2013 Grammy Picks

If I kept up with this blog like I used to, I would have let you know that I picked the Ravens to win the Super Bowl (which I did), and I even predicted that there would be a power failure at the Superdome (okay, that one not so much). But I will give you my annual picks for the Grammys. Here’s how I do it: I not only pick who I think will win, but also who I think SHOULD win. Grammy doesn’t always stick to the script, and has left us scratching our heads on more than one occasion. For instance, I knew Justin Bieber wasn’t going to win Best New Artist a couple years ago, but who saw Esperanza Spalding coming? So here we go with my predictions for the major awards for 2013:

Best Alternative Album… Who Should Win: This year’s list of nominees is pretty weak. Björk? Tom Waits? My vote is for M83’s “Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming.” Quite simply, M83 (which is only one person, kinda like Dashboard Confessional back in the day) made some great music this year. I almost bought the album, but it was a double album and I was pinching pennies. So I go with M83.

Who Will Win: Not M83. I would almost expect Grammy to screw up royally and pick Tom Waits, but I think it will go to Fiona Apple. Critics love her, and by god, she deserves to win for continuing to put out good music 16 years after “Tidal.”

Best Rock Performance… Who Should Win: GREAT list of nominees this year, and therefore hard to pick. I said Grammy loves Mumford & Sons last year, but I was wrong. They’re nominated again this year, but so are The Black Keys, and I’ve gotta give The Black Keys the upper hand here.

Who Will Win: The Black Keys. PLEASE, do NOT give it to Springsteen just because he’s Springsteen.

Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance… Who Should Win: It’s hilarious looking at the nominees in this category. It’s like we never left the 1980s… Megadeth (again), Anthrax, Iron Maiden… Sorry boys, gotta chalk one up for the ladies this year. Halestorm should win.

Who Will Win: Certainly not Megadeth. They will drop to 0-for-11 all-time at the Grammys, and it’s kind of a cruel joke that they’ve become the Grammy equivalent of Susan Lucci. They could have just had 5 nominees for this category like every other category, but they actually expanded by one slot just so they could nominate (and deny) Megadeth again. Oh by the way, Halestorm will win.

Best Rock Song… Who Should Win: I LOVE Jack White’s “Freedom at 21”, but he’s up against “Lonely Boy,” so I have to give it to The Black Keys.

Who Will Win: Here’s where they give it to Springsteen just because. I would actually be okay with it because it’s a songwriter award.

Best Rock Album… Who Should Win: Hands down, “El Camino” by The Black Keys. Should win, will win.

Best Solo Pop Performance… Who Should Win: I’ve had my rant here in the past about nominating live versions of songs for Grammys. That’s nice that you think Adele should get another Grammy. She got 6 last year (and I picked all 5 of her major wins, by the way… didn’t get much else right last year, but that’s another story. BON IVER?) That’s enough. Kelly Clarkson should win for “Stronger.”

Who Will Win: Kelly Clarkson.

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: Interesting that Florence and the Machine were nominated, thus confirming that they are NOT Alternative. (You hear that, Alternative radio?) That being said, a lot of good nominees for this song, but I think Fun. should win. “We Are Young” was a freakin’ anthem.

Who Will Win: Gotye. Not really sure why, just a really good hunch.

Best Pop Vocal Album… Who Should Win: Quite honestly, I think Fun. had a stronger album than Maroon 5, and I think the Grammy voters will recognize this. Should win, will win.

Best New Artist (a.k.a. "The Kiss of Death")... Who Should Win: Lots of interesting choices here. You have Frank Ocean, Fun., and Alabama Shakes, all in the same category. I would give the edge to Frank Ocean.

Who Will Win: Alabama Shakes. Not that I don’t think they’re deserving, but Grammy usually goes for the most interesting new contribution to music, rather than who made the biggest splash (as Ocean did). Alabama Shakes brought rock back to its roots in an impressive way, and they will be rewarded for doing so.

Song of the Year… Who Should Win: Again, “We Are Young” was a freakin’ anthem.

Who Will Win: Grammy gets it right this time. Fun.

Record of the Year… Who Should Win: This time, Fun. is up against Frank Ocean and The Black Keys, thus making it a harder call. I think The Black Keys should win.

Who Will Win: Ready for a shock? Taylor Swift. Why? I just get this feeling that the three I mentioned above will all cancel each other out in the voting, splitting the majority and leaving an opening for Taylor Swift to win with a plurality built on country/pop voters.

Album of the Year… Who Should Win: I think it’s cool that I own 3 of the 5 nominees. Of those 3, I think The Black Keys’ “El Camino” was the best. I think it should win.

Who Will Win: We’re due for Grammy to screw this one up. Jack White’s album was pretty good, but a little too rootsy in places for me… but that’s why he’ll win.

So there you have it… It’s a mixed bag this year. No one runaway winner like last year, and a crapshoot may be tougher to call, but I guess we’ll all find out tomorrow night.