Annual Rahie Awards rip through 2000 music scene
BY GEOFFREY RAHIE
Scene Music Critic
It's been a year since I first started the Annual Rahie Awards, and I know the Notre Dame community has been anxiously waiting patiently for the second installment. The year 2000 was filled with craziness and music. So here are the correct answers to all of the really important musical questions of the past year.
Album of the Year: Kid A by Radiohead
I have never heard rock critics say a bad thing about Radiohead in the last three years, but I can't really blame them.
What most people don't understand, though, is that this band is single-handedly saving rock `n' roll. Kid A might be lacking guitars, but it is definitely not lacking creativity. The album is hypnotic, frantic and beautiful.
Best New Artist: David Gray
Ok, so he's not exactly "brand new," but he was just introduced to America this year. His distinct voice and folk/electronic style made White Ladder (his latest release) a big hit. Now he just has to stop trying to look like Dave Matthews when he sings live.
Single of the Year: "The Real Slim Shady" by Eminem
Say what you will about Eminem, but no one can deny that this was the song that started all of the talk. Eminem created a catchy tune that also managed to take cheap shots at Christina Aguilera, Tom Green and other celebrities.
Britney vs. Christina 2000: Definitely Britney
What Britney lacks in singing ability, she makes up for it in, ah, personality. Britney has managed her career very well so far, coming off as a wholesome girl in interviews and doing FOX TV Specials, so that a nation of boys can get their fix. Meanwhile, Christina has maintained the role of the dirty girl who never gets her way. Plus, Britney is hotter.
The Whiner of the Year Award: Billy Corgan
The Smashing Pumpkins saw their album sales plummet and Corgan needed to come up with an excuse. So he blamed it on the boy bands eating up the Pumpkin's market share. Essentially, he's right, but he didn't have to make his band's demise into a melodrama. There are plenty of "old" alternative bands – like Pearl Jam – who are doing just fine with their meager fan base. Old Billy just couldn't stand being second rate.
The Most Blatant Rip-off of Pearl Jam Award: Creed
I was paging through my friend's music collection the other day and stumbled upon two Creed albums. My friend (who prides himself on his great musical taste) was thoroughly embarrassed when I discovered his dirty little secret. And he should be embarrassed! I can't understand the fascination with this group. The lead singer's Eddie Vedder impersonation is simply hilarious and their power ballads are almost laughable. Take me higher, baby!
Welcome Back Award: U2
In this messed-up industry it's refreshing to see some old heroes get a lot of publicity. Although the new album isn't U2's greatest, it showed that the group can still rock with the best of them. And the frenzy over the upcoming tour has been the big talk of the music world.
The Please Break-up Soon Award: Limp Bizkit
I remember when this band played a few years ago under the name 311.
Worst Song to make a Reference to Classic Rock: "Kryptonite" by Three Doors Down
Are you kidding me? Any band that says "Dark Side of the Moon" in a song with a straight face should be shot.
The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
All Scene Stories for Tuesday, January 23, 2001
