NOMINEES FOR BEST ROCK ALBUM:
13 by Black Sabbath
The Next Day by David Bowie
Mechanical Bull by Kings of Leon
Celebration Day by Led Zeppelin
...Like Clockwork by Queens of The Stone Age
Psychedelic Pill by Neil Young and Crazy Horse
WHO SHOULD WIN: Psychedelic Pill by Neil Young and Crazy Horse
Although we complained about the age of the average participant in yesterday's preview of the Best Metal Performance category, we acknowledge that the elder statesmen chosen for Best Rock Album are well-suited.
We're going to pass on Celebration Day, because although a live Led Zeppelin show makes for a hell of a live album, a greatest hits package doesn't merit the album of the year for the genre. Mechanical Bull was certainly the most pop-friendly of the bunch, and although not a bad album at all, it doesn't reach as deep as some of its competition. Josh Homme's ...Like Clockwork also has the unfortunate distinction of being nominated amongst such qualified competition. And, as we already established during yesterday's metal preview, Black Sabbath will take home that prize as a consolation for this one.
Neil Young and Crazy Horse should take home the Best Rock Album prize, although it might have a tough time squeaking past the committee. Psychedelic Pill's signature moments are clearly Young being himself...dragging tracks like "Driftin' Back," "Ramada Inn" and "Walk Like A Giant" on for more than 16 minutes each. The latter two tracks are the highlights, showcasing both Young's penchant for emotional storytelling and extended, feedback-laden solos. Fans of his Ragged Glory were thrilled.
WHO WILL WIN: The Next Day by David Bowie
Those with the power here probably won't look as kindly upon Young's lengthy instrumentals, so expect David Bowie to come away with the Best Rock Album trophy.
Not that we're complaining. Bowie seems to realize at his age that he doesn't need to create a dramatic concept album to woo listeners, so instead he presents The Next Day as a tight package, walking a fine line between normalcy and space oddity all the while. The title track and "(You Will) Set The World On Fire" are special thrills. Especially of note is the attention to detail in the production: The layering of instruments and the tinkering with balance make the music seem both claustrophobic, and as if Bowie is performing in an open warehouse, at the same time.
