Ahh the Grammys - a night of long-winded acceptance speeches and undeserving nominees (depending on your levels of sobriety and cynicism, in respective order.) Beyonce once again dominated with multiple wins for her smash hit "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)" a song that without the seductive music video of scantily clad dancers would probably have disappeared a while back. But thanks to YouTube and the relentless overplaying of the track on commercial radio, Beyonce still remains a current entity.

Whilst still on the topic of Beyonce, who has heard "Video Phone" featuring Lady Gaga? Now there is a prime example of 'sex sells everything'... including terrible music. I can't find words to describe the atrocity that is "Video Phone" but I suppose if anyone should be held responsible it should be Lady Gaga. The outrageously dressed, possibly male (anyone else see that viral image of Ms. Gaga's bulging underwear?), ridiculously popular performer is no stranger to terrible tracks, and released an album of poorly executed tunes 2 years ago - The Fame or something like that.

But lets move past Lady Gaga and her crimes, and tackle the completely unrelated topic of contemporary male R&B. Now there is one genre that will forever remain a mystery to me. Jay Sean, Jason Derulo, not to mention, Ne-Yo and Chris Brown are becoming household names all across the world, and why? Ok Jason Derulo became very successful for "Watcha Say," but that is not at all surprising. Half the song is sampled from Imogen Heap's dream-pop triumph "Hide and Seek," so yes it is very listenable but that is not due to Derulo's efforts.

R&B, that's Rhythm and Blues to all those unfamiliar with the acronym. But contrary to the soul and depth of original Motown releases, contemporary R&B is something else quite entirely... But back to Motown, Now that was a time for real R&B and soul. But ask the youth of today who Marvin Gaye or Smokey Robinson is, and you will be met with a blank look and no response at all. Speaking of Mr. Gaye, when was the last time any of you read the amazing novel High Fidelity? In this book, record storeowner and muso Rob (played by John Cusack in the film version) is consistently listing his favourite and least favourite elements of music. And Marvin Gaye's Let's Get It On, is Rob's favourite record of all time. Another list Rob and his friends make, is recording artists they most want to kill, on which The Beatles get an honorable mention.

This made me stop and think, as I wasn't totally aware of the fact that someone who loves music so much could possibly hate the Fab Four. But I determined that it was the astronomical success of The Beatles that led to the disliking of them by music fanatics. Because someone who couldn't distinguish The Clash from The Ramones and someone who had probably seen The Doors perform after 1971, was also someone who listened to The Beatles. And for a self-proclaimed music connoisseur who can most definitely tell the difference between the aforementioned punk bands, this will not do. They won't listen to bands that are massively popular and successful. So maybe they are cutting off their nose to spite their face. And maybe the only reason I dislike Lady Gaga is because she is massively popular (but I still believe she is a talentless person.)

I welcome all disagreements, different points of views, and general insults. Please feel free to share your own feelings on the state of modern music.

And to all of you who share my views - bless you.