This year’s ballot is pretty tough, no doubt. Even rockists who are flooding both the FRL
vote and the official Rock Hall Fan Ballot with Nirvana, KISS, Deep Purple, and
Yes, are pretty torn on a fifth.
Everyone has their favorites, and everyone has their own scales of
merit. So, time to stuff mine down your
throats. Here’s looking at our sixteen
nominees, ranked by attempted objective merits.
I’ll once again be including my fiance’s ranks of the merits because I
enjoy a perspective that’s vastly different from mine, as she focused mainly,
if not solely on influence and creativity.
I’ll be using the four I’s as we evaluate the candidates: Innovation,
Influence, Impact, and Intangibles. I’d
explain each one, but really, demonstration is the best explanation, so without
further ado, to quote Olivia Lee from “Battle Of The Bods” (yeah, I’m ashamed
of myself, too), let’s get ranking!
1. NIRVANA
Influence: This band is almost single-handedly the
entire reason why rock music is the way it is today: angry/frustrated sounding
chords, surreal to dystopian lyrics, and why joyful rock songs like “Party
Hard,” “Girlfriend,” and “This Afternoon” are not only few and far between, but
often most subject to ridicule. Nirvana
is how and why alternative scene music has broken through the walls that held
it back in the ‘80s, and is more widely considered the better brand of rock
music.
Innovation: The Experience Music Project in Seattle’s
City Center definitely acknowledges Nirvana’s influences as progenitors of
grunge music, but Nirvana is ultimately the band to find the right chemistry
for it.
Impact: Just because they were alternative scene
doesn’t mean they didn’t have plenty of impact on the pop charts, let alone the
album and modern rock charts. And when
your song is considered the quintessential song of a decade, despite not even
making the top five on the Hot 100, that’s incredibly huge.
Intangibles: Because of Kurt Cobain’s suicide,
Nirvana burned out quickly rather than slowly faded. Because we never saw Cobain mellow out in his
later years or adopt a new approach to life, his image is forever set in stone,
and thereby Nirvana’s. And it’s the
image that the music world eats up.
The fiance’s rank: Solidly #1 here too.
2. KISS
Influence: Before Nirvana, this was arguably the most
influential band at the time. Hair metal
was in all its glory and multitudes of youngsters were picking up guitars to
learn to play like KISS.
Impact: In addition to being the biggest
album-selling nominee on this year’s ballot, they have a huge run of hit
singles. Additionally, they’re household
names. When you say “KISS army”, no one
thinks you mean stopping wars with the powers of love and affection.
Innovation:
Probably the weakest leg of their table.
Not a hugely innovative band, except for maybe stage shows. They probably also get some credit as
pioneers of glam metal.
Intangibles: Theirs has been a marketing prowess that
is among rare company. As I said in a
previous blog entry, KISS hasn’t just transcended their genre, which they have
absolutely done, they’ve transcended their industry.
The fiance’s rank: 6, because they’re not the most
creative outfit out there.
3. LL COOL J
Influence: Hip-hop music grew out of block parties
and was largely borne of DJ culture. LL
Cool J is a seminal figure for what made it an emcee’s game.
Impact: The man’s had a steady stream of hit singles
in both the R&B and pop scenes, a crossover success only possibly rivaled
on this ballot by Daryl Hall And John Oates.
A respectable album chart showing, too.
Plus, with his acting career, he also has a substantial name recognition
factor.
Innovation: His innovation and influence pretty much
complement each other to the point of blurring the lines. In addition to virtually obsolescing the DJ
from rap music, he helped make it a solo bragadocchio show, replacing rap
outfits. Additionally, he’s recognized
for both making rap more accessible in smaller bites (shorter songs, meaning
more likely radio play) and for creating the bridge of R&B stylings that we
still see today in non-rap R&B music.
Intangibles: “Accidental Racist” has become a
liability for him, but has it slowed down his momentum?
The fiance’s rank: 7
4. DEEP PURPLE
Influence: Extremely influential. One of the most influential groups in heavy
metal and hard-rock bands to come after.
I’ve also heard them referred to as being influential to prog, but I’m
not sure how true that is.
Impact: Not hugely successful in terms of singles,
but they were a part of the rock scene that focused on albums as single
entities. On the albums front, the chart
entries are so-so at best, but five gold, three platinum, and one double
platinum perhaps speaks to their standing the test of time where the chart
numbers don’t seem to match.
Innovation: Can’t speak to it much, but there’s
probably some of it in there.
Intangibles: The other projects that members of Deep
Purple have been involved with speak to the further and more direct influence
of the band. Blackmore’s name is one of
the most revered among rock guitarists, and the riff from “Smoke On The Water”
is considered to be one of the rites of passage for guitar playing.
The fiancé’s rank: 4.
5. N.W.A.
Influence: Gangsta rap is what it is because of these
guys. In fact much of the stereotype of
what being a rapper means, or at least what it supposedly meant when Tupac and
Biggie got shot, is based on the image projected by N.W.A.
Innovation: I’m loathe to put lyrical innovation on
the same plateau with rhythmic and instrumental innovation, but this is one of
the few times when it’s deserved. Ice-T
may be the O.G., but Ice Cube and company really put it on the map.
Impact: Minimal on the singles charts. For albums, three platinum (one doubly so)
studio albums (one that hit #1 on the Billboard 200), and one gold greatest
hits compilation. But that’s also about
all they had. No cache of lesser
known/celebrated material behind that.
Intangibles: With notable and big solo careers of
some of their members, they might be called the first rap supergroup.
The fiancé’s rank: 2 from her, not surprising, since
she ranked N.W.A. ahead of Public Enemy last year too.
6. YES
Influence: One of the most respected names in the
entire sub-genre of prog-rock. A lot of
prog bands took cues from this group.
Innovation: Among the first to really successfully
and continuously infuse classical elements into the world of rock music.
Impact: One of the very few prog bands to also have a
#1 hit on the Hot 100. They’re much
bigger in the album charts than the singles, but even their singles chart
history is pretty respectable, especially compared to many other names on this
ballot.
Intangibles: Semi-noteworthy solo careers of some of
its members give them some additional credibility as it allows for closer
inspection of the individual pieces of their machine, and the sense of synergy
as a whole.
The fiance’s rank: 10
7. LINDA RONSTADT
Impact: Huge name recognition. From a commercial success standpoint,
probably the best well-rounded candidate on the ballot, placing second in both
hit singles and hit albums. Somewhat
notable crossover success in the country world, too, though from a Rock Hall
perspective, that’s almost a liability.
Influence: I’m loathe to differentiate between
genders in terms of influence: I think influence is influence, and a man can be
influenced by female musicians as much as a woman can, and a woman can be
influenced by male musicians as much as a man can. But this is still far from a perfect world,
and gender divisions do occur in terms of choosing role models. And for that, Linda Ronstadt is among the
stellar in terms of female rocker influences.
Innovation: Her weakest leg by far, this is probably
what’s kept her off the ballot for so many years. Nevertheless, it is an asset that although a
latecomer to country-rock, she did make it bolder and more brazen, giving even
the Eagles and Lynyrd Skynyrd a run for their money in this regard.
Intangibles: Of all the singers on the ballot,
Ronstadt might very well me the best vocalist.
In terms of pitch range, dynamic range, and stylistic range, she is a
top flight talent, and that does demand respect. Versatility is something that the Hall
respects though it sometimes takes time to show it. Lastly, she’s highly recognized by her peers,
most noteworthy Don Henley of the Eagles.
Peer respect does mean a lot.
The fiance’s rank: 14. She really thinks less of Linda for all the
covers.
8. PETER GABRIEL
Influence: His brand of influence really is best described as a lingering incorporation one may not be initially aware of, but will recognize and acknowledge later on. His ethereal brand has carried over to many rockers.
Impact: Like U2 or “Weird Al” Yankovic, Gabriel’s output isn’t rushed, but is done in his own time as he feels ready. That said, a decent run of hit albums and a modest but notable string of hit singles, as well as other non-charted classics, make Gabriel’s name lasting.
Innovation: His most innovative work was as the frontman of Genesis, but it’s a creativity that he carried into his own solo work, and is distinctive.
Intangibles: Of the sixteen nominees, Peter Gabriel’s music is arguably the most bohemian, and that matters because the Hall Of Fame is about honoring not only those who helped perpetuate and evolve rock ‘n’ roll as a driving cultural force, but also those who elevate it as an art form.
The fiance’s rank: She ranks him number 3, especially for his creativity
9. CHIC
Impact: The impact of “Good Times” upon hip-hop is
huge. Also, respectable runs of hits in
the disco, R&B, and pop charts, plus a good run of charted albums.
Influence: Again, on the world of hip-hop, having a
heavily sampled record does say a lot.
Plus, the influence on funk and dance music is sizeable.
Innovation: Not entirely devoid here, as the
technique of Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards have proven different and
difficult to duplicate.
Intangibles: By now, Chic may just be wearing down
resistance of the voters. An eighth
nomination? The Nominating Committee
must be seeing something that not everyone is.
The fiancé’s rank: 11
10. LINK WRAY
Influence: Pretty much the entire reason this man is
on the ballot. Though many would write
him off as a one-trick pony, that one trick of “Rumble” is a major move. His style of playing on that record and the
subsequent ones has influenced myriads of guitarists.
Innovation: Not the premiere rock and roll guitarist,
but his style did help shape the sub-genre of surf rock, which is significant.
Impact: “Rumble” is about on par with Les Paul’s
“Nola” among cornerstones of guitar music.
From the charts, not much of a showing: one album and four singles.
Intangibles: In 2012, the Hall inducted six groups
that they had previously only inducted the frontman. In the event of a Link Wray induction, the
Ray Men really should be included, but you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who
thinks it’s a major oversight either.
The fiance’s rank: 9, surprisingly, she ranked him
higher than I did.
11. DARYL HALL AND JOHN OATES
Impact: The biggest singles artist on this ballot
from a pop perspective, and a strong crossover factor between the pop and
R&B scenes possibly topped only by LL Cool J. Again from a pop perspective, the biggest
non-solo act from the ‘80s, and regarded as the biggest duo of the entire rock
era.
Influence: Presumably some. Hard to be that big without having some
influence, but hard to gauge, since they’re a polarizing act--one of those acts
that it’s just as cool to hate as it is to love.
Innovation: Not really.
Intangibles: Hall has the studio musician cred having
been a member of the studio group the Electric Indian, which had the bizarre
instrumental hit from 1969, “Keem-O-Sabe”.
Oates has the iconic mustache that represents the ‘80s.
The fiance’s rank: 13
12. THE ZOMBIES
Impact: Despite only having seven hits on the pop charts
(including the Bubbling Under), their big three are really well remembered, and
so powerfully symbolic of the ‘60s that it overshadows the short-lived life of
the group. Also, with an album in
Rolling Stone’s upper fifth of Top 500 albums of all-time, it’s a critical
respect thing, too.
Innovation: When you first hear them, it’s almost
indescribable. It’s moody and haunting,
but not really blues, or even jazz, though there may be elements of those
styles in there. But it’s unique, and
infectious.
Influence: Somewhat limited, perhaps due to their
short-lived run as a group, but every now and then, some hint of their style
creeps up, the most well-known of which might be the Guess Who’s “Undun.”
Intangibles: Being a 60’s British Invasion group
always means something, not just because of the way the British Invasion
collectively shook up the musical landscape, but also because of the music
itself of each outfit. The Zombies have
a high general populace approval overall.
The fiance’s rank: 8, and if my personal taste were
included in the merits here, I’d probably rank them at least that high, too.
13. THE REPLACEMENTS
Influence: One of the earliest American alternative
music bands, their style pushed ahead to many in the alternative scene.
Innovation: Not the very cutting edge at most of what
they did, but always early enough that they helped give a significant push to
whatever style they were behind.
Impact: Fairly small, although they do have a total
of seven hit tracks on the Modern Rock charts.
Intangibles: Paul Westerberg has had a striking solo
career that still continues on college radio, and Chris Mars also had a brief
peak as a solo performer as well. Also
and apropos of nothing, I find it amusing that their first hit on the Modern
Rock charts is a cover of the Disney classic “Cruella De Ville”
The fiance's rank: 16, and that's after researching them a bit.
The fiance's rank: 16, and that's after researching them a bit.
14. THE METERS
Influence: They helped carry on the New Orleans
sound, and bring it into the ‘70s and beyond.
Impact: A couple handfuls of hits in the singles
charts, and they had a few hit albums too.
Innovation: A little bit, alongside Sly And The
Family Stone and the JB’s, helping shape and update the sound of funk.
Intangibles: Two of the members of the Meters were
named Neville… as in the Neville Brothers, who have also been looked at as
potential candidates. Perhaps the Hall
wants this group in first, then have two more members of the Clyde McPhatter
Club.
The fiance’s rank: 12
15. THE PAUL BUTTERFIELD BLUES BAND
Influence: Brought straight-out blues music to a new
audience, and helped pave the way for future blues players.
Impact: A good handful or so of hit albums that are
well-respected, no hit singles, but they have tracks that are still considered
absolutely classic.
Innovation: Perhaps added a new dynamic to the
blues-style, but beyond that, I don’t think there’s much.
Intangibles: The band behind Butterfield has a few
recognizable names that perhaps add to their credibility.
The fiance’s rank:
15, that’s a match.
16. CAT STEVENS
Impact: A short but fairly bright run of hits singles
and albums through the ‘70s.
Influence: I think the singer/songwriters of the ‘70s
all fed and fed off of each other. Also,
his songs have been somewhat widely covered.
Innovation: Nope.
Intangibles: Others’ renditions of his compositions
are fairly complimentary of his lyrical skills.
And while I don’t hold his conversion to Islam against him as a person,
it did deal a negative blow to his career as a musician, similar to Little
Richard’s hiatus from rock ‘n’ roll in the early ‘60s to pursue ministry after
making a bargain with God in a time of crisis.
The fiance’s rank: 5.
Clearly she thinks he’s more creative than he really is, or she just
really likes “The First Cut Is The Deepest.”
So there’s my impression of the merits of the nominees. Looking at the rankings from other Monitors
on the FRL site, I see some stark differences.
Nonetheless, I always look forward to critique and comments below. Next time, purely about musical taste, for
both me and my gal.
