The First Annual Gradammy Awards

Posted: Friday, February 17, 2012 by AdamLockwood in Labels: ,
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It’s that time of year again... when the music industry gives itself a proverbial pat on the back.  That’s right, we just had the Grammys.  This year I was pretty happy with the results, but I have decided to throw in my two cents.  So here it is, the Gradammys® -- my picks for best music of the year.  

Here is a Spotify playlist where you can get a taste of each of the artists:  

Album of the Year ~ Katie Herzig, The Waking Sleep
I’ve been a big fan of Katie’s since her days in Colorado with Newcomers Home and on through her move to Nashville and her ensuing solo career.  Katie has seen much success in her solo career.  Her music has been heard regularly on Grey’s Anatomy, Pretty Little Liars, One Tree Hill and has been featured in commercials.  But I’m sure that receiving the Gradammy® for Album of the Year will be her crowning achievement.  Katie’s latest album, The Waking Sleep, is instantly familiar to Katie’s fans, yet takes all the right risks.  From the infectious dance groove of “Free My Mind” to the cinematic soundscapes of “Closest I Get,” this record takes you on a wondrous journey. 

Get The Waking Sleep on Amazon.


Song of the Year ~ The Civil Wars, Barton Hollow
The neo-folk duo, The Civil Wars, has exploded in 2012 and for good reason.  The chemistry between Joy Williams and John Paul White is electric.  Despite their sparse arrangements, The Civil Wars’ songs carry boundless energy.  This is especially true of “Barton Hollow,” which takes home the award for Song of the Year and a close second for album of the year.  


Best “New” Artist ~ Andrew Belle, The Ladder 
Okay, Andrew Belle isn’t exactly a new artist and his album, The Ladder, isn’t either (released in 2010).  However, Andrew’s music was a new find for me this year, and was probably the most played album in our household.  It is a great record start to finish, and gets the award for my Best “New” Artist. 


Best Local Release ~ My Body Sings Electric, Changing Colors
Being part of the Denver/Colorado music scene, I’m particularly biased toward the great music being made here.  The band that gets the award for Best Album by a local band is My Body Sings Electric and their album Changing Colors.  MBSE’s songwriting and sound has matured immensely since their previous release.  With sweeping guitar riffs and stirring rhythms, they truly create an electric atmosphere.  Be sure to check out my favorite track from the album, “Step Into The Light.”  

Hear and get the album at:  mybodysingselectric.bandcamp.com
Best Comeback ~ Burlap to Cashmere
After a 10+ year hiatus, I’m especially excited to welcome Burlap to Cashmere back into heavy rotation with their most recent self-titled album.  This Greek-American outfit struggled through considerable adversity when their guitarist -- one of my all time favorites -- was mugged and nearly beaten to death.  Overcoming that adversity, they’ve made a beautiful and captivating record.  Welcome back boys.



There you have it.  What do you think?

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