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Grammys, Plug Awards Recognize the Indie Spirit

If an award is given off the air, does it still make a sound? While the lion's share of last night's Grammys went to the Dixie Chicks, Mary J. Blige, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, there were some noteworthy acts that garnered awards before the televised broadcast began and during commercial breaks. One deserving Best Hard Rock Performance award went to Australia's Wolfmother for "Woman", the blistering, Zeppelin-esque single off their self-titled debut, while Gnarls Barkley won Best Alternative Music Album for the soulful St. Elsewhere. Strangely, the primarily non-instrumental band the Flaming Lips won Best Rock Instrumental Performance for "The Wizard Turns On..."—the only song off of their latest record, At War With The Mystics, without singer Wayne Coyne's distinctive vocals.

But the Grammys' mainstream focus comes as no surprise, which is why Saturday night's Plug Awards, New York's alternative music awards ceremony, remain so vital. Hosted by comedian David Cross, the event gave recognition to some worthy under-the-radar musicians like Band of Horses (Album of the Year), Arctic Monkeys (New Artist of the Year), and Yo La Tengo (Indie Rock Album of the Year), among others. The awards night was interspersed with performances by avant-punk band Deerhoof, shoegazing LA rockers Silversun Pickups and independent rock veteran Stephen Malkmus.

--The ARTISTdirect Staff
02.12.07