Kanye West - Grammy comment, re Beck

i can't comment on beyonce's music, which i haven't heard, and i agree with the general sentiment that kanye is an attention whore whose dis of beck is completely classless. however, i've always thought beck was a bit overrated--to me he's more craftsman than genius--a smart, well-connected guy with a knack for trends and a nice way with a hook, but (unlike say, david bowie) not quite the real thing. that said, his last one is impeccably well produced, which counts for something.

Hi Loomis,

My theory is that there isn't that much music or talent to choose from like there was in the great old days. If Paul Simon (or any of the greats) came out with one of his killer albums (and he could still sing), would Sam Smith have swept the Grammies with a song that sounds like Tom Petty's Stand By Me? I'm just saying--

Kanye's entitled to express his opinion but not on their time. I think the Grammy officials should ban him from being in the room. He's had his chance and he's blown it. Don't give him the platform to demean the voters' choices.

"The media that glorify individuals like Kanye West need a reality check. "

Their reality is they need to sell things. Plain and simple. It ain't going to change.

What can change is what people buy into. But it probably won't on a large scale. So best to just ignore the bad and focus more on the good of which there is plenty both old and new. More so than ever. Its the best time ever for people who are interested in music. I think I might even have one or two Kanye tune downloads that are harmless enough. The guy is a monye grabbing attention seeking media whore horses arse though it would seem. HE and his wife might just be the perfect pairing in that regard! Someone for everyone or so they say....

fwiw, the pazz and job (national critics) poll had beck 16th; deangelo was first, followed by run the jewels (?), war on drugs and st. vincent. to arnettpartner's point, i think there's plenty of talent out there, but i agree the less of it is really groundbreaking or original--even the best of the current crop seems more overtly derivative than their 70s/80s forefeather, though i may be just getting old and cranky.