Grammys 2010: Butch Walker Steals The Show! (at least I thought so haha)

Hey Everyone!

So the other night I was watching the Grammys as I do every year... dont ask why because honestly, I dont even know why I do it haha. Anyways, Taylor Swift performed so I un-muted the TV to get a listen so I could have some valid commentary... and I'm glad I did. Despite not being the worlds best vocalist (and she knows this- but she IS a fantastic writer and musician so kudos to her!) she put on a great show. Her medley was well done, and it involved a couple key players. For one, the absolutely stunning and super talented Stevie Nicks (oh yeah- it happened) and the equally brilliant... BUTCH WALKER?! How many of you noticed him up there? Be honest!

My roommate will vouch for me, he caught my eye immediately but I couldnt put my finger on why. I was taken with this guy, he was just SO into his performance... with a banjolin of all things! That takes guts and non-chalence if you ask me haha. Not anyone can pull that off. Anyways, he was generally in the back of the frame everytime but there was just something that had my attention. And suddenly, when HIS version of You Belong With Me began to play, and the light shone enough to make those tattoos stand out against his skin, I had a eureka! moment.... no word of a lie, I actually let out a "OH MY GOD- BUTCH WALKER. THATS WHO THAT IS, I KNEW HE WAS FAMILIAR!" which made my roommate snap out of her Farmville trance and try to figure out what I was going on about haha.

Anyways, if you missed it, check it out below and keep your eyes peeled for that eccentric banjolin player on your left haha. As much as Stevie and Taylor are great, Butch is the underrated genius here. Lets give him some attention. If you dont wanna watch the whole thing, it starts around the 3:57 mark. Enjoy!

What do you think? Good performance in my opinion, but he just steals it from no where!

No one can rock the banjolin like Butch haha

Rock On!

- Girl At The Rock Show

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!

Butch Walker Covers... Taylor Swift?

Hey Everyone!

Yup, its true. Producer/Songwriter/Artist Extrordinaire Butch Walker has posted a rather creative and interesting video to his blog. The purpose? A cover of pop/country sensation Taylor Swift's song You Belong With Me. His video follows his recording journey after he returns to the studio from dinner. He records each instrument and the vocals, compiling it all into this male take on the song (ex He's team captain and I'm on the bleachers). The video is taking off, seems people enjoy this version just as much as the original. Take a listen, see what you think! (Start around the 2:40 mark if you just wanna hear the song!)

Guilty Pleasures or Simple Pleasures

Hey everyone!

Have you ever been asked about your guilty pleasures? That band that you're just not supposed to like but secretly you know every word to every catchy song? Dont even try to deny it, because we all have them. I can name about ten off the top of my head... probably more if I really thought it over! But the one thing that bugs me about this is the name - guilty pleasure.

Why should we be encouraged to hide our passion for certain music? Maybe its just not "cool", but you know what, I dont really care! Personally, I'm a rock n roll girl. I love punk, I love classic, I love pop rock, I love it all. This is the idea people have of me, so its almost assumed I like and dislike specific things. I'm supposed to hate artists like Britney Spears and Eminem... but I dont. I own a few Britney Spears albums, I love Eminem, I think Taylor Swift has serious talent and I still rock out to the Backstreet Boys with my younger sisters. I have no shame in admitting this, in fact I'll scream it from the rooftops!

I LIKE POP MUSIC.

I LIKE RAP MUSIC.

I DONT CARE.

Whats so wrong with that? The answer is... NOTHING! I encourage you all to go out into the world and wear your ipod on your sleeve. The next time someone asks you about your guilty pleasures, tell them you dont have any because you are proud of what you listen to. Play that Nsync song as loud as you want, go see Fall Out Boy in concert, talk about the latest Pitbull song stuck in your head. No one should be judged for their personal choices, and music is one of them.

video: Guilty Pleasure by Cobra Starship

So what are your guilty pleasures? Dont be afraid of the stigmas attached, just let it out! Tell me about them, because it feels great to have it off your chest people, trust me!

Play it loud, play it proud!

Rock On!

- Girl At The Rock Show

Song of the Day: Here We Go Again by Demi Lovato... this is one of my guilty pleasure songs. Maybe not her biggest fan, but this song has been in my head since the day I heard it. Disney artists are generally not my thing... but this girl has a great voice, incredibly talented writer friends (William Beckett of The Academy Is) and super catchy songs. I dont care, I like this song!