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Grammy nominations. B-Side predictions

Finally, the Grammys gets some things right

The nominations for the 51st Annual Grammy Awards were announced Wednesday, and the biggest acts of the year got the most props. Hip-hop superstar Lil Wayne led the way with eight nominations, followed by Brit-rockers Coldplay with seven nominations. A diverse group of artists including Kanye West, Ne-yo, Radiohead and newcomers Adele and Duffy also received multiple nods, along with music veterans like Bruce Springsteen and the duet of Robert Plant and Allison Krauss.

I've picked out a few of the big categories and put in my projections for who will win and who should win. I'm starting with the rock categories and will add a few more every week until the awards ceremony on Feb. 8. Let the musical bickering begin.

Best Rock Album

Coldplay - Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends

Kid Rock - Rock N Roll Jesus

Kings of Leon - Only By The Night

Metallica - Death Magnetic

The Raconteurs - Consolers Of The Lonely

Who Will Win: Coldplay - Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends

It's the rock album with the most nominations and the most copies sold. Plus, it finds these typical piano-rockers stepping out into eclectic territory with world instruments and unorthodox song structures. All of these factors will be enough for them to win.

Who Should Win: Metallica - Death Magnetic

Since there isn't a "Best Metal Album" category, this return-to-form record from the metal titans SHOULD get this prize. Too bad it probably won't.

Best Rock Song

Bruce Springsteen - "Girls In Their Summer Clothes"

Radiohead - "House Of Cards"

Death Cab for Cutie - "I Will Possess Your Heart "

Kings of Leon - "Sex On Fire"

Coldplay - "Violet Hill"

Who Will Win: Coldplay - "Violet Hill"

This was probably the toughest one to predict, but when it's too close to call, go with the band with the most nominations.

Who Should Win: Kings of Leon - "Sex On Fire"

The Nashville boys go all post-punk and poppy and get it done in a big way. But their indie status will work against them.

Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals

AC/DC - "Rock 'N Roll Train"

Coldplay - "Violet Hill"

Eagles - "Long Road Out Of Eden"

Kings of Leon - "Sex On Fire"

Radiohead - "House Of Cards"

Who Will Win: Coldplay - "Violet Hill"

See answer from above category.

Who Should Win: AC/DC - "Rock 'N Roll Train"

It's old school AC/DC. Actually, is there any other kind of AC/DC? The fact that they are still rocking out this hard being this old should earn them an award, but their lack of nominations lowers their chances for a win.

Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance

John Mayer - "Gravity" from Where The Light Is - Live In Los Angeles

Paul McCartney - "I Saw Her Standing There" from Amoeba's Secret

Bruce Springsteen - "Girls In Their Summer Clothes" from Magic

Eddie Vedder - "Rise"

Neil Young - "No Hidden Path" from Chrome Dreams II

Who Will Win: John Mayer - "Gravity" from Where The Light Is - Live In Los Angeles

Mr. Mayer is a young Grammy golden boy. In my opinion, The Boss may be the only person who has the chance to beat him out.

Who Should Win: Bruce Springsteen - "Girls In Their Summer Clothes" from Magic

Actually, I take that first answer back. The Boss will win this one.

Best Alternative Music Album

Beck - Modern Guilt

Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs

Gnarls Barkley - The Odd Couple

My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges

Radiohead - In Rainbows

Who Will Win: Radiohead - In Rainbows

Because it's their best album since "Kid A," and that was the last and only time they won this category. They're due for a second.

Who Should Win: My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges

These genre hoppers go from Prince funk to ratty-haired southern rock to tender folk, and Jim James blows every singer away in this category. Give them a few years and Grammy will come calling.

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