American Music Awards Pt.1

Hey Everyone!

So as a music nut, I often feel compelled to sit through three hour award shows that I cant stand. From the over the top performances to the favoritism in award presentations, its all just a snooze fest for me. And yet, I continue to subject myself to it... why? Maybe its just so I can say I saw it, so I can keep up with discussions about what was shocking, what went wrong, what celeb got caught lip-synching. Who knows? So naturally, last night I parked myself in front of the living room TV (as a party raved on around me none the less) to watch the 2009 AMAs. Here are my thoughts on the night. The first part will be awards, part 2 will be up shortly to discuss performances!

AWARDS:

POP/ROCK: OK... I know everyone is sad about MJ, I get it, really I do. He was an important figure in music for sure and the loss is difficult for the fans... but why did he win every award? Lets be honest, This Is It was not the best song of the year... I'm sorry. Its just honesty here, can you say that This Is It is anywhere near comparable to Man In The Mirror, Bad, or Thriller? NO! It just bothers me that artists who pass seem to be given awards whether or not they fit. Favorite pop album of the year... really? Lets again, be honest... one of the only reasons that won? He died so everyone was reminded of how much they loved MJ before all the bad press came out so they went out and bought the album and requested the song.

COUNTRY: I don't listen to much country to be honest. I just cant say I feel the emotion when I hear a guy singing about his love of the farm life since I've been a city girl as long as I've been alive. Yes, I know that is a gross generalization, but I'm just saying that country music has never really been my thing. That point aside, I think the awards were just. I have nothing further to say... Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts... I am familiar with your work and know you're popular artists so well done, congrats.

SOUL/R&B: Ok, so I just have one question... what happened to real soul/r&b music? What about the classics like Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Tony Braxton? I get that they aren't really modern artists, and therefore its right that they aren't nominated for awards... HOWEVER, I just cant shake the feeling that this category has gone downhill and we're now just adopting pop artists under this header. What do you think?

RAP/HIP HOP: Have to say, I would have liked to see Eminem walk away with something to show for it, but I cant say that Jay-Z did not deserve the sweep. He had a good year, and he's a very talented artists so kudos to Jay-Z.

ADULT CONTEMPORARY: I know T.Swift has has some serious airwave domination, but I never thought I'd see the day where a country/pop princess takes this category at the age of 19... aka about half the age of the "adult contemp" audience. But again, it is kind of cool that she is able to transcend that barrier and be loved by all different ages. Parents are probably happy to take kids to these shows... I know my mom hated accompanying me to hardcore shows when I was younger haha.

ALTERNATIVE ROCK: I'm a little bias here, I'm sure you all know that by now. I love Green Day, so clearly I'm thrilled they won. But can I just say that I think its kind of sad that there is only ONE rock category and it only had three nominees? I mean, is it just me, or is this a rather popular genre? People listen to rock and there are a lot of different kinds... metal, punk, alternative... why not have more than one encompassing category and celebrate some of the different styles? I'm just saying... oh, and I dont really consider the pop/rock category as a good substitute, especially when there are only 3 nominees because that really does not leave much room for artists haha

SOUNDTRACK: Ok, as much as I am not a big fan of the Twilight phenomenon, I have to admit the album track list is pretty rocking. A good mix of indie and alt rock that you just cant help but enjoy. There's something for everyone. Not a bad choice, even though I just cant stand the movie or the books... have to say, the music choice has my approval! Even the Rob Pattinson song isn't awful, though I cant really understand many of the words :P Oh, and in all honesty? WAY BETTER than Hannah Montana, because the movie soundtrack and her 3D concert soundtrack were the other two nominees!

So that about sums up my personal opinions on the awards category! Stay tuned for part II which will feature my thoughts on performances of last night!

What did you think of the awards distribution? What changes would you make if any? Feel free to share! I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Rock On!

- Girl At The Rock Show

Song of the Day: Young Cardinals by Alexisonfire... just because I like the band and the song. No other reason today!

New Michael Jackson Track Hits Airwaves!

Hello readers!

      I know the whole MJ topic is highly overplayed right now, but before the media hype takes hold once more when the film is released next week, I'm using this break to write a VERY short blog on the late king of pop. 

Like Elvis and Kurt Cobain before him, Michael Jackson has left behind an important legacy... as well as unreleased music. One track, entitled "This Is It" was released to radio this past week and is already making waves. Fans worldwide were comforted in his death by the fact that his music lives on and will continue to top charts today. As many of you agreed in the poll, the film is paying perfect tribute to the icon. The new track provides a sense of peace for dedicated followers who are still struggling with the loss of their idol. So no matter what the media may say, or what tabloids may appear in months to come, I say we let the music speak for itself. Let MJ be remembered for his contributions to the industry, and the way he made the fans scream for 45 years, and many more to come. I may not be a big fan myself, but I can appreciate the mark this man made on society through the art of music. So rest in peace Michael, and may your legacy live on.

This Is It by Michael Jackson

What do you think of this new track? Let me know, share your opinions!

Thanks and Rock On,

- Girl At The Rock Show 

Song of the Day: Dont Fear The Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult

Wishful Beginnings

Good morning Blogosphere,

 

Welcome to my page! I have to say, this is all kind of new and intriguing. It is certainly impossible to say that I've never posted a blog before. I've dabbled on different sites and tried to get my 15 minutes of internet fandom, who hasn't? That being said, its also true that within a few postings, each blog I start comes to an abrupt end. But this time, this time will be different. I make that promise to you all now. Mark my word, this blog will not suffer the same demise as my last attempts! I have a feeling that this blog will become very important to me. This will be my voice. 

Ok, I think I've dragged on enough about that. Now that you're all caught up on my horrible habits, lets get down to the real deal! Music. What does it mean to us? Is it just a hobby, a pass time, or something far greater? For some, music is nothing more than catchy background noise. As for myself, I've always believed that life can be defined by music. That each one of us has a personal playlist which has the power to evoke emotion and return us to a particular time and place. Music is an incredibly powerful entity, and this is why it intrigues me so much. 

This blog will be dedicated to music. Local concert updates, band and artist bios, and CD reviews, you'll find it all here. I will also be recommending a song or album at the end of each post, a "Jess' song of the day" if you will. While I do enjoy a vast array of genres, there will be a strong focus on rock music (yes, this includes punk/indie/alt./etc). 

So now that you're all up to date on how this thing works, I'll leave you with a small personal bio and wishes for a pleasant evening. Welcome to my journey, hope you all enjoy the ride as much as I do!

BIO: My name is Jessica, I'm a third year university student currently studying Media. For as long as I can remember, music has been an important staple in my life. The love affair first started in the passenger seat of my mom's car. Many of my childhood memories center around that car, and the radio stations that flooded the speakers. Now, I know my mom doesn't listen to the coolest music. Sadly, many of these fond memories center around artists like Celine Dion and Shania Twain. However, throw in the occasional Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson and Madonna track and we can call it even. The point is, I remember being fascinated with the music itself... the voice, the instruments, the production, the way it all came together to create that track. It wasnt long before I began to search for my own sound. I started playing instruments and listening to other artists. Like every other young girl, I found pop music at an early age. Spice Girls and Britney Spears were a staple in my house. But I grew bored quickly... this is when I found Hip Hop/R&B. Oddly enough, it is this very genre which led me to my current obsession with rock n roll. The first rock show I ever saw was Linkin Park. I remember the feeling I had when the lights went down and the crowd came to life... I remember the atmosphere of that stadium. Filled with tension and excitement... it was totally new. For those few hours, I was alive. Since that night, I have been obsessed with rock n roll, but I never lost my love of the other genres. I guess you could say that I've collected music over the years, and I'm still working to build my collection. There's always something new out there, and I'm always looking to find it.... but I'll always be The Girl At The Rock Show.

Song of the Day: Black Or White- Michael Jackson

- I felt this was appropriate. I'll always remember this song because I woke up to it almost every saturday morning of my childhood. I still want to get up and dance around the living room when I hear it. To the late great king of pop, may you rest in peace, and thank you for being a part of my life's personal playlist.

Goodnight and Rock On!

-Girl At The Rock Show.