Annual music award shows can truly be hit or miss. Either the nominees are widely speculated upon due to proclaimed rigged popularity contests, or they’re mildly intriguing. This year proves to be more interesting than most years. Why, you ask? Every category is filled to the brim with artists that hands down deserve the title and nomination in their respective categories.

Noteworthy performers include, The Black Keys, Fun., The Lumineers, Maroon 5 & Alicia Keys, Frank Ocean, Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake and Jack White.

The Best Alternative Music Album literally contains 2012’s most immaculate releases. 2020k’s jaw fell to the floor after seeing the nominees for this category. They are all clear winners, deserving a standing ovation for their innovative approaches to their untouchable projects.

The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than The Driver Of The Screw And Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do by Fiona Apple
Biophilia by Bjork
Breaking Mirrors by Gotye
Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming. by M83
Bad As Me by Tom Waits

Last year, we saw a surge of Electronic Dance Music acknowledgment, and this year should show no different. Steve Aoki, Deadmau5, The Chemical Brothers, Kaskade, and Skrillex put their latest releases forward as nominees for Best Dance Electronica Album. Skrillex also earns himself a second nod in the Best Dance Recording for “Bangarang,” which goes head to head with “Levels” by Avicii, “Let’s Go” by Calvin Harris featuring Ne-Yo, “Don’t You Worry Child” by Swedish House Mafia, and “I Can’t Live Without You” by Al Walser.

We’re confused on the Walser nomination too. Haven’t heard the song yet? Click here if you dare. Just ignore it. Please. Unless it wins, then get your Pitchforks ready because there’s sure to be a storm.

What’s even better is the Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical nominations:

“In My Mind (Axwell Remix)” by Ivan Gough & Feenixpawl Featuring Georgi Kay
“Lie Down In Darkness (Photek Remix)” by Moby
“Midnight City (Eric Prydaz Private Remix)” by M83
“Promises (Skrillex & Nero Remix)” by Nero
“The Veldt (Tommy Trash Remix)” by Deadmau5 Featuring Chris James

Spotlights shine bright for Rupert Parkes, better known under the moniker Photek, as he follows up his 2012 “End Of Line” by Daft Punk Remix nomination with the Moby nod. As you may recall, we covered the entire Destroyed album quite immensely on 2020k, so seeing this prolific artist being nominated for his work on the Destroyed Remixed project brings a smile to our face.

The five minute and thirty second “Lie Down In Darkness” remix samples the original composition greatly, but strays for a more kick, hi-hat, and snare drive. The end result is an emotionally driven downtempo adventure, filled with progressive rhythmic elements and a grand stereo image built out of string stems from the album version.

In October 2012, Photek also released KU:PALM. Although this release is not affiliated with the Grammy Award Ceremony, it is worth a mention, alongside his remix of Lana Del Rey’s “Ride” (Soundcloud) for maintaining the essence of Electronica music and the signature Photek style. In celebration of this Best Remixed Recording nomination, we’re happy to present to you two free downloads from Parkes.

Download “Pyramid” from KU:PALM
Download Photek’s Essential Mix From BBC Radio 1 (Aired October 6th, 2013)

We also may or may not be giving away even more goodies from Photek in collaboration with OTMblog.com. Announcement coming soon! Follow the blog on Twitter for more details as they arise.

The 55th Annual Grammy Awards are on NBC this Sunday, February 10th, 2013, 8PM EST. For a complete list of nominees, check out Grammy.com. Purchase “Lie Down In Darkness (Photek Remix)” by Moby over at iTunes