The Grammy nominations for recordings from October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2008 are now available.

I will comment only on the ones I care about. And I will tell you who I want to win, not that it means I think they will win. So, here goes…

Album of the Year-

No surprise here. I have to give it to Coldplay, Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends. I like Raising Sand, but this is the problem with the Grammy’s. I was listening to that album waaaaayyyy back, more than a year ago now and I’m over it. The Grammy’s provide such delayed acknowledgements that I’m sure even the artists are thinking ‘man, this happened a long time ago.’

Song of the Year-

Well, I guess we can’t give everything to Coldplay (even though I wouldn’t be terribly upset) so we’ll go with Jason Mraz. That upbeat little ditty, “I’m Yours.”

Best New Artist-

Duffy!

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance-

Sara Bareilles. You can’t tell me that “Love Song” isn’t still one of your favorites and, even though you know it by heart, every time you hear it your hand dances in front of the scan button but never manages to actually change the station until the song is over. Ok, maybe that’s just me.

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance-

I’m gonna have to go with Mraz again. “Say” just doesn’t say enough. For a vocal performance you really need to say more John Meyer.

Best Pop Performance By a Duo or Group with Vocals-

Is it bad that I just want to vote Coldplay whenever I see them on the nominee list?! One Republic “Apologize” would be my next pick. Followed by Maroon 5, although it’s hard for me to realize that “Won’t Go Home Without You” happened during this eligibility year. Once again, it seems so old!

Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals-

I’ll go with “Rich Women” by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss.

Best Pop Vocal Album-

Duffy, “Rockferry.”

Best Dance Recording-

Sam Sparro, “Black & Gold.” Interesting. And yes, that’s my pick.

Best Electronic/ Dance Album-

Yay Robyn! Yay Robyn! Yay Robyn!

Best Rock Song-

Death Cab For Cutie, “I Will Possess Your Heart.” Of course I love “Violet Hill” but surprisingly, my initial reaction to this category was Death Cab. So there, I can vote against Coldplay after all.

Best Rock Album-

Oh geeez, I spoke too soon. Coldplay, Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends.

Best Alternative Music Album-

Death Cab For Cutie, Narrow Stairs. I guess I know my favorites for the year. My next pick would be Beck’s Modern Guilt. I like it, even if other’s think it’s boring. I’ve heard people describe their second listen as just ‘going through the motions.’ In other words, once is enough. I do like Radiohead. I don’t know why I keep ignoring them.

Best Female R&B Vocal Performance-

I don’t think I can vote any other than Alicia Keys for R&B Vocal. Go claim your Grammy Superwoman!

… I won’t try to vote on any of the Rap, I would only embarrass myself!

Best Female Country Vocal Performance-

I hate to be a part of the bandwagon but Carrie Underwood, “Last Name.” I would like to know who of you out there when listening to this song can relate. Just curious, it’s not me. I never woke up with a foggy memory and a peculiar ring on my left hand.

Best Male Country Vocal Performance-

Let’s not give it to the old Troubadour, he’s probably had enough. George Straight did, after all, win already at the 42nd Annual CMA Awards for Album of the Year. Let’s not forget that it was his 8th win in the category. So, let’s give it to James Otto, “Just Got Started Lovin’ You.”

Best Country Performance By a Duo or Group with Vocals-

“Stay” by Sugarland. Hands down. Even though I hate the video, despite the fact that Jennifer Nettles is clearly quite capable of crying on camera. Unlike my previously mentioned star, Carrie Underwood, whose embarrassing attempt to cry in her video for “Just A Dream” almost makes me wince and change the channel. It’s okay Carrie. Besides, your performance at the CMA’s was, as always, breathtaking. And I could tell that it nearly brought real tears to your eyes. Again, congrats on your Female Vocalist of the Year win at the CMA’s.

Best Country Collaboration with Vocals-

Oh boy, I had forgotten about this one! I love this one. “Life In A Northern Town” by Sugarland, Jake Owen, and Little Big Town.

Best Country Song-

“Stay.” Again.

Best Country Album-

Heaven, Hearache And The Power Of Love by Trisha Yearwood. Man, all this country talk is gonna get me started listening to it again. You see, until about five years ago I made fun of country. Then I realized that I was missing out on some great talent. So, I got really into it and now it’s just on the back burner. Hey, you can’t listen to everything all at once, it’s exhausting!

Best Pop/ Contemporary Gospel Album-

Well, it’s not very fair for me to choose for this one considering I’ve only heard Steven Curtis Chapman’s This Moment. But if he wins it will be interesting to see if he dedicates the award to his late daughter and hopefully his unfortunate son, who is accidentally at fault for the family’s loss. That is, if they give him the chance. This may be one that they flash during a commercial break in consideration of time.

Best Comedy Album-

This should go to the Flight of the Concords self-titled. Go Sub-Pop!  A little background…this duo of old college roommates also has a sit-com entitled Flight of the Choncords on HBO in it’s second season.

Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television, or other Visual Media-

Is everyone gonna kick me if I say August Rush? It’s just such a touching movie. And that little actor, oh don’t you just want to kidnap him and make him believe that you’re his mommy. Remember him as Peter from Finding Neverland? Oh, come on honey come home to mommy. You can blame this adorable child for my not voting Juno on this one. By the way, I just looked up the kids name and it’s Freddie. Freddie Highmore. Could the adorable kid have a more adorable name, I think not.

Best Score Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television, or other Visual Media-

I have no idea. Now they’ve got me thinking of movies. Maybe I should post an Oscar commentary when it comes time for that. If it were up to me I would say There Will Be Blood, but only because I love that movie. “Yes I Dooooo!” I loved it so much that I had to read the book, Oil, by Upton Sinclair that the movie was based on.

Okay, that should be all I have to say… Tune in for the 51st Grammy Awards show on February 8, 2009 on CBS! Anyone having a Grammy party and would like to extend an invitation? None of my friends are really all that excited about the Grammys.