No, I think that this year is just worse than normal. Now that I think about it, I never have liked or even noted past nominees or winners of the Grammys. I'd just listen for who won the main ones and I'd be like "Oh, that's nice" or "meh, they stink".

As far as the bigger players go, Beck's "Sea Change" should have been up for much more. It's nominated for "Best Alternative Album", whatever the hell that means anymore. Does anyone else agree with me on that one? I mean, I've been listening to this album around the clock, and it's just beautiful.

Anyway, be assured that I've never bought music based on the Grammys, Billboard, and especially not radio (for which I've always carried great disdain). My taste in music occasionally drifts to popular stuff (not pop), but is, by and large, pretty obscure and focused.

ps- I don't think the Academy would deny basing their nominees on record sales. It's pretty obvious.