Rock & Roll HOF: Who should get in? Who's been snubbed?!?

[RRA]

Every year at AD we always get into debates and discussions whenever the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announce their new classes. Over time, with mixed reception many acts/bands have been inducted that came from genres and backgrounds that wouldn't be considered "rock n roll," in effect possibly slowly evolving the RNRHOF into a "Pop Music Hall of Fame." So this means even more acts (and beyond just "rockers") are becoming eligible as the years pass, and the debates will get even deeper.

So yes mention the people who should get in and if possible, argue for why they should.

Now I found this list of acts that will become first-time eligible for next year's class (or 25 years after their first released recordings.) The one that sticks out like a sore thumb for me is Nirvana. I'll take a safe bet and say they get in on the first ballot.

http://www.futurerocklegends.com/yea...ible_year=2013

But there's many other singers/groups who've been waiting in the wings for induction, but so far not voted in. N.W.A., Joan Jett, Kraftwerk, Deep Purple, KISS, Chic, and many more that I can't remember at the moment. (Hopefully none will die before getting in, as what unfortunately happened with Donna Summer.)

Honestly I'm surprised The Cars haven't gotten in yet. The HOF have already inducted people from the New Wave era already, and not exactly a bold suggestion that the Cars were one of the notable groups from that genre/era. You can't write a history on New Wave without them. 13 Top 40 hits in America, 4 of them Top 10 hits, a good many are staples of classic rock radio, a unique trademark sound marriage of synth and rock.

[Donezo]

I was really pulling for Kraftwerk to make it this year. It's impressive that they even made the shortlist considering the very American tastes prevailing here, but I don't know that they'll ever have enough support to get voted in.

[Blasty]

The Cars should absolutely be in. Love them. I listen to them on my Pandora often. They are New Wave, I agree. The songs are timeless.

And I know I said it before, but WTF why isn't Deep Purple in!?!?!

[Kgirl]

Taylor Dane? Paula Abdul?

[Thomas]

Taylor Dane's contribution to this artform are undeniable!

[Aurelius]

I voted for 808 State.

That will be their sole vote .

[Eduardo Zuckerberg]

LOL I post at that board regularly, The rock hall is basically my obsession other than the Oscars.

Here are my list of biggest snubs:

I'm not a fan at all, but I think KISS is probably the biggest snub. Their influence and ubiquity with rock music as well as their impact in pop culture in general makes their snub glaring. The obvious weak point here is the quality of their music, but they've definitely inducted worse before.

Deep Purple is another big snub. Smoke on the Water's opening riff alone probably influenced the majority of guitar players. Their catalogue is nothing to sneeze at as well, they're probably only second to Led Zeppelin in terms of 60s hard rock/metal.

Kraftwerk has always been influential but their stock in the industry in the last few years has really raised them to the pantheon given the ascendancy of EDM to the forefront of pop/rock music. Their nomination last year is a good sign for their future induction but I suspect Kraftwerk will probably amass a high number of nominations before Hall voters finally let them in.

There's also N.W.A who changed the face of rap and modern rock music in general. In a just world they should be inducted with Public Enemy this year, but tokenism prevented them from making the threshold (if only one rap group had to go in though, the Hall got it right with PE). They'rfe eventual induction could really go either way. I could see them going in right away in the next two years, but I could also see them waiting quite a long time because of their image (Black Sabbath took 8!!! Nominations before they got the call).

Chic is the most nominated act without having been inducted, and their induction (which will most certainly be coming very soon) is long overdue. The best pure disco band, with the best production and influence to spare. "Good Times" alone is induction worthy.

Carole King is inducted as a non-performer along with ex-husband/writing partner Gerry Goffin. But her overall stature in music, and her output make her long overdue for induction in the performers category. Especially since they seem to have a fondness for inducting singer-songwriters (Cat Stevens, Carly simon and Warren Zevon will all probably get the call soon).

There's also Dick Dale and Stevie Ray Vaughan, guitar gods basically but with ample influence to boast of. The former being the father of Surf Rock and the latter spearheading the blues-rock revival of the 80s.

Then there's the various late 70s/80s groups with massive influence such as Joy Division/New Order, The Cure, Sonic Youth, The Smiths, Pixies, etc. Of these I think the Cure being nominated once already as well as being the most popular and commercially successful act will probably get the call first.

Then there's the whole Early Influence category which has ignored early rock pioneers like Wynonie Harris, Roy Brown, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, The Ravens, Big Momma Thornton, The Mills Brothers etc.

[RRA]

Taylor Dane's contribution to this artform are undeniable!

Pop music is still reeling from the impact made by the Traveling Wilburys!

Interesting looking at those eligible for the year later (or 2 classes from now), we have both Green Day and Lenny Kravitz.

And suddenly, I feel very old.

I was really pulling for Kraftwerk to make it this year. It's impressive that they even made the shortlist considering the very American tastes prevailing here, but I don't know that they'll ever have enough support to get voted in.

I agree Eduardo, Kraftwerk will get in eventually. Time has proven their relevancy.

I'm not a fan at all, but I think KISS is probably the biggest snub. They're influence and ubiquity with rock music as well as their impact in pop culture in general makes their snub glaring. The obvious weak point here is the quality of their music, but they've definitely inducted worse before.

Chic is the most nominated act without having been inducted, and their induction (which will most certainly be coming very soon) is long overdue. The best pure disco band, with the best production and influence to spare. "Good Times" alone is induction worthy.

KISS is a no-brainer.

For whatever reason, RNR HOF voters really don't care for disco and heavy metal, hard rock. Never understood why, unless its simply a generation gap within the voting bloc. Its why it took forever for Black Sabbath and Alice Cooper to both get in too. (Sex Pistols not getting inducted for eons was inexcusable.)

Then there's the whole Early Influence category which has ignored early rock pioneers like Wynonie Harris, Roy Brown, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, The Ravens, Big Momma Thornton, The Mills Brothers etc.

Looking at that category, the one glaring omission for me is Frank Sinatra.

[Blasty]

I am most outraged at The Carpenters not being in, to be honest and I don't care who knows it or what they think of me for it! Never even nominated for like the 20 years eligible. People night not be aware of this but The Carpenters are actually the biggest selling American music act of the entire decade of the '70s. I guess I am sick of this notion of what Rock and Roll is - I mean they let James Taylor in, didn't they? This organization has been so incredibly sexist and restrictive over what music is since their inception. They know very well that they stand for all Popular Music, not just some arbitrary idea of "Rock" so to exclude legendary, acclaimed acts because they're not cool enough is ridiculous.

[RRA]

I am most outraged at The Carpenters not being in, to be honest and I don't care who knows it or what they think of me for it! Never even nominated for like the 20 years eligible. People night not be aware of this but The Carpenters are actually the biggest selling American music act of the entire decade of the '70s. I guess I am sick of this notion of what Rock and Roll is - I mean they let James Taylor in, didn't they? This organization has been so incredibly sexist and restrictive over what music is since their inception. They know very well that they stand for all Popular Music, not just some arbitrary idea of "Rock" so to exclude legendary, acclaimed acts because they're not cool enough is ridiculous.

They also let in Neil Diamond and Randy Newman, guys who I got nothing against.

I think the problem with the Carpenters is that, whens the last time they've been talked about or revived in pop culture? To a degree they've been forgotten, and that's a shame but that happens. That's my theory really. (The last time I remember their music used in a movie was IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS, and that was almost 20 years ago. I'm sure they were in other movies/TV since then, but fuck if I can remember any off the top of my head.)

Contrast that with a group you adore Blasty: ABBA, who in the many years after they split they actually seemed to grow in popualarity over time, much more than when they were active. You had the compilation ABBA GOLD, one of the best-selling albums in history. Then MAMMA MIA! on broadway, then the movie. You hear alot of their music in ads and movies/TV and other places. If they actually did a reunion tour, they would make an insane amount of money, lining Brinks trucks around their houses, on the level of the much fantasized Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd reunion tours would make.

That heavy a presence in mainstream media and pop culture, thats how they got into the Rock HOF, even though they were "Disco."

[Blasty]

I know you're absolutely right RRA. The Carpenters are finished with this group - they are never getting in at this point. Unless they have a revival which I doubt is in the cards.

[Ben7]

I think KISS may have a hard time getting in because: 1) I get a sense that they aren't taken seriously enough, and 2), they've been openly critical of the Rock Hall on a couple occasions. That really doesn't help their chances any... however, whether it hurts them or not, I'm not sure.

And while Nirvana is definitely a no brainer, I'd say the other sure bets in the next half decade or so are probably Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails, Green Day, and No Doubt. Nirvana is probably the only one out of all them that I'm comfortable in thinking will get in during their first year of eligibility.

I've stated in another thread that I think Sonny and Cher, and "Weird Al" Yankovic should be inducted, and I still stand by those artists, The Carpenters and The Cars are two other acts that should definitely be in.

[RRA]

I know you're absolutely right RRA. The Carpenters are finished with this group - they are never getting in at this point. Unless they have a revival which I doubt is in the cards.

I wouldn't wave the white flag yet. Sometimes shit like this needs just a good reppraisal article or compilation or a movie/TV show using a track that reaches to a whole new generation.

Classic example: The Clash, late 70s/early 80s legendary punk/post-punk group. Levi in the early 90s used their classic hit "Should I Stay or Should I Go" for a blue jean commercial, the song got re-released and topped the UK Chart. Thus how they got their first (and sole) #1 hit.

Or more recently, when GLEE did that episode on Fleetwood Mac. RUMOURS (according to wikipedia) re-entered the Billboard 200 at #12, or 1,951% increase in sales because of that episode. (Which also apparently gave a boast to Stevie Nicks' album which came out that same week.)

[Ben7]

Speaking of Fleetwood Mac, last night we had a reunion of a group of people I used to work with and at one point the discussion turned to whether or not Fleetwood Mac is a British band or an American band, which then turned into a debate on who the greatest American rock band is/was. The consensus was that its between Aerosmith and Fleetwood Mac, if one were to say they were American, but that its also difficult to take the American bands that came later (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana, No Doubt, White Stripes, etc..) and pit them against the likes of Aerosmith and Fleetwood Mac.

[Blasty]

Greatest American Rock Band? Hmmm....

Well, once again, this also depends on what you mean by "Rock". If you mean, like in the "Classic Rock" vein, than Fleetwood Mac wouldn't even apply as their not "Rock"
in that sense, they're more "Pop". If you just wanna make it simple and say, greatest American Band, than we can include whomever we want of course.

If that's the case, than The Beach Boys and The Doors come immediately to mind. My own personal favorite American band is Weezer - they're from my generation, of course and I've listened to them the most after Abba, my favorite group of all time. When it comes to classic rock that is American, I definitely tip my hat to The Doors, far and away. I do love Aerosmith, Ben, alot actually, I would just put them on a rung below bands like The Doors and The Who and the Stones, Beatles, Led Zepellin, Pink Floyd. But I'm definitely a fan of them.

Nobody seems to like The Eagles much on this board LMAO - I believe RRA made a snide remark at their expense a while back. I guess they're another band that isn't considered "cool". But I think they're an incredible band myself who made amazing songs - I consider them far superior to Fleetwood Mac who this board seems to place on a higher plane than I think is actually accurate, if I'm being honest - there's no way Fleetwood Mac is considered superior to The Eagles in rock critic circles that's for sure or in their contribution to popular music in the pantheon.

Out of all the bands in the '90s, it's Weezer for me over the Foo Fighters, Nirvnah, Peral Jam, Chili Peppers, ect. I just love the humor and romantic yearning that Rivers Cuomo does, as well as his melodies and riffs - he's always been someone I identified with.

[Ben7]

Greatest American Rock Band? Hmmm....

Well, once again, this also depends on what you mean by "Rock". If you mean, like in the "Classic Rock" vein, than Fleetwood Mac wouldn't even apply as their not "Rock"
in that sense, they're more "Pop". If you just wanna make it simple and say, greatest American Band, than we can include whomever we want of course.

If that's the case, than The Beach Boys and The Doors come immediately to mind. My own personal favorite American band is Weezer - they're from my generation, of course and I've listened to them the most after Abba, my favorite group of all time. When it comes to classic rock that is American, I definitely tip my hat to The Doors, far and away. I do love Aerosmith, Ben, alot actually, I would just put them on a rung below bands like The Doors and The Who and the Stones, Beatles, Led Zepellin, Pink Floyd. But I'm definitely a fan of them.

Nobody seems to like The Eagles much on this board LMAO - I believe RRA made a snide remark at their expense a while back. I guess they're another band that isn't considered "cool". But I think they're an incredible band myself who made amazing songs - I consider them far superior to Fleetwood Mac who this board seems to place on a higher plane than I think is actually accurate, if I'm being honest - there's no way Fleetwood Mac is considered superior to The Eagles in rock critic circles that's for sure or in their contribution to popular music in the pantheon.

Out of all the bands in the '90s, it's Weezer for me over the Foo Fighters, Nirvnah, Peral Jam, Chili Peppers, ect. I just love the humor and romantic yearning that Rivers Cuomo does, as well as his melodies and riffs - he's always been someone I identified with.

Interesting analysis, for a couple reasons. One being that I always thought of Fleetwood Mac (along with The Eagles) as the definition of 70s 'Classic Rock.' I've never really considered Fleetwood Mac 'pop,' unless you were to take a look at their later work (i.e. songs like "Little Lies"). I kind of always thought that if Aerosmith had called it quits after their 70s success dwindled, they might be held in the say esteem as a band like The Doors are, but of course thats hard to say.

Also, in the long run, I feel that its difficult to look at bands like Pearl Jam, Weezer, and my personal favorite, Nine Inch Nails (are they considered a band?), in terms of legacy - just because they came a generation or two after those that are considered 'pioneers,' and 'groundbreakers.'

Last summer, the website Weeping Elvis, made a list of the 25 Greatest American bands, and they placed REM at #1, I've always been a fan but I thought it was strange that they'd be placed higher than the likes of The Doors, The Beach Boys, etc.

http://weepingelvis.hypervocal.com/w...an-bands-ever/

[Blasty]

I'll give you Fleetwood Mac probably straddles the line a bit more of Pop and Classic Rock than I've been giving them credit for as do The Eagles a bit more than that.

Also, how about Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in the conversation? I love Tom Petty and of course he has a connection to Stevie Nicks because of that great duet they did.

[Blasty]

I think REM is terrific. I really love their Out of Time album. There's not many bands I'd place above The Beach Boys though. This doesn't outrage me or anything, but I wouldn't rank them over the Wilson Bros. and company.

[Thomas]

Eurythmics.

[Blasty]

OMG yes, Thomas!!!! They're so incredible. As is Annie's solo work as well.



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