Dream Grammys

Every year the Grammy nominations come out, and every year I'm bored to tears by the selections.

Of course Beyonce is the top nominee - it's the law.

Of course Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith are in the mix.

Iggy Azalea, Meghan Trainor, Sia, Miley Cyrus - no surprises there at all.

Thing is, these are all great artists.

I believe I've talked about all of them in this very column. I respect them for their craftsmanship and their success.

That said, not one of them is a personal favourite of mine.

With that in mind, here is my own dream list of 2014 Grammy nominees.

See whose choices you agree with more.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Singles by Future Islands

Lead singer looks and dances like a drunk uncle, but this is electro-pop with heart and soul.

May Death Never Stop You by My Chemical Romance

The last hurrah of the greatest rock band of the new millennium.

The Bones Of What You Believe by Chvrches

A throwback to 80s synth pop, but far greater than anything that was actually made in the 80s.

Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey

Glamour and decadence made glorious by this divine David Lynchian songbird.

Inspired By Bach: The Cello Suites by Yo-Yo Ma

This album came out in 1997, but I just discovered it this year, so there. Greatest music ever made IMO.

SONG OF THE YEAR

The Hanging Tree by Jennifer Lawrence

Beautifully rootsy song that bubbled up out of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 score to become a hit.

Seasons (Waiting On You) by Future Islands

Perfectly crafted pop song that seems like it's existed for all time. At once heartfelt and zippy.

Good Kisser by Usher

If pop music doesn't make you randy, then what's the point. Unapologetically sexy and super fun.

Love Never Felt So Good by Michael Jackson

The ghost of Jackson shows present-day lame-os how it's done.

We Sink by Chvrches

Sounds like it was created by a futuristic space pixie, which is the highest compliment I can give.

This article was first published on Dec 10, 2014.
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