Beck walked away with Album of the Year at last night’s Grammy Awards, but it seems that Kanye West is the only artist that anybody can talk about. Well that’s not entirely true, but West is near the top of the conversation. First it was because it made fun of his past experiences with running on stage to defend Beyonce as Beck was accepting his award.
Then he pulled a double swerve when he couldn’t just let it be finished when asked about the situation in an interview after the show. Here’s a refresher:
“If they want real artists to keep coming back, they need to stop playing with us. “Flawless” Beyoncé video….and Beck needs to respect artistry and he should have given his award to Beyoncé, and at this point we tired of it
That led to today with the sort of back and forth between the common folks out there and a fairly pleasant response from Beck about the whole matter. Luckily, there’s someone willing to step up with an equally critical voice for the Kanye West opposition.
Garbage frontwoman Shirley Manson “penned” an open letter to the controversial artist on her official Facebook page and didn’t hold her opinions back:
Dear Kanye West
It is YOU who is so busy disrespecting artistry.
You disrespect your own remarkable talents and more importantly you disrespect the talent, hard work and tenacity of all artists when you go so rudely and savagely after such an accomplished and humble artist like BECK.
You make yourself look small and petty and spoilt.
In attempting to reduce the importance of one great talent over another, you make a mockery of all musicians and music from every genre, including your own.
Grow up and stop throwing your toys around.
You are making yourself look like a complete twat.Ps.I am pretty certain Beyonce doesn’t need you fighting any battles on her account. Seems like she’s got everything covered perfectly well on her own.
The postscript is certainly the truest statement in that letter. Beyonce might’ve had a lot of help making her album, but she’s not hurting for praise and credibility. As Beck put it, it’s Beyonce. You almost expect her to be a front runner for any award she’s up for at this point and she’s almost certainly going to be nominated.
This is why I’m not the biggest fan of awards shows. The competition and clear division between winners and losers is something that people love to debate (this serving as a perfect example). Past that, they serve little on the artistic quality of an album or a movie.
Being nominated means a lot more and being front and center for those cameras at the show itself. Everybody involved in this showdown should wrap themselves up and capture the warmth of this attention. It’s more important than any award at this point.
(Via Variety / Shirley Manson)