Dawn Pasley, News Editor
I feel like a badass just listening to this CD. Every song is about something related to sex, drugs, or the rap-star lifestyle, but mostly drugs; namely, marijuana. It’s not a bad thing, though, because Nelly’s clever rhymes bring a touch of humor to the subject of smoking up. Country Grammar differs from other rap albums in that it is not overly violent or pessimistic; Nelly’s music takes the most fun aspects of living the fabulous life and floats them along on an endless cloud of pot smoke and fly beats.
Nichole Esmon, Online Editor
It’s an unusual year at the Grammys. I’m always shocked when they nominate any album I consider half-decent for Album of the Year; this year my top three choices are on their list. Paul Simon’s “You’re the One” is a good album, but it’s no “Graceland” or “Rhythm of the Saints” (the best albums of all time). Neil Young had the most solid album of 2000 with “Silver and Gold,” but I had to pass him up for the Big Honor of being my favorite for the year. That distinction goes to Steely Dan and their first new album in 20-something years, “Two Against Nature.” Basically, Steely Dan wins just for being Steely Dan. Everything they touch turns to cool.
Kris Kehres, Copy Editor
Despite the new cowboy-inspired look, which I think is rather tacky, I love Madonna’s 2000 release Music. It is a great blend of original dance tracks like “Amazing” and slower songs such as the recently released “Don’t Tell Me.” But the best thing about Music is that I can put the disc in the CD player and not have to skip a track, and that is the REAL test of any CD, whether it is Grammy nominated material or not.
Alex Esmon, Managing Editor
Had it been as good as most of his recent material, Neil Young’s “Silver and Gold” would not have been my choice for best album of the year. Quite honestly, his last few albums have left a litle to be desired. But given the superb lyrics and masterful organization of “Silver and Gold,” I can’t help but pick it as my top CD of the year. The album picks up where “Harvest” and “After the Gold Rush” left off. With songs like “Razor Love” and “Good To See You” Young is in his purest singer/songwriter form. In a year of wretched pop stars and their wretched lyrics, Young stands away from the masses singing his heart-tuned songs to a very receptive audience. If the Grammys meant anything, then I might be upset that he wasn’t nominated. But one look at their track record and I’m not so upset. Young won my vote with one line: “I got faith in you. It’s a razor love. It cuts clean through.”Eat your heart out, Slim Shady.
Allison Hinson, Advertising Manager
My 2001 Grammy pick is the quartet (now trio) Destiny’s Child. In the face of adversity, these strong-willed women managed to persevere and still produce number one hits (i.e. Independent Women Part I) even after their group lost a member. Their self-titled first release from 1998 brought us the single “No, No, No” featuring Wyclef Jean. But it wasn’t until their sophomore release, The Writing’s on the Wall, that their name truly got big. The singles “Bills Bills Bills,” “Bugaboo,” “Jumpin, Jumpin” and “Say My Name” flooded the airwaves and can still be heard today.
Destiny’s Child touches on some great topics, such as those parasitic men who seem to think they need to be with you or invade your personal space 24-7. Then they express their dislike for those same parasitic men who think their girlfriend is their personal bank account. “Jumpin, Jumpin” grazes the subject of club etiquette: “Ladies, leave your man at home … fellas leave your girl with her friends…” Finally, we come to my personal favorite, “Say My Name.” The girls sing of the all-too-common occurrence of a guy trying to string along two girls at once.
According to the young divas themselves, their sophomore album tries to hit on aspects of a relationship that are sometimes ignored in music–what they call the “gray” area. I think their approach to these subjects is definitely admirable.
Cory Habicht, Asst. Sports Editor
The best album of the year 2000 will not get the slightest bit of attention at this year’s Grammy Awards, but of course that’s the reason why nobody really cares about these awards. A little-known Scottish sextet by the name of Belle & Sebastian had the year’s top release with Fold Your Hands Child You Walk Like a Peasant.
The album mixed a variety of instruments and created a European type of folk music never before experienced by American audiences. Their songs are as amusing as they are touching, while addressing social themes that remind us of European groups such as U2 and The Cranberries. While some call them The Beatles on Xannex, I call them the best band of 2000.
Daniel Hooker, Sports Editor
Mixing the bass beats of Dr Dre with the so-called street savvy of the real Slim Shady, the Marshall Maithers LP should definitely bust a cap in that Grammy ass. Seriously, I don’t give a rat’s patootie about the CD, but I thought it’d be amusing for me to put it down as the Album of the Year. He does have some funny lines in some of his lyrics, but only a dorkus would take them seriously.
