GRAMMY AWARDS

Dylan snubbed by Grammy voters

Considered a sure bet, "Modern Times" was shut out in the major categories.

By Richard Cromelin,Times Staff Writer, Times Staff Writer

December 7, 2006

Bob Dylan used to thrive on the role of outsider, using rejection and scorn as fuel for his poetic fires and his career ambition.

Well, looks like he might have some more material.

In one of the biggest Grammy surprises in years, Dylan's album, "Modern Times," was overlooked for a nomination in the marquee album of the year category. Dylan was considered by many to be a sure thing when the Grammy nominations were announced Thursday morning: "Modern Times" was one of the most widely acclaimed of the year.

Instead, nominees in that marquee category included the Dixie Chicks' "Taking the Long Way," Gnarls Barkley's "St. Elsewhere," John Mayer's "Continuum," Justin Timberlake's "FutureSex/LoveSounds," and the Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Stadium Arcadium."

"Modern Times" did get nod, though, in the contemporary folk category.