In a world of see-through dresses, shoulder horns and Justin Bieber, it's easy to forget that the Grammys are supposed to celebrate good music. Marcus Mumford sings with more passion than all of the performers before him put together. Then come the Avett Brothers, who at first seem as if they weren't ready to play "Head Full of Doubt, Road Full of Promise" in front of such a large audience. But after a few chords the Avetts find their rhythm, leading smoothly into an appearance by none other than Bob Dylan. Dylan, however, looks old — older than his 69 years, 10 Grammy awards or lifetime achievement honor should account for. The Mumfords and Avetts might never write a song as good as "Maggie's Farm." But the folk hero's energy just isn't there.
Mumford & Sons: A Avett Brothers: A- Bob Dylan: B-