Music Blogs

Well, the 2010 Rock ‘n' Roll Hall of Fame Nominees have been announced and once again the names Blue Cheer, The Knack and Terence Boylan have been left off. I like all kinds of conspiracy theories, so if you've got one regarding why these names have been left off, by all means, let me know.

Faithful readers of this blog know I don't really care much about the RnR HOF. It makes for entertaining watercooler talk. But to take it any more seriously seems a little silly to me. After all, everyone likes different music. Sales and charts are interesting for historical purposes but they don't mean anything. You can't listen to record sales. Your heart isn't moved by a chart position. And, really, that's what it's all about.

But I'd like to have a little fun and rank them from 12-1, in the order I think they're likely to come in. Keep in mind only the top 5 get in. The others get to moan and pray that next year the competition is a little weaker.

Also note, this is NOT a ranking based on my own likes or dislikes. I would let everyone in. This is how I'd guess the voters and the "authorities" will have it work out.

12) KISS: Critics have hated them for years. Until the voting populace is mostly made up of people whose first album purchase was a KISS album, there will be a stubborn refusal to let them in. Even though they'd kick up the pyrotechnics at the induction ceremony for sure. And sell tons of swag!

11) The Chantels: Considering the fact I'd wager that 95 per cent of the "music buying public" have never heard of them and that they don't have any huge groundswell of critical support, The Chantels are one of those gratuitous nominees that make it look as if someone at the Hall is doing their homework.

10) Genesis: Peter Gabriel will one day ensure their passage. However, I don't see it happening this year. Prog rock has been royally underserved in the Hall and 2010 doesn't feel like the year it will happen. Maybe one year it will be Jethro Tull, RUSH and Yes--and these guys. Anyone waiting for CAN to get in might as well move to Europe already.

9) Darlene Love: "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" is a GREAT Xmas single. And like I've said before, I'd gladly let everyone in and Darlene is included in that everyone. However, I don't see her resume being thick enough for the voters.

8) Red Hot Chili Peppers: The idea that these guys are eligible makes me feel old. It doesn't seem like all that long ago these guys were parading around in their socks and acting quite silly. Unless the programmers are really pushing for a bigger "name" induction ceremony, I don't see these guys getting in on the first shot. But when they do, someone remember to bring the auto-tune. As someone who's heard Anthony Kiedis sing live, I know of what I speak.

7) Laura Nyro: Are the voters artsy enough? Sure, Laura Nyro wrote some memorable tunes ("Stoned Soul Picnic," "And When I Die," "Wedding Bell Blues," "Stoney End"). It could be close. I'd like to meet the voters personally. Then I'd look them in the eye and KNOW what will happen.

6) Donna Summer: This is where the borderline is. She belongs in there. More than Billy Joel. But is it her year? Will some people maintain she's not "rock ‘n' roll" enough? Should she wait for a "Disco Hall of Fame"?

5) LL Cool J: Maybe Summer gets in and LL Cool J sits out. But I feel like the voters will be more comfortable voting for a hip-hop artist than a disco act. Especially with ABBA already in the Europop mix.

4) Jimmy Cliff: Jimmy gets in because the Hall needs some reggae artists and The Harder They Come is one of those albums that even people who don't own any reggae albums end up owning somehow.

3) ABBA: There will be plenty of cries that ABBA are not rock. But I think their incredible sales and number of radio hits will help them get right in. I'm assuming the voters own radios.

2) The Hollies: It seems like eventually every British band from the 1960s will get into the Hall of Fame, so I don't see why these guys with so many hits won't slide right by. Now, Graham Nash solo might be a little trickier.

1) The Stooges: Iggy Pop has performed at their induction ceremonies as Madonna. And if Iggy isn't a real rock star than WHO, pray tell, is? Each of the Stooges' three albums is a landmark. I don't see how the voters ignore this again. It's their time.