For many, including me, this was the first time you had seen them live...and chances are you were blown away with the passion, soul, quirkiness, and simply incredible live stage presence. After just two hits, seeing them perform just this one time, and hearing their full album top to bottom just once, I (and hopefully you) may be a fan for life. I can't remember the last time that's happen so instantly.
I only rank Bruno second because we already know knew how good he was live, and he's got a little more "fame" under his belt than Fun.. BUT, to much of America, this was his coming out party. So many watching the Grammy's found out there IS another James Brown, and his name is Bruno Mars. I think in addition to performing, he'll also be receiving a few Grammy's this year!
The innocence of a new band on a national stage, combined with high energy, unique use of instruments, and like Fun., some quirky cool grooves and tunes. Just the BEST! But as much as I love "Pumped Up Kicks," and don't blame music for making bad things happen in our world, I do kind of wonder how they can perform that song live, in consideration of recent tragedies. Not sure how they're coping with it...they must get questioned at every show!
Though her performance was right in the middle of the show, buried, sort of, and probably skipped over by many who DVR'ed, her solo w Piano was OUTSTANDING. 11 minutes long...merging songs together, never stopping playing...so much heart. And how about her new hair...super trendy!
1) Typical clever but slightly snide Sandler lyrics poking fun at major stars to the tune of a Leonard Cohen classic that would be performed in Madison Square Garden by Cohen himself only a week later. Think his "Hanukah Song" mixed with a Hurricane relief tribute. -and-
2) The fact that he planned to perform it w/ his guitar, and Paul Schaffer on keyboard, but had to soldier on without the guitar when the hookup died. Very cool, and pro, of him telling the Techie "I'm good man...I'll go without."
