.No one takes the awards part of the Grammys seriously. But, obligingly, everyone checks in to see if their favorite artist manages to reap Grammy gold. And on this Monday morning, we'd like to think there are a few otherwise skeptical indie music types who are pleasantly surprised that one of their own pulled off winning the Album of the Year award. For those who aren't basking in Arcade Fire's upset, there was plenty to talk about. Neil Young finally won an award (for something other than a box set). Someone named Esperanza Spalding stole Justin Bieber's prize. And, yes, Lady Gaga arrived in an egg.
Biggest Surprises
Album of the Year - Arcade Fire (The Suburbs)
Be honest. You thought the Fame Monster was going to win. Even though the entire Pitchfork-universe was pulling for an Arcade Fire upset, few believed that a Canadian band on an independent label would actually win the Grammy's biggest award of the evening. Sure, The Suburbs topped the charts when it was first released and received glowing reviews from every critic yearning for rock bands to achieve the "importance" that they once commanded. But this was the Grammys. And Lady Gaga arrived in an egg.
Watch a grateful Win Butler and his band head up for an encore performance of "Ready to Start" after grabbing the Grammy: