Dixie Chicks Win Loud Mouths Of the Year Grammy

Or should it be Loud Mouth of the year - Natalie Maines the mouthpiece for the Chicks spouts off another sour line while accepting the Country Album of the Year.  “To quote the great Simpsons – “Heh-heh”, basically showing no appreciation that her peers have given them this great honor.

It is beyond me why anyone would give them this or the other Grammy nods, when the Dixie Chicks have clearly said they hate country music and don’t want to be associated with it.  Not to mention all the political bad mouthing they (she) has done. Sure I don’t agree with most of what our current president has done, but I hate when public figures get on there soap box and give their option on current events.

They are entertainers their job is to entertain us and help remove us from the daily trials and tribulations the world brings us everyday.  I do praise those public figures that take on issues such as Live Aid and Farm Aid.  They are truly using their stardom in a positive way to actually make a difference – they are not just flappin their lips to be heard.

OK now on to more positive notes regarding the Grammy’s last night.

The 49th Annual Grammy Awards did have some great moments; The Police Reunion to kick off the show was great.  Sting showed a strong vocal performance of their classic hit “Roxanne”. Rumor has it this reunion will lead to a 2007 tour – I sure hope so.

Red Hot Chili Peppers locked in four Grammy’s, and a gracious Mary J. Blige took home a surprising three Grammy’s.

Beyoncé  belted out “Listen,” from the Dreamgirls soundtrack. Backed up with a full string section, Beyoncé powered through the songs superb lyrics making this one of the best performances of the night.

Justin Timberlake had my undivided attention with his “What Goes Around Comes Around” until that moment when he jumped up from the piano and grabbed a mini-camera and stuck it in his own face – that was a showstopper for me.  Wonder if Britney was watching.

Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts teamed up for an incredible tribute to some classic tunes.  They covered songs from Bob Wills and the Eagles. Carrie paid her compliments to the great Wills by performing his “San Antonio Rose” while a video screen showed Wills. Rascal Flatts the followed up with a scorching edition of “Hotel California”. Then it was Carrie again with a smooth performance of “Desperado,”

Smokey, Lionel and Christina put some Soul in to this years Grammy’s.  With Chris Brown tying it all together.  Brown’s entrance and performance was full of energy while singing “Run It”.  Smokey Robinson sang his legendary “Tracks Of My Tears” followed by Richie 80’s hit ballad “Hello”.  Christina Aguilera gave tribute to the distinguished James Brown performing his “It’s A Man’s World”.

Then there was Shakira  - wow what can I say, those “Hips Don’t Lie”.

Gnarls Barkley’s brilliant inclusion of two escapees from “Fantasy Island”.  Dressed as airline pilots, from approximately 1978, Gnarls Barkley’s Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse began performed “Crazy” center stage in the round in the middle of the audience. Cee-Lo then headed to the central stage, meeting up with Danger Mouse, who was playing the piano.  Backed by a large orchestra, an orange-jumpsuit dressed female choir and a kicking rock foursome.

Those were some of my favorite Grammy moments –

Here is a little background on the Grammy’s.  Currently the Grammy’s have 108 categories within more than 20 musical genres.  To win a Grammy you need the majority of your peers to vote in your favor (voting members of the Academy). Some of the best know voting members include Jon Bon Jovi, Prince, Anand Bhatt, Paul Simon, and Beyoncé Knowles.

For a complete list of the winners visit Grammy.com

Tim Somers
MusicHoncho.com