Longing for the day ...

Most predictable ARIAs ever ...

Well, I predicted the winners of all but two ARIAS last night. I missed Gotye, mainly because I knew nothing about him - never heard his music and had only heard his name in connection with his nomination; and Sarah Blasko, about whom I really know very little, though I like the song. I also think it's curious that Gotye won the award for a remix compilation of his work. What does THAT say about the mindset of the judges? Is this portent of things to come? Not sure what to make of it ...

But what does it say about the strength of the Australian music industry when most of the nominees and nearly all of the winners were the usual suspects? Where was the unexpected? The depth of talent on show? So many acts received multiple nominations that I have to question where the rest of the industry is. If that's all we have to offer (which I know it isn't) then we don't have a lot to offer, do we? And, as Ben Lee and Delta pointed out, that was without them having anything eligible ...neither were the Veronicas. Next year's cupboard is looking even bearer ...

It was great to see Nick Cave honoured. I'm not a fan but I can see that a lot of other people are and that's enough to put him in that elite company. His longevity and influence are just incredible ... and his demeanor in accepting the award for the other people with whom he worked is a wake-up call for a lot of young egos in the industry. I also loved John Butler's contribution to the social awareness of the evening - and that closing number with Keith Urban was just incendiary. I'd love to get a copy of that - real music played by real musos with passion. That's what it's all about.

It's great to see Aussie music being recognised. I'd accept an ARIA any time ....