The 2012 Grammy Nominations Are Out

And I am unsurprisingly underwhelmed.  Last year's Album of the Year nod to Arcade Fire was mind blowingly cool.  For this year, I'm left to root for:

Based strictly on the nominees:
Record of the Year:  Nothin' in this category I care about

1. Song of the Year:  Same here.
2. New Artist:  And again...
3. Album of The Year:  I'll be pulling for the Foo fighters Wasting Light, which made number four on my list for 2011.
4. Pop Solo Performance:  See number 1.
5. Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.  This is a bit more encouraging.  I like both the Black Key's Dearest (which was from the Rave On Buddy Holly tribute album) and Cold Play's Paradise.
6. Dance Recording:  Nothing floated my boat at all this year, so I really don't much care.
7. Dance/Electronica Album:  See 7.
8. Rock Performance:  I'll be pulling for the Foo Fighters.  I like Coldplay, but rock performance?
9. Hard Rock/Metal Performance:  Again, go Dave Grohl!
10. Rock Album:  I'd be happy to see a sweep by Dave and the Foos, but I wouldn't be upset if the Red Hot Chili Peppers or Wilco took this home.
11. Alternative Music Album:  This should be my category, but...  Foster the People?  Alternative?  Really?  I would take, in order of preference: My Morning Jacket's Circuital (currently in a 5-way tie for tenth for 2011) Radiohead's King of Limbs or Codes and Keys by Death Cab for Cutie.
12. Traditional R&B Performance:  I loved Good Man by Raphael Saadiq!
13. And I almost missed that Danger Mouse is nominated as Producer of the Year for Rome!

I've only heard one rap album I've liked this year (A November release I haven't picked up yet).

Velociraptor by Kasabian

Released:  September 20, 2011
Rating:  74.55

So there's a bit disturbing about Kasabian, starting with their name (from Charles Manson's getaway driver, Linda Kasabian) to the demented expression repeated around the album cover.  On the other hand, there's a lot to love once you get the disc in the player.  In fact, it's one star from breaking the current tie for the final spot on my 2011 top ten.

Although this is the fourth proper album for the British band, it's my introduction to them.  A lot of different influences show up; Velociraptor reminds me of David Bowie and La Fée Verte feels sort of gypsy influenced to me.  However, in the end, it's good ole rock and roll: play it loud!

My favorite song is the electronic I Hear Voices.  I also love Acid Turkish Bath (Shelter From The Storm (the orchestra is a very nice touch.)  Click on the songs to hear them, in-full, on youtube.com.  Better yet, find full album and listen to it!

West by Wooden Shjips

Released: September 13, 2011
Rating: 70

Another San Francisco band (and no, the J in Shjips is not a typo).  Although they've been around since 2003, released 2 other albums and 10 EPs and singles, this is my first introduction to the band.

I'm not completely comfortable with the rating as the album is much more than the sum of the songs.  It should probably be about a 75.  This is 1960's psychedelic garage rock moved into the 21st century.  Lot's of organ and fuzzed out guitar with a vocal track obscured by the trance-like melodies.  If you were around and loved that sound, you'll love this.  If you weren't (and I barely was) you might love it any way.  Try the opener Black Smoke Rise or Flight.

Father, Son, Holy Ghost by Girls

Released: September 13, 2011
Rating: 74.55

This is the sophomore album for the San Francisco based duo (FYI, there are no girls in the band).  I loved their first album, 2009's eponymous release, and I like this one even better.  It's a little more approachable with some really pretty ballads (Just a Song and Jamie Marie) some straight ahead rock 'n' roll (Die) and a little R&B (Love Like a River).  My favorites (click to listen via youtube.com) include the bitter-sweet and simple, jangly-guitar pop Saying I Love You and the rocker, Die.

Sem Nostalgia by Lucas Santtana

Released:  August 30, 2011
Rating:  71.67

I struggle with anything that can be called World Music; torn between my general affinity for more traditional Alt Rock and a desire to appear sophisticated.  Lucas Santtana has made it easy, with his debut of pop music influenced by his Brazilian roots.

This is a terrific album.  It may be difficult to separate the title Sem Nostalgia (without nostalgia) from the clear influence of Brazilian Bossa Nova. However, after a few listens, it becomes clear: the idea is the learn from what's been, without being tied down by it.  This album has everything from traditional to electro, with reggae, afro-pop, and alt-rock thrown in to keep it interesting.

A couple of gems include Night Time In The Backyard (which reminds me of later Beatles) and the more traditional Amor em Jacumã. (This is a simple acoustic version of the song, lacking some of the electro affects of the album version.  They're both awesome.)