The 45th annual Grammy Awards may still be over a month away, but the whining and complaining have already begun thanks to the presentation of the nominees.

And I have come to add fuel to this raging inferno.

From Jethro Tull's metal award in 1988 to this year's tragic five nominations for Miss Pronunciation herself, Avril Lavigne, mistakes have been, and will continue to be made, regarding the nominations. Thankfully, conceited writers 'round the world are ready to pounce and proclaim their discontent for such errs.

Just within the overall categories, confusion abounds as to what the Grammy committee was thinking. It would appear that financial prowess, as opposed to any sense of creativity, may have been the driving force for some of the chosen artists (and, with many, I use that term loosely).

Both Lavigne and rap mogul Nelly received multiple bids for songs and albums that did little to stir the musical waters as much as they stirred the countdown on TRL. Among the other musicians nominated for Album of the Year, Nelly will have to hope that talent is neglected as a parameter. He is combating against country queens the Dixie Chicks, the soon-to-be curmudgeon Bruce Springsteen, rapper/actor Eminem and the one shining light of the multiple-nomination club, Norah Jones.

The latter, whose song "Don't Know Why" is also up for Record and Song of the Year, has soothed the masses thirsting for this year's dominant female musician, where Alicia Keys and India.Arie reigned last year.

Among the nominees in the rock, metal and alternative categories, mediocrity has a stranglehold on many of the awards. If all goes right in the universe, System of a Down and the Foo Fighters will walk away, leaving the post-grunge slurs of Nickelback, 3 Doors Down and Godsmack with a valid reason to look pissed.

It would appear that Grammy officials missed a memo concerning the dominance of the "The" bands in rock radio. Whether it would be out of aversion or just to save them the embarrassment of having to put on respectable attire, this may be the silver lining to this all. The false authenticity that bands such as The Strokes, The White Stripes and The Vines bring has become as cliché as punk bands with numbers in their names -- and the music is not much more respectable. Lo-fi recording techniques and forced straightforward lyrics do not a legitimate rock band make.

But I digress.

Where rap and hip hop are concerned, the usual cast of characters all appear among the ballots. Nelly, Eminem, Missy Elliot and Outkast will all be competing for the golden phonograph.

One very glaring absence lies in the Producer of the Year category, which lacks one very prominent and popular pair, The Neptunes. Though several of their songs are nominated for awards, the producers were strangely looked past for the one award they deserve. Justin Timberlake better have them listed among his "Thank Yous" if he wins for "Like I Love You" -- otherwise he may embitter his only chance at another hit.

For most musicians, the Grammys have become the penultimate note of success, next to throngs of money and fans. For some, however, the award has become the proverbial Holy Grail, constantly evading as only Susan Lucci knows. The perspective necessary to consider is that, as omnipotent as the Grammy committee may seem, they are not infallible -- and it could not be anymore apparent than now.