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Cat's thoughts on this year's Grammy Awards

I'm writing you after my going to the Grammys and seeing what I felt to be a sometimes wonderful, and occasionally tedious show. I thought I'd open up a discussion with you as to what you thought of it and I'll publish your responses periodically.

Overall, some of the performances were very exciting. Not much can top the reunion of The Police, as they can performed Roxanne to open the show. I would have preferred a medley including a couple of their other hits like "Don't Stand So Close To Me" and "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic". But no complaints.

Beyonce's "Listen" from Dreamgirls was another highlight for me. So was Mary J Blige's "Be Without You" leading into an inspired remake of "Stay With Me, Baby", and Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy".

Of course, the Dixie Chicks ruled the evening, justifiably so. Although, this may have been due as much to their political spine as their music. It seems there is a Hollywood-Nashville rift brewing, a blue state-red state parting of ways, as the Dixies weren't even invited to the Country Music Awards. The Dixies deserved their awards, but their last album is so far from country, it is hard to see it as country album of the year.

Yet the top performance of the night, hands down, was Christina Aguilera's take on James Brown's "It's A Man's World". I love Christina, yet sometimes she overdoes it bit for me. If there is one artist you can't overdo, it is James Brown. So this was a great fit for her. The result was spellbinding, beyond awesome. A big disappointment was that she only did one of his songs. Once again, I would have preferred her or a group of singers doing a medley including some of Brown's other hits like "Papa's Got A Band New Bag", "Cold Sweat" and "Say It Loud, I'm Black And I'm Proud".

The rest of the night for me was OK, but not outstanding. The three Eagles covers were too much, too long and in my book, not as inspired as the originals. Carrie Underwood is nice, but too American Idolish perfect without much substance for my taste. The Red Hot Chili Peppers, whom I voted for in three awards, did one of their lesser written songs instead of Dani California and disappointed as well.

The talent contest to sing with Justin Timberlake was fairly entertaining, and the winner did a credible, if not distinctive job. However, the whole thing bordered on cheesy American Idol cloning. I know it was NARAS' attempt to boost ratings. Blameless or shameless? What did you think?

All in all, a little more than half of the acts I voted for won this year. Last year, my picks were about 90% on.

This is my take on the Grammys, for what it's worth.

What is yours? Let me know. I'd love to hear.

Wishing you all my best,

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