Last Updated on January 5, 2013 by
2013 Grammy prediction: Best Alternative Music Album nominees
• The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than The Driver Of The Screw And Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do, Fiona Apple
• Biophilia, Bjork
• Making Mirrors, Gotye
• Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming, M83
• Bad as Me, Tom Waits
This year’s crop of Best Alternative Album nominees is diverse enough to make this prediction a tough call. Gotye’s Making Mirrors was the most commercially successful of the group, thanks to its smash single “Somebody That I Used to Know,” which is also up for Record of the Year.
As the guy with the biggest buzz (though it has faded somewhat), Gotye still has to be considered the favorite. But Fiona Apple, whose The Idler Wheel… was a huge critical fave, may have a shot to steal this one. She was also nominated back in 2001, and the time may be right for a woman to win this award, since it hasn’t happened since Sinead O’Connor claimed the trophy in 1991, the very first year it was issued.
Apple could be hurt by the fact that another woman is lurking – Bjork. The Icelandic singer has been nominated five times before in the Alternative Album category without a win. In fact, she’s never won a Grammy despite 12 previous nominations. She won’t secure many votes this year, but she could grab a few away from Apple.
Another contender to watch is veteran rocker Tom Waits, who won this award back in 1993 for Bone Machine. The 63-year-old with the distinctive growl is a hero in indie circles. And the Grammys love to honor legends who are past their prime. But this particular category usually goes to the hot current act, Waits’ previous victory notwithstanding.
Finally, French electronic pop act M83 got a nod for their ambitious double-album Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming. While the single “Midnight City” made a modest impact, the band won’t have enough widespread support to win.
While we think M83’s record is the best of the bunch, our prediction is that Gotye’s commercial success helps him edge out Apple and Waits for the Best Alternative gramophone.
2013 Grammy Awards: Best Alternative Music Album prediction
Deserves to win: Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming, M83
Will win: Making Mirrors, Gotye
Should have also been nominated: My Head Is An Animal, Of Monsters and Men
See the list of every Best Alternative Album nominee and winner in Grammy history.
