One of the most bland and thin lists of nominees in years led to the most shrug-inspiring group of Grammy winners Sunday as well.
This would explain why Mumford & Sons dull faux-Americana took album of the year, the inoffensive but hardly great New York band Fun (I’m ignoring the lower case and the period) won song of the year for a song that broke from being played on “Glee” and commercials, “We Are Young,” and best new artist as well.
Gotye and Kimbra won record of the year for the ubiquitous “Somebody That I Used to Know.” and best pop duo or group performance as well. At least it was cute when they won, since they mostly paid homage to their enigmatic presenter, Prince. The Goyte alcum also won “best alternative music album.”
Kelly Clarkson also gave a surprised reaction to winning pop vocal album for “Stronger.” She also gave one of the better performances on the show, singing Patti Page’s “Tennessee Waltz” and Carole King’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”
Frank Ocean was expected to do well, but only came away with the new “urban contemporary album” and part of the Jay-Z collaboration “No Church in the Wild.” He also had a ballad performance that didn’t go so well. Much better was Miguel, paired with Wiz Kalifa.
Taylor Swift started the show with an overblown Alice in Wonderland styled version of her nyah-nyah song “We are Never, Ever Getting Back Together,” which could have been written by the Grammy itself (she got no award on camera).
LL Cool J is kind of a terrible host, very cheesy in his sentiment as a RIAA president. He also had the self-indulgent task of closing the show himself with some old school rap.
Elton John, relegated to backup pianist for callow folksinger Ed Sheeran’s “The A Team,” got to head up a decent salute to Levon Helm (though he started it with an out of place salute to Sandy Hook).
The first award, for pop performance, for Adele got the first bum rush of the night, from a bespectacled guy professing his love for her. They went right on as if nothing happened.
The Black Keys did a big version of their “Lonely Boy” with Dr. John and the Preservation Hall Jazz band, and also won best rock performance and best rock album (as its Dan Auerbach won best rock producer in the earlier ceremonies).
Skrillex wrapped up the electronic dance categories, but it wasn’t on TV; neither was Paul McCartney’s win in best traditional pop for his album last year.
Mostly the show is used to sell music, so it became a showcase for Justin Timberlake’s new album. One song may have been fine, but he extended his performance as if he were up for something.
In other (unseen) awards, Bonnie Raitt won best Americana album, Dr. John won best blues, Jimmy Fallon won best comedy. In spoken word, Janis Ian’s autobiography beat Michelle Obama, Bill Clinton, Ellen DeGeneres and Rachel Maddow.