Surroundablog

Grammy loves Genius..Ray Charles sweeps 2005 awards

Last night was a triumphant send-off for the man known simply as "Genius". Last night's Grammy Awards ceremony was not so much a celebration of music as it was a tribute to the great Ray Charles. His 2004 album "Genius loves Company" was bestowed with 8 awards...including the inaugural presentation of "Best Surround Sound Recording".

The Grammies have been guilty of "over-awarding" in the past. The fix was surely in for Eric Clapton's sentimental sweep with "Tears in Heaven"..Bonnie Raitt's demolition gave everyone "Something to talk About" and Carlos Santana "Smooth"-ly brushed aside all comers. Last night though...no one was more deserving of the accolades and adulation. Those 8 awards will go up on a shelf somewhere alongside Ray's previous 12 awards. My hope is that there is a little room left on that shelf so Jamie Foxx will feel compelled to display his "soon to be"  Best Actor Academy Award in its rightful place...

As an aside; the wife and I stared in wide-mouthed amazement as Jamie Foxx portrayed Ray Charles in the biopic "Ray". Although a brilliant performance, Foxx has to be criticized for being a tad "over the top". Ray Charles in person, on stage or vinyl was never over-the-top. He was always the most humblest and gracious sort.

With his last failing breaths, Mr. Ray Charles created a thing of beauty...truly one of his greatest accomplishments. Thank you Ray for all the gifts of you. But did Genius Loves Company" deserve all the accolades....?

The Zombies SACD..the Zombies "Awakened"

Film makers have long associated their imagery with music. At its best, this symbiotic relationship will forever link a song to a scene. Francis Ford Coppolla's "Apocalpyse Now" is a terrific example. His use of the Rolling Stone's "Satisfaction" will forever conjure up images of waterskiing up a river of horror. Quentin Tarrantino's film "Reservoir Dogs" fused "Stuck in the Middle with You" with a mad scene of ear amputation. In 1990, Director Penny Marshall, gave us a scene which reawakened a somewhat successful UK band and forever linked the "Time of the Season" with the summer of love..