John Galyon 
, Jan 31, 2010; 11:28 p.m.
If there was a Grammy awarded for being adorable, beautiful, and sweet...Taylor Swift would be an easy choice to win. But if you were watching the show tonight and caught her performance of a medley of songs that included a duet with Stevie Nicks...you may have noticed that she absolutely butchered "Rhiannon"...and for that matter, everthing she attempted to sing. Since Nicks not only sang the original version, but wrote it as well...you have to know that she was cringing and praying the song would be over yesterday...if not sooner. I realize that saying anything negative about Taylor Swift might come off no better than bad mouthing kittens, toddlers, or Mother Theresa...but regardless, it was nothing less than an excruciating experience...listening to her incredibly sweet...but weak and off-pitch little voice. I'd feel badly for her, but then I'm sure that a.) she's totally tone deaf and hasn't a clue that she's singing flat or sharp on at least every other note, and b.) she's surrounded by so many people whose sole purpose in life is to tell her how wonderful she is. (and sings) , and c.) she's the one who is adored, famous, and filthy stinking rich at 19. Not assuming that all of you feel she sings as badly as I do...but for those who do...what do you think her future as a singer holds? Once she's not so young, and maybe not as cute...will her success fade? As far as country, or country/pop singers go...Brenda Lee, Tanya Tucker, and Leann Rimes are three examples of singers who come to mind that had extremely strong careers that all started in their early teens. None went on to maintain the same level of success as they aged, as when they were still too young to take a legal drink of liquor. And these three young ladies could actually sing. What do you guys and gals think the future holds for "the adorable one"?
p.s. - as I wrote the last sentence, she just won the Grammy for Album of the year ;)
Arthur Plumpton 
, Jan 31, 2010; 11:41 p.m.
Don't know much about the lady (my antenae are obviously not in the right direction?) but kudos to the great Leonard Cohen for a lifetime achievement award. A poet AND a singer.
John Galyon , Jan 31, 2010; 11:46 p.m.
Agreed Arthur. Even the younger set is at least familiar with "Hallelujah”...although how familiar they'd be with Mr.Cohen...I haven't a clue.
Jack Welsh , Feb 01, 2010; 12:09 a.m.
Don't know much about her. So, won't say anything about her singing ability. Or, what the future holds. But, about the comment on bad singers. Reminds me of Fabian.People said he couldn't sing. But,he had the marketability to make him a star.
Arief Novisto , Feb 01, 2010; 12:13 a.m.
She's a singer songwriter, with emphasize on song writing although her looks helps of course. I noticed she's not a particularly strong singer but she writes pretty good tunes and the market likes her songs. As songwriter she has more control about her carreer I think, rather than rely on other people to write her songs.
Matt Laur 
, Feb 01, 2010; 12:24 a.m.
Give her time (and more voice training). She's in good shape in the studio, where a hundred takes and some post production can fix all ills. Performing live? Sounded to me like she had little or no monitor return, and was still feeling really nervous and green. Album of the year? Could be. She's sure sold lots of 'em. After all, the Grammys (the awards) are about recordings, not live performance chops. She's certainly a genuine, decent-seeming young soul.
John Galyon , Feb 01, 2010; 12:25 a.m.
Don't know much about her. So, won't say anything about her singing ability. Or, what the future holds. But, about the comment on bad singers. Reminds me of Fabian.People said he couldn't sing. But,he had the marketability to make him a star.
Jack, Your point about Fabian is well taken. We could probably accumulate a long list of singers that didn't have "good" voices, but that were successful. Dylan instantly comes to mind. Johnny Cash is another that was often referred to as a song "stylist" ...and not a singer. My understanding of the terms is that it's a nice way of saying...the guy can't sing well...but despite the fact, there's something about the voice that is very listenable.
She's a singer songwriter, with emphasize on song writing although her looks helps of course. I noticed she's not a particularly strong singer but she writes pretty good tunes and the market likes her songs. As songwriter she has more control about her carreer I think, rather than rely on other people to write her songs.
A Novisto...You're correct. I failed to mention that yes, there's a strong emphasis on her song writing ability. Will be interesting to see what she writes about after she's too old to write about teenage angst.
John Galyon , Feb 01, 2010; 12:31 a.m.
Give her time (and more voice training). She's in good shape in the studio, where a hundred takes and some post production can fix all ills. Performing live? Sounded to me like she had little or no monitor return, and was still feeling really nervous and green.
Matt, you certainly could be right about "time and voice training". Not questioning whether your're correct or not...but did you pick up on something that indicated to you that there was a problem monitor return? I have no doubt that even though she's performed hundreds of times before huge audiences, including awards shows...the Grammys would have to be the ultimate nerve racking experience for a singer/musician...so, yea...I'm sure there was a serious case of the "nerves" involved. But...I'll have to say that I've heard her sing live several times, and to be quite honest...she has never sounded any better than tonight ...IMHO.
Arthur Plumpton , Feb 01, 2010; 06:29 a.m.
You have piqued my curiosity, John. I know that U-Tube sound is not perfect, but are there any such Internet media by which we can hear her, before possibly buying a CD? Singers that are songwriters are special.
John Galyon , Feb 01, 2010; 09:22 a.m.
Arthur, I'm afraid you're asking the wrong person...technologically challenged here ;)
