Not To Go Off Or Anything...

So, I didn't watch the Grammy Awards a week and a half ago. I can't remember the last time awards given had anything to do with music I like. I've never based my listening on so-called popularity, nor have I ever wanted to watch an album or artist I really do like win. In short, the Grammys aren't important to me or the relationship I have with the music I enjoy.

I understand a lot of people need the shiny television shows to tell them what music to tune into. This is the well-managed aspect of the music business, and I don't begrudge the industry one bit for the big acts, the safe bets, in order to get attention. Not that it's helping album sales, but...

No, there is one thing in particular I wanted to point out about this year's awards show, and that is this: I have a problem with Coldplay. If you didn't watch, they won Song of the Year and Rock Album of the Year for Viva La Vida - for the single and album of the same name, respectively. My problem is with - don't think me a petty person - what the band wore.


If this looks a little familiar...


Hm.

Yes, Exhibit B is from the 1967 landmark album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Often called one of the best - or at least most important, pivotal, influential, whatever - albums in rock history. The front cover is iconic. The lyrics get plenty of people hopped up on finger-pointing when it comes to drug references, and also a plethora of "clues" to the famous "Paul is dead" rumours.

And as a cool side note, if you'll look at Paul's left arm here -


- the black badge is an O.P.P. (Ontario Provincial Police) flash. I live in Ontario. I PRACTICALLY KNOW PAUL MCCARTNEY!!

Right?

Anyway. What I get from Coldplay's wardrobe choice on television's most musical night is that they're ok with parallels being drawn between themselves and one of rock history's greatest bands and albums. I would politely like to point out that this is an untrue parallel to be drawn, and shame on Coldplay for doing so.

Oh, they're sorry for their costume choice, alright. Or they're being cheeky, and it's more of a, "Sorry, Sir McCartney, for being the new YOU! *cackle*" They haven't earned the right to dress like The Beatles. Hell, if Oasis hasn't done it, no one can. Coldplay, no album or song you've created can hold a candle to the Beatle legacy. I'm sorry - you are (or were) one of my favourite rock bands, but I know what's legendary and what isn't.

I just realized I haven't been recommending songs to listen to. Well, here's a good opportunity.

This deserves shiny militaresque outfits. (I can't vouch for the video component - but it's worth a watch.)