2008 Grammy Awards

The night starts off with a hi-tech Joe Music hasn’t seen for a while: Alisha Keys singing with Frank Sinatra, similar to Nat King Cole singing with his daughter, Natalie.  It was definitely, and Alisha is easy on the eyes, but after years of huge events it was kinda….eh. 

Carrie Underwood went Britney-esque with an outfit similar to what she wore while singing “Heart” during her American Idol days.  With the “Stomp” crew behind her, it was a little distracting but nice to see her branching into a harder country vibe, just because she can.  It’s amazing to witness a star blossom.

And then there was Prince.  The man is cool personified.  He gave the award for Female R&B Vocal Performance to Alisha Keys for “No One” for gave an Obama-style speech.  Jimmy Jam and Time surprised us with “Jungle Love” and that was cool.  That was a cool jam, but not long enough; Rhianna segued to “Umbrella” then into a cacophony of largely forgettable songs until they all joined back up for “Jungle Love” which proved that some groups are timeless (no pun) and much of what we have today are flash in the pans.

Tom Hanks introduced a tribute to the Beatles, with the cast from “Love” and others; very theatrical but somehow just….missing something.  As a performance it was exhilarating, but it wasn’t until a group of youngsters began to sing “Let It Be” with a montage of 60s footage of war and strife did it really being to move Joe Music.

Some other highlights: Kanye West’s emotional song “Momma” was very moving.  Tina Turner being introduced by Beyonce’ and singing a medley of her hits, then sang “Proud Mary” with her.  Wow!