Pop Culture Bracketology: Artist of the moment, Final Four pitches and results

Here we are, the Final Four. Much like our Sweet 16 portion of the tourney, the format of the post is going to be slightly different. Instead of our e-mail discussion, below are four "pitches" from WEEKEND contributors as to why a certain artist should make it to the championship round. And then, results!

Kanye West vs. Mastodon

Why Kanye should win: What’s most unfortunate about the match-up between Kanye West and Mastadon is the understandable inaccessibility of Mastadon’s work and the resulting lack of popularity. To their credit however, they have asserted themselves into the music listening public’s consciousness in a way few other bands from their genre have.

Their early decade release, “Leviathan” is considered by many to be the most influential metal album of the decade; it was also included on lists such as NPR’s 50 Most Important Recordings of the Decade and even the top 10 on our Best Albums of the Decade. They’ve made people notice progressive metal in a way that few, if any, others have.

That being said, Kanye West is an artist unlike which we’ve never seen before within his genre. His versatility stands unmatched as undoubtedly the best rapper/producer. He understands his relevance in our generation, from more modern examples of dream-chasing to his performances and style.

At the same time, the roots of his production style can be traced back to his '90s ancestors like RZA of Wu-Tang and he understands where he came from and what he wants his legacy to be. While today’s hip-hop industry continues to be bombarded with hit singles and a continued movement toward club-dance styles, Mr. West continues to appreciate the value of an album as art, even braving experimental territory with his auto-tuned “808’s and Heartbreak.”

His tendencies for emotional missteps make him vulnerable to criticism and dislike, but he is willing to wear his heart on his sleeve for people, a connection many celebrities don’t desire today. His influence has already begun, but he still has much to accomplish. -- Adam Lukach

Why Mastodon should win: Ten years ago, if someone told you that a metal band was in the Final Four of an Artist of the Moment bracket, you probably would have said “Who, Korn?” or “You’re lying.” Today, Atlanta’s Mastodon find themselves comfortably there after cruising through a bracket in which they were the favorite in every match-up. What happened?

It would be easy to say that “Leviathan”  happened, but that’s oversimplifying it. Sure, that whale of an album launched the band through the stratosphere and sat comfortably atop best-of-decade lists of hipsters and metalheads alike, but it’s only part of the story. 

Mastodon’s 2002 debut “Remission”  introduced them to the world with some of the meatiest riffs of all time, namely those in “March of the Fire Ants” and “Workhorse.”  2004 saw the release of “Leviathan” and got the attention of everyone who wasn’t already on-board.

The band released an ambitious concept album about the music industry for their major label debut, “Blood Mountain,” in 2006, and in 2009, they ascended to heights of progressive metal grandeur thought unattainable with their spiraling epic “Crack the Skye.”

In short, if Mastodon have made it this far as an uncompromisingly complex heavy metal band, there’s no reason to vote against them now. They have an equally strong following in the non-metal world as they do in the metal world, and despite that, they’ve never copped out and made an album just to please the masses. They aren’t traditionally what you’d think of for an Artist of the Moment, but the evidence is overwhelming that that’s exactly what they are. -- Brad Sanders

Results: Kanye narrowly defeats Mastodon, with 57 percent of the vote. He's off to the finals!

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Radiohead vs. Lady Gaga

Why Radiohead should win: Radiohead’s greatest strength is also their greatest weakness. The ambition that makes them the most important popular music act of the moment also leaves them open to countless attacks. When the band changed their sound with “Kid A” and “Amnesiac,” they were alternately praised and lambasted. Ironically, “Hail to the Thief” was a bit of a return to the guitar based rock of more popular previous albums, yet the band took a hit for being more commercial. They just can’t please some people.

But regardless of the whim of the times, Radiohead makes music that matters and has lasting value.

Radiohead’s most recent album, “In Rainbows,” is a refinement of their previous albums. It incorporates bits of ambient and minimalist music that peppered “Kid A” and “Amnesiac,” while also indulging in guitar blowouts reminiscent of “The Bends” and “OK Computer.”

In fact, this whole decade has belonged to Radiohead. “Kid A” has been named the best album of the decade by many esteemed publications, and “Amnesiac,” “Hail to the Thief” and “In Rainbows” have also showed up on those lists. And, although it’s behind our scope, it’s worth noting that “The Bends” and “OK Computer” are also considered two of the greatest albums of the ‘90s.

Few bands have been as influential in recent memory. The band’s introspective lyrics and varied musical influences have been instrumental for groups ranging from Deer Hunter to Wilco. Although their ambition sometimes draws criticism, it’s what makes Radiohead the most important band alive. -- Brian Marks

Why Lady Gaga should win: Gaga’s meteoric rise to fame has left no one untouched. In the course of two years she has released two number one albums and plans on releasing a third by the end of 2010. She has had nine songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, as well as six number one singles.

Aside from the sheer numbers, Lady Gaga has become a cultural force. Lady Gaga has inspired legions of dedicated fans, her so-called, “little monsters.” If you’re in need of an example of the hardcore fanaticism centered on Gaga, look no further than YouTube. Aside from the endless numbers of tributes and spoofs, Gaga’s own videos have accumulated more than one billion views.

Lady Gaga has also taken the time to become a political activist, fighting for equal rights and speaking to thousands in Washington, D.C. this past year.

Gaga deserves the respect she gets, after all, she’s the most unique artist Americans have seen for years. Whether or not you buy into the Lady’s glitz, glamor and Warhol inspired vision, you have to admit that she is changing the face of music.

As Gaga’s popularity has risen so have the number of dance songs circulating on American radio. Lady Gaga’s unashamed approach to pop music has taken the guilt out of guilty pleasure listening.

Though popular may not always be right, this isn’t one of those times. I’ve never met someone who doesn’t like a Lady Gaga tune.

This woman is the voice of our generation. -- Brett Eppley

Results: Radiohead barely defeats Gaga with 57 percent of the vote and moves on to face Mr. West in the finals.

So there you have it. Kanye vs. Radiohead, probably what we all expected. Your thoughts?