inception and True Grit were the big winners.


Photos By: Walter McBride/RD/Orchon/Retna