58TH Annual Grammy Awards nominations announced

As is always the case when Grammy nominations are announced, there is a mix of good and bad across the myriad of categories. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see Alabama Shakes, Courtney Barnett, the Mavericks, Kacey Musgraves, and Florence + the Machine among the nominees. You can see the official media release below (Posted by Robert Kinsler):

KENDRICK LAMAR LEADS GRAMMY^® NOMINATIONS WITH 11;

TAYLOR SWIFT AND THE WEEKND EACH GARNER SEVEN

ALABAMA SHAKES, KENDRICK LAMAR, CHRIS STAPLETON,

TAYLOR SWIFT, AND THE WEEKND VIE FOR ALBUM OF THE YEAR

AT THE 58TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS^®

FEB. 15, 2016, LIVE ON CBS

LOS ANGELES (Dec. 7, 2015)  — The Recording Academy^® announced nominations for the 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards^® in all 83 categories this morning. Reflecting a diverse blend of talented music makers, this year's nominees were selected from more than 21,000 submissions entered. As the only peer-based music award, the GRAMMY Awards are voted on by The Academy's membership body of creators across all disciplines of music, including recording artists, songwriters, producers, and engineers. Final-round GRAMMY^® ballots will be mailed Dec. 16 and the preeminent award for excellence in music will be presented Monday, Feb. 15, 2016, live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and broadcast on the CBS Television Network from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).   

This year, Kendrick Lamar leads nominations with 11, followed by Taylor Swift and The Weeknd, who each earn seven. Additionally, music producer/songwriter Max Martin receives six nominations and mastering engineer Tom Coyne, rapper Drake, and engineers/mixers Serban Ghenea and John Hanes each earn five nominations.

"The diversity in the creative community is what makes music a universal language, and it's gratifying to see the vibrancy of today's artistic landscape reflected in this year's nominations — a testament to The Academy's voting members," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "Artists are pushing boundaries in exciting ways, making it an exceptionally strong year for music."

The eclectic nature of this year's nominations is perhaps best exemplified in the Album Of The Year category, where nominees range from the alternative and soulful rock of Alabama Shakes to Lamar's thought-provoking jazz-infused rap, the classic country sounds of Chris Stapleton, the pop emergence of Swift, and the genre-bending R&B style of The Weeknd.

Following is a sampling of nominations from the GRAMMY Awards' 30 Fields and 83 categories. For a complete nominations list, visit www.grammy.com. Congratulate nominees and catch exclusive videos and content on Facebook. Join @theGRAMMYs Twitter Moments conversation using #GRAMMYs.

GENERAL FIELD

Album Of The Year:

Sound & Color — Alabama Shakes

To Pimp A Butterfly — Kendrick Lamar

Traveller — Chris Stapleton

1989 — Taylor Swift

Beauty Behind The Madness — The Weeknd

Watch and share the Album Of The Year category roundup video

Record Of The Year:

"Really Love" — D'Angelo And The Vanguard

"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars

"Thinking Out Loud" — Ed Sheeran

"Blank Space" — Taylor Swift

"Can't Feel My Face" — The Weeknd

Watch and share the Record Of The Year category roundup video

Song Of The Year:

"Alright" — Kendrick Duckworth, Mark Anthony Spears & Pharrell Williams, songwriters (Kendrick Lamar)

"Blank Space" — Max Martin, Shellback & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift)

"Girl Crush" — Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna & Liz Rose, songwriters (Little Big Town)

"See You Again" — Andrew Cedar, Justin Franks, Charles Puth & Cameron Thomaz, songwriters (Wiz Khalifa Featuring Charlie Puth)

"Thinking Out Loud" — Ed Sheeran & Amy Wadge, songwriters (Ed Sheeran)

Watch and share the Song Of The Year category roundup video

Best New Artist:

Courtney Barnett

James Bay

Sam Hunt

Tori Kelly

Meghan Trainor

Watch and share the Best New Artist category roundup video

POP FIELD

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance:

"Ship To Wreck" — Florence + The Machine

"Sugar" — Maroon 5

"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars

"Bad Blood" — Taylor Swift Featuring Kendrick Lamar

"See You Again" — Wiz Khalifa Featuring Charlie Puth

DANCE/ELECTRONIC MUSIC FIELD

Best Dance Recording:

"We're All We Need" — Above & Beyond Featuring Zoë Johnston

"Go" — The Chemical Brothers

"Never Catch Me" — Flying Lotus Featuring Kendrick Lamar

"Runaway (U & I)" — Galantis

"Where Are Ü Now" — Skrillex And Diplo With Justin Bieber

ROCK FIELD

Best Rock Performance:

"Don't Wanna Fight" — Alabama Shakes

"What Kind Of Man" — Florence + The Machine

"Something From Nothing" — Foo Fighters

"Ex's & Oh's" — Elle King

"Moaning Lisa Smile" — Wolf Alice

ALTERNATIVE FIELD

Best Alternative Music Album:

Sound & Color — Alabama Shakes

Vulnicura — Björk

The Waterfall — My Morning Jacket

Currents — Tame Impala

Star Wars — Wilco

R&B FIELD

Best Urban Contemporary Album:

Ego Death — The Internet

You Should Be Here — Kehlani

Blood — Lianne La Havas

Wildheart  — Miguel

Beauty Behind The Madness — The Weeknd

RAP FIELD

Best Rap Album:

2014 Forest Hills Drive — J. Cole

Compton — Dr. Dre

If Youre Reading This Its Too Late — Drake

To Pimp A Butterfly — Kendrick Lamar

The Pinkprint — Nicki Minaj

COUNTRY FIELD

Best Country Album:

Montevallo — Sam Hunt

Pain Killer — Little Big Town

The Blade — Ashley Monroe

Pageant Material — Kacey Musgraves

Traveller — Chris Stapleton

JAZZ FIELD 

Best Jazz Instrumental Album:

My Favorite Things — Joey Alexander

Breathless — Terence Blanchard Featuring The E-Collective

Covered: Recorded Live At Capitol Studios — Robert Glasper & The Robert Glasper Trio

Beautiful Life — Jimmy Greene

Past Present — John Scofield

GOSPEL/CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC FIELD 

Best Gospel Album:

Destined To Win (Live) — Karen Clark Sheard

Living It — Dorinda Clark-Cole

One Place Live — Tasha Cobbs

Covered: Alive Is Asia [Live] (Deluxe) — Israel & Newbreed

Life Music: Stage Two — Jonathan McReynolds

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album:

Whatever The Road — Jason Crabb

How Can It Be — Lauren Daigle

Saints And Sinners — Matt Maher

This Is Not A Test — Tobymac

Love Ran Red — Chris Tomlin

LATIN FIELD

Best Latin Pop Album:

Terral — Pablo Alborán

Healer — Alex Cuba

A Quien Quiera Escuchar (Deluxe Edition) — Ricky Martin

Sirope — Alejandro Sanz

Algo Sucede — Julieta Venegas

AMERICAN ROOTS FIELD 

Best Americana Album:

The Firewatcher's Daughter — Brandi Carlile

The Traveling Kind — Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell

Something More Than Free — Jason Isbell

Mono — The Mavericks

The Phosphorescent Blues — Punch Brothers

SPOKEN WORD FIELD

Best Spoken Word Album (Includes Poetry, Audio Books & Storytelling):

Blood On Snow (Jo Nesbø) — Patti Smith

Brief Encounters: Conversations, Magic Moments, And Assorted Hijinks — Dick Cavett

A Full Life: Reflections At Ninety — Jimmy Carter

Patience And Sarah (Isabel Miller) — Janis Ian & Jean Smart

Yes Please — Amy Poehler (& Various Artists)

PRODUCTION, NON-CLASSICAL FIELD

Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical:

Jeff Bhasker

Dave Cobb

Diplo

Larry Klein

Blake Mills

MUSIC VIDEO/FILM

Best Music Film:

Mr. Dynamite: The Rise Of James Brown — James Brown

Sonic Highways — Foo Fighters

What Happened, Miss Simone? — Nina Simone

The Wall — Roger Waters

Amy — Amy Winehouse

About The Recording Academy:

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visitwww.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like "The GRAMMYs" on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs' social communities on Google+, Instagram, Tumblrand YouTube.

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Holiday music releases serve as tuneful stocking stuffers

Sooner or later it seems just about every artist releases a Christmas album. This year there are a wealth of new holiday-minded titles worth discovering.


Artist: Pentatonix
Title: That's Christmas to Me (RCA)
You might like if you enjoy: Pentatonix, Ray Conniff Singers
Tell me more: The 2015 deluxe edition of the Pentatonix collection That's Christmas to Me builds on the joy of the holiday chart-topping October 2014 release with the addition of five all-new tracks. Fans of the Arlington, Texas-spawned a cappella vocal group know full well how talented the five singers are in crafting and performing original arrangements via spot-on harmonies, modern R&B vocal stylings and the inclusion of beat boxing and vocal percussion. They bring their dynamic style to the newly-featured "Joy to the World," "The First Noel," Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and others on the recommended collection. The physical CD version of That's Christmas to Me features a colorful foldout poster too. Information: ptxofficial.com.

Purchase 'That's Christmas to Me' (Deluxe Edition) here



Artist: The dB's & Friends
Title: Christmas Time Again! (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Alex Chilton, Robyn Hitchcock, Whiskeytown, R.E.M.
Tell me more: A little bit of everything goes a long way on the dB's & Friends' Christmas Time Again! Originally released as an EP back in 1986, Christmas Time Again! was re-issued as ever-expanded editions in 1993 and 2006, but is now wonderfully stuffed with a wealth of never-before-included tracks and shines across its new bigger-is-better 22-track run. The truly wide-range of indie styles includes the beautiful piano-anchored "The Sounds of Christmas" (featuring Skylar Gudasz), lively rocker "Christmas Time," a joyous live take of "Jesus Christ" (with R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills  handling lead vocals) and affecting "In the Bleak Midwinter" (helmed by the much-missed Big Star singer-guitarist Alex Chilton). Information: omnivorerecordings.com.

Get 'Christmas Time Again!' here 

Artist: Mannheim Steamroller
Title: LIVE (American Gramaphone)
You might like if you enjoy: Mannheim Steamroller
Tell me more: For those who love Mannheim Steamroller's distinctive sound that blends classical music, New Age and rock, the Chip Davis-led ensemble's Christmas collections are required listening. In December 2014, Mannheim Steamroller was recorded over two nights in the historic Orpheum Theater in Omaha, Nebraska, the highlights which can be heard on the 18-track LIVE. The performances of traditional carols ("Deck the Halls," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Silent Night" and more) and original material (such as "Pass the Keg (Lia)" and Chocolate Fudge" from the troupe's debut 1974 album "Fresh Aire") have never sounded better. Information: mannheimsteamroller.com.

Get Mannheim Steamroller's 'Live' here

Artist: MercyMe
Title: It's Christmas (Fair Trade Services)
You might like if you enjoy: Jars of Clay, MercyMe's 2005 album "The Christmas Sessions"
Tell me more: Contemporary Christian quintet MercyMe has released a Christmas album that is as polished and heartfelt as any of their Texas-spawned troupe's original music-filled albums. The group has lots of fun too, infusing bits of the Beach Boys and modern country music on their original gem "Christmastime Again" and the original melodic rocker "Hold On Christmas," while reworking seasonal classics including "Sleigh Ride" (now a lovely mid-tempo textured ballad) and "A Holly Jolly Christmas (a jump blues romp that includes a bit of "Jingle Bells") on an 11-track disc sure to be a favorite with MercyMe's loyal audience. Information: Mercyme.org.

Buy 'MercyMe, It's Christmas' here



Artists: Janiva Magness, Cindy Alexander, Rita Wilson, Gary Hoey, more
Title: A Blue Élan Christmas (Blue Elan Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Janiva Magness, Cindy Alexander, Gary Hoey
Tell me more: A full 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of A Blue Élan Christmas go to benefit the Alliance for Children's Rights, more than enough reason to purchase the wonderful 17-track collection. Highlights on the festive set includes blues singer-songwriter Janiva Magness belting out "Every Day Will Be Like a Holiday," Cindy Alexander delivering the wistful soulful "Christmas ls Here" and a truly gorgeous jazz-styled take of the Mel Torme classic "The Christmas Song" courtesy of vocalist Rita Wilson. There are also impressive selections from Americana singer-songwriter Jack Tempchin (his self-penned "Christmas Calling" and tuneful ballad "Christmas All Year Round") and virtuoso guitar hero Gary Hoey (an amazing instrumental version of "O Holy Night"). Information: BlueElan.com.

Buy 'A Blue Élan Christmas' here



Artist: Matthew and Gunnar Nelson
Title: This Christmas (Digitally Sound Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Nelson, "Not So Silent Night: Christmas with REO Speedwagon"
Tell me more: There seems to be a trend in 2015 for artists to rekindle the sweet approach to holiday music making that gave rise to '50s and '60s classic recordings from Andy Williams and Johnny Mathis to '70s releases from John Denver and the Carpenters, and that is the definite approach taken by brothers Matthew and Gunnar Nelson on their 12-track This Christmas. Highlights on the duo's first-ever Christmas collection includes a harmonious "Joy To The World" (enhanced by some shining acoustic guitar work), a bluegrass-styled instrumental version of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" featuring famed fiddler Molly Cherryholmes, a spirited acoustic romp through "Holly Jolly Christmas" and the lush title track that finds the brothers joining forces with pop singer Alyssa Bonagura. Information: matthewandgunnarnelson.com.

Pick up 'This Christmas' here



Artist: Maggie McClure and Shane Henry
Title: Happiest of Holidays (independent release)
You might like if you enjoy: She & Him, Sixpence None the Richer
Tell me more: Husband and wife duo Maggie McClure and Shane Henry have just released Happiest of Holidays, a fun-filled five-song EP featuring four original tunes and a version of the romantic "Baby It's Cold Outside." The songs here capture the merriment of the season with the yearning ballad "When I'm Home" and Americana-tinged "First Thing On My Christmas List" both laced with the melancholy that enriches the best of contemporary holiday collections. The title track is particularly infectious and could definitely serve as a title song for an animated or family television special. Information: MaggieMcClure.com.


Get 'Happiest of Holidays' here 

 

Artist: The Brian Setzer Orchestra

Title: Rockin' Rudolph (Surfdog)

You might like if you enjoy: The Brian Setzer Orchestra

Tell me more: Things seldom get as fun as spirited as performances from the Brian Setzer Orchestra. On the ensemble's first holiday collection since 2010's Christmas Comes Alive, Setzer and company offer up rousing and joyful takes on "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," "Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing," and other Christmastime faves. Rockin' Rudolph is a must-have set for fans of talented singer-guitar great Setzer (just listen to the former Stray Cat unleash his impressive guitar work on the instrumental "Carol of the Bells"). Information: Surfdog.com and BrianSetzer.com.

Purchase 'Rockin' Rudolph' here

Artist: KC and the Sunshine Band

Title: A Sunshine Christmas (BFD)

You might like if you enjoy: KC and the Sunshine Band; Earth, Wind and Fire

Tell me more: Like Brian Setzer, KC and the Sunshine Band have taken an upbeat approach to making a Christmas music collection. Offering up dance-minded reworkings of holiday favorites and apt originals ("The After Christmas Song," "Jingle Bell Boogie," "A Sunshine Christmas"), this dozen song-set will bring smiles as you move to the infectious beat. Information: heykcsb.com.

Soak in 'A Sunshine Christmas' today

Robert Kinsler

MUSIC WORTH BUYING episode: Jeff Lynne's ELO, 'Hamilton' (the musical)

This week Robert and TJR discuss the exciting new album Alone in the Universe from Jeff Lynne's ELO and Hamilton (the official Broadway Cast of the new musical):

Coldplay Album Release Party Video Stream on Yahoo; watch the band's new chimp-minded video

I am very excited to hear the new Coldplay album titled "A Head Full of Dreams" that comes out later this week. There is all kinds of exciting news to share surrounding Coldplay and the band's new disc...

iHeartMedia Presents the iHeartRadio Album Release Party with Coldplay at the iHeartRadio Theater Los Angeles

Exclusive Performance and Q&A to Stream on Yahoo and Broadcast on iHeartMedia Radio Stations Across the Country

  

WHAT:                   iHeartMedia presents the "iHeartRadio Album Release Party with Coldplay" at the iHeartRadio Theater Los Angeles, an exclusive hour-long live event to celebrate their new album, A Head Full of Dreams.  The event will feature an intimate Q&A and live performance.

The iHeartRadio Album Release Party with Coldplay will video stream exclusively on Yahoo (http://www.yahoo.com/iheartcoldplay) and stream across all iHeartMedia station websites as well as iHeartRadio.com, with a 60-minute on-air special broadcast on iHeartMedia radio stations.

WHEN:                   Thursday, December 3 at 8 p.m. PT (Local Time)

Coldplay Will Perform On "Ellen" on December 4 and on "The Late Late Show With James Corden" on December 7 New Album, A Head Full Of Dreams, out Friday, December 4, 2015

Earlier this week Coldplay revealed the exuberant, chimp-led music video for "Adventure Of A Lifetime," the first single from their new album, A Head Full Of Dreams. The video is available exclusively on the band's Facebook page at facebook.com/coldplay. (See below for the embed code.) Directed by Mat Whitecross, the animated clip came about after Coldplay's Chris Martinbumped into actor and motion capture expert Andy Serkis (Lord Of The Rings, King Kong) on a flight, and the two hatched a plan to collaborate. The video, which took six months to make, began with a studio shoot with the band in full motion performance capture rigs. Animators Mathematic then collaborated with motion capture expertsImaginarium to transform the four musicians into 3D chimpanzees. Coldplay will celebrate the release of A Head Full Of Dreams (Parlophone/Atlantic Records) with an appearance on "Ellen" on the day of the album's release - Friday, December 4. The band will perform on "The Late Late Show with James Corden" on December 7. A Head Full Of Dreams is the vibrant follow-up to 2014's Ghost Stories, Coldplay's sixth consecutive worldwide chart topper. Anyone pre-ordering the album from iTunes ahead of its release will receive instant downloads of both "Adventure Of A Lifetime" and another new song, "Everglow," which Zane Lowe premiered on Beats One yesterday. Tickets for Coldplay's 2016 European stadium dates go on sale to the public today via Ticketmaster. The band's Latin American shows then go on sale next week. See Coldplay.com for details