I usually never watch the things, since (these days) I'l lucky to recognize even 75% of the songs or the singers, but I thought last night's show was pretty awesome ! I went into it loving the Lady Antebellum song, and Lady Antebellum themselves, so was pleased they won big. The performances on the stage were occasionally stellar, too, or so I thought. The tribute to Miss Aretha was incredible, that 'colorfully dressed' guy (and Gwyneth) were pretty fun to watch doing that "Forget You" tune, too. Or otherwise known as *that*, since they changed the title ever-so-slightly [ahem], and so forth . Mick Jagger, who ranks NOT as one of my favorites usually, left me speechless watching/listening!! Dude is 67 years old! Good heavens, I couldn't move around like that when I was 30! I enjoyed every minute of his over-the-topness last night, indeed, for a change. No offense to Lady Gaga (I really just can't get into her 'visualness', but find her music just fine --- I'm a likely minority on that, I know) but the arrival in an egg was interesting performance art, I reckon, but little more than that. I'm wondering? Are edible things going to forever become part of her 'persona'? Pork chop dresses and vehicles shaped like eggs? Miss Gaga seems a tad fixated on breakfast. But, y'know? I give that lady much credit for knowing just what she's doing. It's clear her vocals are, or can be, spot on --- but would she have ever had the chance to share them like this without all the costuming/provocative behavior? Probably not. So, I say, "good for her!" Not that I'm likely to dash out and pick up one of her CDs, or anything. Good thing about that is that she doesn't expect me or my friends/target audience to do so. So we're all happy and respectful for each other, I suppose. The big 'shocker' of the night came as a definite 'relief' to me. Justin Bieber, annoying as I (and I say so clear that it's my measly opinion only) happen to find him, is one talented kid. There's no question about that. But Best New Anything just yet? I thought/think not, and was jazzed that they gave the prize to Esperanza Spalding ... who is insanely talented as well. And while not a pop idol, she stands the strong chance of doing important music forever, it seems to me. Mumford and Sons deserved the nomination more, in that category, than young Bieber did, too, in my estimation. Nothing at all wrong with Justin, in the fast and money-mad music world, these days. Little girls squeal and faint in anticipation of a glimpse of him. And we all remember, from decades ago, reports of that happening to very important musicians over time. There seems to be something about him that needs time to *ripen*, however, as I see it. Which is NOT his fault, is it? He's, what?, only 14 or something.

And I was reminded last night, too, of something that a guy the likes of me should have never had happen to him (I'm pretty sure). I actually like Eminem! And always have, mostly --- despite some pretty hard-boiled lyrics. Another time, though. He is what he is, and has survived a certain test of time. And he's a street kid writing (occasionally breathtaking, in a good way) lyrics about such a kid finding art in the harsh streets of Detroit. I like it when singers/poets/novelists/painters/observers do that .

Well, there's my blather for the day. Anyone else watch The Grammys? Any thoughts to share if so?