Randor's Song of the Week: 01.31.10

"D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)" by Jay-Z from the album The Blueprint 3. 2009.
    Tonight, the Grammy Award winners will be announced. While I have little concern about intangible trophies handed out by unknown judges under subjective criteria, there's quite a few benefits I can see. Of course, in the chance lesser known bands and songs are nominated, the exposure cannot hurt. This marks my favorite part of the Grammys. Looking through the potential winners, especially in the smaller categories, one can discover a treasure cove of new gems. For example, I never heard of Jazmine Sullivan before reading through the lists, and came across some nice additions the the library. In terms of actually watching the event (which I've never done myself), the real show-stealer is not the actual announcements of the victors. Bands of all genres will be belting out their songs live, and there's quite a substantial list. Live shows aren't always the artist's best portrayal, yet a talented one can create a tantalizing experience. I may post some of the better live acts of the night if I can find them, so keep an eye out here I suppose.
    Anyhow, getting back to the topic at hand: song of the week. In honor of the Grammys, I selected this nominee and would like to list three runner-ups. Death Cab for Cutie's "Little Bribes" (The Open Door EP is nominated for best alternative album), Lee Ann Womack's "Solitary Thinkin'" (nominated for best female country vocal performance), and Bob Dylan's "Beyond Here Lies Nothin'" (gunning for best rock solo performance). That last one has a very unique music video as well.
    Now then, the Jay-Z tune. Basically, the song admonishes the current state of the music industry, with Auto-Tune, among other things, overrunning the market. Claiming not to be written for ringtones, iTunes, or top 100 radio shows, the lyrics go so far as acknowledging the recession and proposing that "the music y'all making going to make it the great depression." All in all, it's a decent rap. The real appeal though comes from everything supporting the main vocals. In a no-doubt mocking of Auto-Tune, the track begins with the instruments and Jay-Z singing clearly out-of-tune. It the segues into semi-free jazz. Nonstandard drum cadences, extended guitar walks, and what I believe is an alto clarinet occasionally crooning its part above the rest. Certainly worth a listen, even if rap songs are not your usual bag.

    Bonus points: Did you know "I'm on a Boat" by The Lonely Island and T-Pain has a nomination in the Grammys? Not in the comedy section, mind you, but rather in the category "Best Rap/Sung Collaboration." It is competing with some big names, including Beyoncé, Kanye West, Rihanna, Jay-Z, and even the hit "Dead and Gone" by T.I. and Justin Timberlake. Wild, huh? Just for the novelty of it, I hope "I'm on a Boat" wins.