It was a banner Grammy night for Bruno Mars, who won Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year (along with three other awards), but a frustrating one for music fans who were optimistic that nominations of artists like SZA, Kendrick Lamar, and Childish Gambino seemed to signal a shift in the outdated Grammy mentality. Bon Iver'sJustin Vernon was especially irritated, and took to Twitter to voice his opinion.
scanning headlines after playing Mexico City last night (holy shit did we feel at home… Unbeelievable city)
Looks like Grammies are still something serious musicians should not take seriously !
Absolutely NO offense to Mr Mars, but you absolutely have to be shitting me. 1/2
The Grammies are for the music Industry. Music, itself, is for everywhere else and everyone else. Good to remember.
Vernon pointed to Mars' tendency to use throwback sounds as the basis for his hits, something he did with the recent, In Living Color inspired "Finesse" remix with Cardi B and his Record of the Year Winner "24K Magic." "To be factual, Mr. Mars made a name in the industry by making hits out of hits of yesteryear," Vernon wrote. He also reacted to Recording Academy president Neil Portnow telling Variety that women need to "step up" after just one female artist received a solo award during the telecast.
Prior to the news of Mars' wins, Vernon tweeted a message that is a useful reminder to us given the Grammys' frustrating history. See that and the rest of his tweets below. Read our recaps of the show's performances here and award winners here.
While some awesome musicians do win, what is WINNING?
Shitty Coach language: pic.twitter.com/Fu2M1qR2l3
