Reaction to the 2024 announcement

 So now we know.  Now we know who the inductees for the Class Of 2024 are.  Cool.

If it seems like I'm underwhelmed, it's a little bit that.  I'm also still processing and digesting.  And also pissed.  But not at the Hall.  But also at the Hall.

Personal anecdote, I tried to find an East Coast ABC affiliate that my cable provider carried on my package.  And there was none.  "American Idol" is running its episode for the Pacific time zone as I type this, and as of this sentence, they announced the class ten minutes ago on the West Coast.  Maybe it's time to go all in on this "streaming" fad.  I signed up for Fubo so I could watch the show, but I only got my subscription active and started ten minutes before the announcement.  Why does that matter?  Because I couldn't join in progress.  They made me start at the beginning to the Seacrest first starting the game of who the safe ten were and who had to sing for their spot.  So that cheesed me off.  That's not the Hall's fault, except for maybe choosing to announce the results on "American Idol."  So maybe that threw a wet towel on the flame of excitement.

But also, despite how I hyped up the acts in my Personal Tastes consideration, there wasn't a nominee (and isn't an inductee) who was in my personal music collection only because I was genuinely excited to collect their music.  I own a Sade anthology, as well as a few Eric B. And Rakim albums, but only because I discovered them through following the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.  Nobody "organically" in my library, as we Pac Norwesters would say it.  It's okay: most of my favorite acts are already in; most of the ones who aren't, I would concede have a middling case or just don't deserve it; and most of those who I think do deserve it are unlikely to ever be nominated because they're from the '50s, '60s, and early '70s.  They'll end up in Musical Influence or Musical Excellence, if they're remembered at all.  

I'd also like to personally reach out to fellow monitor Michelle Bourg and say, don't feel discouraged about it.  For what it's worth, I still follow with some excitement because it's a chance to broaden my horizons and keep exposing myself to music I hadn't considered before, even if I am twenty-five years late to the party.  I know that's not the entirety of your feeling of irrelevance, as you called it when the nominees first broke, that borderline apathy because there's no one you're passionate about, but I hope you'll stick around.  It still manages to clear the bar for being a worthwhile hobby for me, even though I got obsolesced years ago.  Admittedly, my reasons are probably a bit different and more desperate to have some sense of identity beyond my job, but I do believe you'll find reasons to remain.  Besides, I really enjoy reading your entries.  I respect your opinions, and you write a helluva lot better than I do.

As for the Class, I went six for eight on the predictions, as six of my top eight seeds got the nod.  That's not bad.  Of the two I whiffed on, one was in the mix for serious contention, and only Mary J. Blige had I counted out completely.  But she was one of the most deserving on my Merits Ranks, and one of the seven that I'd been voting for on the fan ballot, so that's a salve for my cishet male WASP ego.  And even though I'm mortified at the thought of having to revisit their catalog more painstakingly, I am happy for the fans of the Dave Matthews Band, who probably feel a great injustice has been corrected.  The asshole cynic in me wants to conjecture that there are eight instead of the assumed seven because the people in the room where it happened looked at the tallies, and then at the fiasco of the 2020 situation and just said, "We do not want to go through that again.  Just include them."  If nothing else though, I will say that hopefully the 2020 ballot disaster, as well as the fan ballot from Fela Kuti's first nomination for 2021, makes it clear.  To appropriate the TikTok trend from last year and earlier this year, this is "Rock Hall Math."  Rock Hall Math is five votes from the members of Def Leppard equaling five votes, and over a million chime-ins from John Q. Public equaling one vote.  Rock Hall Math.  Rock Hall Math is also losing patience after two attempts and going side category, but I'll get there later.  Those were the two I didn't predict making it, thus proving I am indeed not omniscient.  Welp.

But hey, even if the six I did get were pretty close to shooting fish in a barrel, I still feel good about picking them.  Cher and Kool And The Gang were in the top three for merits, personal taste, and seeds, with Kool And The Gang checking in at #2 all three times, and Cher at #1 two of the three.  They are also both from the list I have mentioned many times that I created in 2004.  The streak remains intact, but as time marches on and the Hall changes its methods, I still brace myself for when the streak snaps.  Even if it's next year, hey, twenty years of having at least one name come off the list is pretty awesome (it almost happened in 2021, but then Billy Preston got a Musical Excellence nod).  A Tribe Called Quest continues the nebulous correlation of three nominations in a row gets you in, even though that hasn't always held up either (also coming up later).  Foreigner and Peter Frampton prove that classic rock from the '70s still gets red carpet treatment, except for the J. Geils Band.  But hey, maybe after Bad Company, Styx, Boston, and Kansas, Little Steven can finally get his pet cause voted in.  And if I'm going to get excited for any of the eight, it'll be Ozzy Osbourne.  It's good to see another metal act get voted in, and even though this doesn't add another voter to the roll, it hopefully is at least encouraging to the metal community.  If the poster child for the genre can get voted in on the first try, maybe all is not yet lost. As I said on the Future Rock Legends site, Ozzy was the litmus test for metal.  If he couldn't even get voted in on the first try, then metal better just figure on snagging a category as the only chance, unless the NomComm is willing to labor over more than three nominations.  

Speaking of snagging a category, let's move on.  Suzanne De Passe is a wonderful serendipity in the Non-Performer category.  A name I was previously unfamiliar with, I already find fascinating what the cursory research has revealed.  She was involved with wardrobe for live performances, which admittedly doesn't really seem worth enshrining, but she is also credited with helping launch the careers of the Jackson 5, the Commodores, and the subsequent careers of Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie.  In what capacity, I don't know, but I really can't recall off the top of my head when the last time a talent scout got inducted.  That in itself is pretty exciting if that was one of the hats she wore.  It seems like she was also involved in promotions, which I have mixed feelings about, but we do have Bill Graham and Frank Barsalona, so that discussion is moot.  Also in the Motown family, getting an Award For Musical Excellence is Norman Whitfield, which is already causing heads to tilt about where Barrett Strong is.  Maybe there's a Broadway show about Whitfield that a NomComm member is involved with, and they had to give Strong the Ragovoy treatment.  Whatever, that's me being cynical again.  That shouldn't, and doesn't, take away from the fact that Norman is an excellent call.

Sidestepping briefly to the Musical Influence category, recent tweets make it clear who was on this committee as Alexis Korner and John Mayall have been included in this Class.  I'd heard of Mayall before, with his Bluesbreakers band.  I hadn't heard of Korner by name, but I did remember seeing Blues Incorporated on the "Previously Considered" list on the Future Rock Legends site.  It's actually fitting that they're inducted simultaneously, and I fully expect a single speech for both of them the way Carole King inducted the songwriters in 2010.  Both gentlemen's bands were workshops and proving grounds for influential British musicians, and let's face it, inducting Mayall without the Bluesbreakers keeps us from giving Clapton his fourth damn induction.  I'm all for double inductees, but Clapton does not need seven for every single project he had a slow hand in.  Mayall is good enough.  Korner will suffice, as Blues Incorporated will never be nominated either.  It's probably more fitting to call them Musical Influence because they were professional couches that important musicians surfed on.  Also receiving Musical Influence is Big Mama Thornton, and it's about damn time.  Hopefully, this opens the door for Screamin' Jay Hawkins next year.  Or the Ravens.  Or whoever else arguably precedes what we conceptually call rock and roll now and was incredibly important to its development.  Major win here.

And moving on to the Award For Musical Excellence.  This is the most frustrating of the categories on all accounts.  Norman Whitfield is frustrating for the exclusion of Barrett Strong, as mentioned earlier.  Also frustrating is that the MC5 just couldn't get the votes for induction in their six nominations, including four consecutive years, refuting the three consecutive years hypothesis.  Admittedly, many of us in the community thought they'd get Musical Influence because their sound was innovative to the point of being incipient to punk rock.  It's just frustrating, but understandable, that it had to happen this way.  Le sigh.  

Slightly less understandable though is Dionne Warwick getting a category induction after only two failed nominations.  Look, I've said some harsh things in various ways about Dionne Warwick, and while a couple of attempts to make my point were insensitively and clumsily phrased, there is still a part of me that still feels as I did when I said those things: that if there was any R&B artist whose records could have comfortably been played on "The Lawrence Welk Show" while the Geritol-drinking audience danced on the Champagne Ballroom floor, it's Dionne Warwick, especially the songs written by Bacharach and David.  That said, there are some of her records that even I got to say, "Oh wow" to, and if Doja Cat can paint the town red to her song, then that proves that she does have some bearing on the youth culture in modern music.  Maybe can Doja Cat can get a freak like Paul Anka in next year.  No, but what is frustrating is hustling her in a category after only two nominations.  At some point, it is ridiculous to keep nominating an act, and going to a category induction makes sense.  But doing it after only two tries just shows a lack of patience by the committee members and a lack of respect for their own processes.  I'm not saying we need to make them fail eight times, or ten, or eleven.  But Dionne was on some pretty competitive ballots; throwing in the towel that quickly just seems ridiculous.  Why even have a nomination process if you're just gonna stamp your feet and demand to have your way regardless of how the votes go?

Why have a nomination process at all, indeed.  That seems to be the question with the induction of Jimmy Buffett being announced.  As others have stated, this is an artist that probably could have been voted in.  Why are they doing this?  I have to imagine the Foundation met with Disney, and Disney said, "Okay, I see we got Foreigner, Frampton, and Ozzy here, but what about the audiences who think those acts are too risque?  Who are you going to induct to draw in the White people whose favorite spice is mayonnaise?"  And some intern on their phone, doom scrolling, just said, "Who's this Jimmy Buffett guy I keep hearing about?  Heard he died or something.  Sinead didn't get enough votes, so let's use this guy for a sympathy induction."  And then the ghost of Michael Eisner's influence looked at John Sykes, pointed to the intern, and said, "When are you going to step down and let this born leader take over?!"  This feels exploitative, like Sinead O'Connor's nomination, only nowhere near as gross.  Buffett would likely have loved this for himself and for his fans, whereas Sinead would have refused to comment or show up.  I'm going down a rabbit trail, though.  Point is, they didn't even try with Jimmy.  I had a hypothesis, but this induction (and the induction of the Dave Matthews Band) strongly refute the hypothesis, so maybe not.  All I can really say is this just feels like the laziest way to go about having the heart-tugging induction that Sinead was supposed to be, and it's cringe (do kids still say that?).  There's nothing wrong with Buffett being inducted per se; they just didn't even try.

And that's my early onset reaction to the class.  There's some cool things happening here, some uncool but expected things, and once again, some things that make us monitors shake our head and ask if anyone tried unplugging the Foundation and plugging it back in.  I'll be looking forward to the induction ceremony and curious to see how/if they are able to run a tight ship while still doing right by all of the inductees.  Short answer: unlikely, but let's see if it will still look like they tried.  Happy induction season.

Sowing seeds hastily: 2024 Predictions

 Since the announcements will be made Sunday, and this is my only day off until then, let's quickly seed the nominees.  In this case, it simply means ranking them in order of likelihood to be inducted, in my humble opinion.  My percentages are pulled completely out of thin air, they will not add up to what statistical analysts would say the numbers should all add up to, and are really more about showing how close the margins are between nominees in my mental wrestling.  Hopefully, one day I'll be able to do the full write-ups again.  It's a tough ballot to predict, and I easily see myself going two for seven as well as five for seven.    

Between trading favors for those who've shown up in the past couple years, the undeniable icons, and other trends that we have seen recently seen in past years, there are really only about five that I feel comfortable saying aren't going to make it, and ten that are jockeying to be the top seven seeds.  And hey, maybe one of those five will make a fool of me.  I'll freely admit to not having the expertise to assess where people will draw lines.  It's time to put it down for posterity.

1. Cher

Between the legendary status, and the resentment toward the Hall that is weirdly catnip for voters at times, I think she has the strongest chance.  Only real liability is people assuming everyone else will vote for her, and voting elsewhere, thus causing her to turn up short.  But I ultimately don't think that will come to pass.

Odds: 90%

2. Kool And The Gang

I still refuse to use the ampersand, but they appeal to nearly everybody for different reasons.  And that's the beauty of it: regardless of the reason you vote for them, you're still voting for them.  I think that will carry them over the top.

Odds: 80%

3. Foreigner

Classic rock still performs well on the ballot for any group not named the J. Geils Band, and with the campaign Mark Ronson and Mick Jones have going, it's become a bandwagon for voters to jump on.  When Paul McCartney is joining the effort to get you in, that will almost certainly get you in.  Even if not this time, by the second or third nomination.

Odds: 70%

4. Peter Frampton

Again, classic rock.  The "while he's still with us" contingent may come out for him, as well, especially after showing up and playing with Sheryl Crow last year.  That likely pushed him to the forefront of the hearts and minds of voters, particularly those who are thinking of the optics of the ceremony.  He's almost gift-wrapped to be ceremony-perfect.

Odds:  65%

5. Lenny Kravitz

Speaking of Sheryl Crow, who's the nominee from the 1990s with a fun and popular, but not boundary-pushing, catalog who's got more connections than an AT&T switchboard during the 1970s?  His discography is not quite as extensive as Sheryl Crow's, but that simply may not matter.

Odds:  60%

6. A Tribe Called Quest

The lucky three-in-a-row trend may come to a sudden halt with this group, but this is apparently the hill the Hall will die on when it comes to hip-hop.  The main problem is if people assume Eric B. & Rakim will just be a Musical Excellence induction, and that will be all the requisite hip-hop representation needed.  Still, until it's broken, rely on it.

Odds: 55%

7. Sinead O'Connor

Usually the sympathy vote is a very strong one to bank on.  But between her middle-finger ethos to everything that was organizational, people knowing her more for controversy than her music, people only knowing one song of hers, and people appropriating her spirit for more than what she was actually standing against... her candidacy just feels like the center of gravity shifts in your hands and you just can't seem to handle it securely.  I'm just not sure, but I'm willing to seed her here, mainly because her induction will be a quick one that'll let the Hall clear that part of the backlog with minimal screen time.  This year's Kate Bush, if you will.

Odds: 50%

8. Ozzy Osbourne

He might miss out just because the voters can't be kind to heavy metal unless it's Metallica, but he has the iconic status and image that could carry him over and through.  I'd like it, but I'm nervous.

Odds: 49%

9. Mariah Carey

Another one I'm worried might miss out, but would love to be wrong about.  She's an icon with the hits, and she would sell tickets to Cleveland.  But she's seemingly polarizing and underappreciated for the breadth of her talents.  I think she will take one or two more nominations, but please let me be wrong.

Odds: 45%

10. The Dave Matthews Band

The last of the ten, this could be an induction of trading favors.  After showing up for Willie Nelson last year and just being so oh-willikers charming, this could be his best chance.  Hard call to make, but I still don't think enough voters have warmed up to the catalog at the end of the day.

Odds: 40%

11. Oasis

Some want the drama, some really don't.  I think if they got the votes, it'd be a Dire Straits or Radiohead situation, where the members who show up are the ones who aren't related.  But not this time.

Odds: 30%

12. Jane's Addiction

I ultimately think they're the Gen X, L.A.-based version of the New York Dolls.  They were inventive, original, never reached their fullest potential... and you had to be there to get them, apparently.  That's the rub, and in this case, the rub of the eraser.

Odds: 25%

13. Sade

Never completely rule them out, but this is a group that stands a strong chance of just getting lost in the shuffle this time.

Odds: 20%

14. Mary J. Blige

Between the other iconic women and the other hip-hop acts on the ballot, she'll probably also get lost in the shuffle.

Odds: 15%

15. Eric B. And Rakim

Despite having seven choices this year, I think many voters will still "vote strategically," and pick Tribe over them, or they'll just assume the Hall will induct them in Musical Excellence and save their votes for someone else.  For getting voted in, not this time, but hopefully eventually.

Odds: 10%

And with that, we wrap up another prediction.  Short and sweet.  I haven't kept track to see whose predictions I line up with the most, but there you have it.  How far was I off?  We'll find out Sunday.  Do I have any predictions for the other three categories?  No. No I don't.  I do think if they induct Eric B. And Rakim by fiat, it'll be in Musical Excellence rather than Musical Influence, but I'm not even banking on that to happen this time around.  I fizzled out on my #EveryDayWithCarolKaye tweets, and I truly feel guilty and sad about that.  I don't know if I could have made a difference if I kept it up, but the overall point is that you could put a different hit record on that she played on every day, and it would last for over a year... just the hits, even.  I hope Carol Kaye is announced for induction.  I also hope that for Estelle Axton.  I'd also like to see backing vocalists start getting recognized too, most preferably the Jordanaires.  Just no more lawyers or agents, please.  And no critics either.  See ya Sunday; it'll be the first time I intentionally tune in to "American Idol."

Slating the 2024 nominees

Making a pattern of falling behind, I'm late to even get a response to the nominees being announced, but since it's been so long and so many have already said pretty much everything that needed to be said, let's just quickly note that my slate of six correctly guessed nominees appears to be on the higher end of the bell curve, but only slightly.  And I think I was the only person to predict A Tribe Called Quest to return for a third consecutive nomination.  So, with that said, I'll jump right in with some rankings.  Since I'm behind, the way this will work is I'll give my I-5 analyses, and then I'll also give my estimation of their music on a personal taste level, with the favorite songs by each.  After the merit ranks, a quick bullet list of their ranks in terms of personal tastes, and composite scores. 

As a reminder, or for those new to my blog, the I-5 system of mine is a set of five categories for a nominee to be evaluated, and those categories all begin with the letter "I."  Innovation, Influence, Impact, Intangibles, and Issues are the five categories.  The first four are the ones that build a nominee's case for induction, and Issues is the negative one, examining potential reservations folks may have about that nominee.  Some quick caveats: one, by influence, I usually mean musical influence, not industry influence, which would probably appear under Intangibles; two, Impact doesn't inherently mean commercial success, but that is a big piece of the equation, just not all of it; three, the Issues listed are not necessarily reflective of my own personal beliefs, just potential ones that could be raised or that I have seen raised.  So with that, time to rank the nominees.

1. CHER

Innovation: She may not have invented Autotune, but she was a trailblazer in its usage and popularity.

Influence:  She's a major influence for a lot of female singers, especially those that sing in a lower and huskier register.

Impact:  Massive.  In addition to her string of massive hits, and her record-setting seven decades of chart presence, she is also an icon in the LGBTQ+ community, and an overall name, period.

Intangibles:  Her personality is massive, her talents extend beyond music, her style is influential.

Issues:  Some may not want to kill the chances of a Sonny And Cher induction by inducting her solo first.  Some consider her trailblazing of Autotune as a liability rather than an innovation.  And while everyone understands the importance of connections in the business, people hold it against you if those connections are at the genital level, and some have accused her of only having a career for being romantically involved with the right people at the right time.

Personal taste:  A lot of fun listening to her.  Really diverse catalog of fun stuff all around.  

Favorite song: "Strong Enough"

2. KOOL AND THE GANG

Innovation:  They found new, inventive ways of evolving their sound, first from jazz, to a fusion-like sound, through funk, and R&B ballads.  They stayed at the forefront of the changing tides of R&B music for over a decade, which requires innovative foresight.

Influence:  Not only one of the most sampled acts in music history, they also shaped the sounds of R&B as it was happening, which extended to their contemporaries.  

Impact:  A solid string of major hits during their imperial reign, and still a highly recognizable name.  The second biggest selling and charting singles group during the 1980s after Daryl Hall And John Oates.  

Intangibles:  The quality of musicianship that's associated with the name is top-notch, and they were able to have big hits with both instrumentals and vocal songs.  There's also something to be said in their legacy that the masses met them halfway, that they didn't have to drastically change or compromise their unique style to start to have major commercial success.

Issues:  Other than the tired argument of R&B not being rock, perhaps the cultural saturation of "Celebration" is as nauseating a detriment as it is a credit to them.  Also, some could argue that it's not really their songs themselves that endure, but more the isolated bits and pieces of their songs that can be used as samples that give them endurance.  They are also Vocal Group Hall Of Fame inductees.

Personal taste:  Strong contender for the top of the list.  I love the jazzy instrumentals as well as the songs that get White folks crunk and lit, as evidenced by the next line.

Favorite song:  "Get Down On It"

3. MARIAH CAREY

Innovation:  It's both musical and industry innovation and influence the way she helped infuse the world of hip-hop into the style of pop-R&B.

Influence:  In addition to setting a new pop-R&B template, she has been incredibly influential as a singer and interpreter of songs in her own right, inspiring a legion of female singers in her wake.

Impact:  The first, and possibly only to date, singer to land a number one Billboard Pop Chart hit in every year for an entire decade.  Second most #1 pop singles of the rock era, and far and away the most commercially successful singles artist on this ballot.  

Intangibles:  An underrated songwriter and creative controller in the direction of her music and affected change in the industry, as mentioned above.

Issues:  Allllllll I waaaannnn--Ow!  Ow!  Stop hitting m--Ow!  Seriously though, the kneejerk rage and hateful memes that one song has spawned on social media could fool a less knowledgeable person into thinking she's a one-trick pony, not to mention the hatred of that song itself because of its artery-clogging saturation in the public consciousness between Halloween and Martin Luther King Day (it takes time for it to abate completely).  Additionally, her music got very adult contemporary palatable really quickly, and if there's one format that is almost universally not considered rock and roll in the slightest... well, it's Contemporary Christian, but if there's a second one, it's Adult Contemporary.  Lastly, her personal life was at one point a veritable source of cheesy tabloid fodder that somehow has a way of damaging credibility for palpable reasons I can't fully articulate.

Personal taste:  I still love her music.  I'm glad "Free Guy" brought a minor resurgence of "Fantasy," and I still love "Hero" and "Someday."  "One Sweet Day" wasn't as dear to me as it was to many others though.  And please put away the bludgeons, truncheons, torches, and pitchforks...

Favorite song:  "All I Want For Christmas Is You"

4. ERIC B. & RAKIM

Innovation:  Not hugely innovative on the surface, but they did evolve the art form to use faster rhythms.

Influence:  In spades.  You can hear their influence in so many forms of hip-hop from the rappers of today to Christian rappers from the late 80’s like D-Boy and DC Talk.

Impact:  Their biggest hit was as guest credit on a Jody Watley record.  Even on the R&B charts, they weren’t ever top of the heap, but they stayed a name with a continuous album output.

Intangibles:  Unique combo of a master mixer and a consummate rhyme-buster, essentially boiling it down to the empirical essence.  

Issues:  Not very well known by the masses.  There's also still a bias against hip-hop artists that weren't so big that opposing them was like holding back the ocean with a broom.

Personal preference:  I'm into them.  I'm really into Rakim's flow and Eric B.'s samples and edits.  This duo is up there for me.

Favorite song:  "Let The Rhythm Hit 'Em"

5. MARY J. BLIGE

Innovation:  She is a seminal figure in the creation of the hip-hop/soul merger, as a distinct and persistent style.

Influence:  She is cited as an influence by R&B and pop singers ranging from Beyonce to Taylor Swift, and beyond.

Impact:  She has at least a baker's dozen albums that made the Top Ten and a few dozen entries on the Pop charts, even more on the R&B charts.

Intangibles:  Royalty nicknames can be part of a marketing ploy, but when they endure, such as "Queen Of Hip-Hop/Soul," it's more than just marketing.  That's serious business.

Issues:  The endurance hip-hop/soul, as developed and defined by Blige, has been diminished by the rise of modern EDM, and the way rappers have jumped on that bandwagon.  Blige has adapted, but she no longer has home field advantage.

Personal taste:  For some reason, I didn't enjoy listening to her nearly as much as I did the last time she was nominated.  I still respect the creativity of the samples, but maybe I just wasn't having the best of days when I listened to her.  Or maybe the songs I liked didn't come up in Spotify's rotation.

Favorite song:  "Mighty River"

6. A TRIBE CALLED QUEST

Innovation: When you talk about about formative acts of the sound of '90s hip-hop, this outfit is near the top of the list.

Influence: Their influence on hip-hop and rappers to come, as well as on their contemporaries was massive. Widely influential.

Impact: A handful or two of charted singles. Albums charts, four top ten albums with a fifth that is critically well-regarded.

Intangibles: With their level of artistry, and renown of the individual members, they're a synergy, so much more than the sum of the parts.

Issues: You've heard of them if you're a music lover, especially of hip-hop. If you're a casual pop music fan, the name "A Tribe Called Quest" probably sounds like the name of a video game.  Also, lyrics like "This ain't rock 'n' roll 'cause the rap is in control" don't really align well with the narrative about the inclusive and attitudinal definition of rock 'n' roll that the Hall has been pushing since even before first trying to get Grandmaster Flash And The Furious Five inducted.

Personal taste:  Once again, fun stuff to listen to and bob your head along with, but as far as being able to really feel it take root in me, it's not happening yet.

Favorite song:  "The Hop"

7. SADE

Innovation:  Taking the "quiet storm" style of R&B and incorporating a jazzy smoothness to it, their bass lines are particularly noteworthy.

Influence:  Five years ago, this would have been a much lesser category.  I don't think I'd even heard the term "quiet storm" then.  Nowadays, their influence is showing up in modern R&B and rap artists' styles, who include other elements, but still include them.

Impact:  Bigger than most would guess, as they have a decent amount of chart success, both with singles and albums.  

Intangibles:  The lead singer and namesake of the band has an image of cool and breezy that some call "rock 'n' roll."  Additionally, they are recognized as gifted and meticulous musicians who craft actual sonic art instead of just audio product.

Issues:  In the collective consciousness of the masses, they're mostly known for one song only.  A ubiquitous song, but only one nonetheless, samples notwithstanding.  And when one says that rock and roll is an attitude, not a genre, it probably should refer to an attitude that the music conveys and not the behavior of the artists, whether that behavior is wild benders, courting controversy, or just being indifferent to the input of anyone else.  To say "Sade is rock and roll because they do what they want on their own schedule" just doesn't hold up to scrutiny. 

Personal taste:  Hot take, I can't stand them.  When they first made the "Previously Considered" list on the Future Rock Legends site, I bought the anthology to clue in to them, and I kept falling asleep trying to listen to them.  Granted, I now fall asleep extremely easily if I'm not keeping my mind or body active, but at that time, not quite so much.  A couple bright spots listening to them again this time around, but they are not for me.  And I absolutely HATE "Smooth Operator."  Also, why do so many pronounce the name as if it has an R in it?  I swear, I hear so many calling them "SHAR-day" that it's grating.  Maybe that's more a "me" problem, but that's also why I'm bringing it up under personal taste, because other people can ruin an artist for someone.

Favorite song:  "Paradise"

8. OZZY OSBOURNE

Innovation:  Depending on your definition of the term, crafting a more melodic form of metal could ostensibly be deemed innovative.

Influence:  Between samples and way of singing, his solo career does carry a certain amount of influence to it, however heavy the asterisk may loom.

Impact:  Maybe not in terms of sales, but in terms of charts and songs that still are in the public consciousness, Ozzy's solo career might possibly be on equal footing with his former band.

Intangibles:  He is the singular figure that symbolizes and epitomizes heavy metal, in the minds of many, from the look to the behavior, to the musical festival named after him.  It's almost a mythos at this point.  

Issues:  When a band is as foundational to a genre as Black Sabbath was, the solo career of any member will always run the risk of being seen as a coattails thing or just plain inferior.  Additionally, the reality show surrounding his family nearly made him a punchline to an entire generation, rather than a legend.

Personal taste:  Maybe a relative thing, but Ozzy did fairly well here. And by relative, I also mean familial, referring to my two older brothers and one younger sister who have shared their love of metal and hard rock with me.  Some of it was familiarity with some of the songs, other times it was the catchiness of the hooks, and sometimes production mattered.  Good times all around.  

Favorite song:  "I Don't Wanna Stop"

9. JANE'S ADDICTION

Innovation:  Kind of at the beginning of the alternative movement, especially when it was first starting to break, so pretty innovative to that sound.

Influence:  Theirs is a name that will regularly appear in conversations about the most influential alternative and hard-rock bands of the last thirty-five years or so.

Impact:  They have a visible presence in the history of the Modern Rock Tracks charts, and even a modicum of crossing over to the mainstream consciousness.  A couple hit albums, as well.  But for the limited chart action, they're still a band with some name recognition.

Intangibles:  In addition to the industry influence of founding Lollapalooza, there's some individual name recognition and respect for members Perry Farrell and Dave Navarro.

Issues:  The arrow of longevity is not in their quiver.  While they do have some name recognition, it's really more for the oddity of the name itself rather than for any of their music.  You've heard of them, but don't really know how or why.

Personal taste:  Last time they were nominated, the band tanked on the Personal Taste rankings, and while I don't foresee them being quite at the bottom, this is still not a band I'll casually throw on, as evidenced by the fact a Grateful Dead tribute album contribution is their song I can most enjoy.

Favorite song:  "Ripple"

10.  SINEAD O'CONNOR

Innovation:  She's certainly a unique artist who drew inspiration from paths less traveled and incorporated into a unique and ineffable style of her own.

Influence:  She's been an influence to many female singers that came after her as well as some of the offbeat male bands that saw something worth taking from her music.

Impact:  Name recognition?  Check.  Iconic song?  Check.  And a bit of commercial success outside of that song. 

Intangibles:  She was a conscientious artist who not only strove to make high quality art, but also worked to improve the world at large through her music.

Issues:  This might be a moment where Joe Kwaczala's category, "Does my mom know who they are" is a liability rather than an asset.  If your mom knows who she is, it's probably more for the controversies, especially the big one, than for the music, and if she does know anything about the music, it's probably only the one song.  Additionally, the whole "Sinead was right" campaign is bordering on becoming a dog whistle.  As for all the artists citing her as an influence after her death, is that happening because the powers can't suppress her anymore, or is it a bandwagon they're jumping on?  And finally, though it shouldn't be to her detriment, there are those who are opposing her candidacy at this time, chiding the Hall for shamelessly trying to capitalize on her death for their own ends (though it should be noted, she was Previously Considered while she was alive, so someone on the NomComm tried).

Personal taste:  Which would shock you more: if I really enjoyed listening to her music or if I really did not?  Methinks I'll maintain the suspense until I rank the nominees by personal taste below.  No scrolling prematurely!  Don't even think it!

Favorite song:  "Mandinka"

11. FOREIGNER

Innovation:  I got nothing here.

Influence:  We're just now starting to see modern bands acknowledging the subtle and sometimes one-off ways that Foreigner influenced them.  Plus, a lot of the bands of that era kind of sparked and inspired each other, one of the reasons that style of music was so huge that it spawned the Album Tracks charts by the early 1980s.  

Impact:  Massive.  Serious run of hit singles that are still recognizable today, multiple albums going multiple times platinum, and currently recognized as one of the top ten programmed bands on classic rock stations.

Intangibles:  Peer respect, as the campaign launched since their nomination has shown a wide range of love and respect from other musicians.  Also, I'll give them cred for the Foreigner belt and their song titles being plot devices in "Revenge Of The Mooninites," one of my five favorite episodes of Aqua Teen Hunger Force, but maybe that's just because I'm a... *guitar chord sounds* ... dirty White boy.

Issues:  Some could argue that the reason they're one of the most programmed bands on classic rock stations is because their sound is so generic to the format: that they're sand in the jar, rather than stones.  Second, while vocal R&B acts have had revolving door memberships long before Foreigner did, most of them at least had one member who was either a founding member or was a member on one of their major hit songs (Herb Reed with the Platters until his death, for example).  Foreigner, on the other hand, is currently touring as a machine made completely of replacement parts, thus injuring their artistry credibility.  Lastly, a lot of their songs just don't age well lyrically, as most of the major hits are, one way or another, about a guy trying to cajole (sometimes to the point of guilt-tripping) a woman into putting out with him.  Not a lot of substance there.

Personal taste:  Way down there.  Old-timers of the Future Rock Legends forum may remember that I have called the voice the most important instrument in the band, and I cannot stand Lou Gramm's voice.  Of the major hits, "Hot Blooded" is the most tolerable, but even the earworm that that song is makes me reach for the dial when they come on.

Favorite song:  "Until The End Of Time"

12. THE DAVE MATTHEWS BAND

Innovation:  Not a whole lot that one can glean on the surface, but given that Matthews himself is originally from South Africa, he probably infuses a unique musical heritage into his band's sound, a sound that is distinctly theirs.

Influence:  Not a lot that I can recall, but they probably did encourage some jam bands in their wake.

Impact:  Their album sales are immense, with several hitting #1 on the Billboard album charts.  If you go by number of charted albums, and the weeks and positions charted, as opposed to pure total number of units sold, this group is one of the biggest albums acts on the ballot.  A steady presence in the rock songs' charts too, they are at the threshold of being a household name.

Intangibles:  They were the most popular act among the "jam band" revival of the '90's, that still exists at some level to this day, with a level of dedication from their fans on par with the likes of the Grateful Dead and Rush.

Issues:  Sometimes, a celebrity's image problem is caused by the more annoying fans of that celebrity.  Examples include Jesus Christ, Oprah Winfrey, most recently Taylor Swift to a lesser degree, and I'm convinced that Parrotheads who wear shirts that say "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" are largely why Jimmy Buffett still can't get on the ballot.  In the case of Dave Matthews, much of the vitriol I've read has been geared toward what appears to be a stereotypical fan of the band: a frat-rat, dude-bro, Bernie-Madoff-disciple.  On top of that, they were not a critics' darling, and the current bent of music historians is less than favorably disposed toward them.  Their own level of success also contributed to them becoming something of a punchline in some corners of pop culture.

Personal taste:  I don't enjoy them.  They simultaneously annoy and bore me.  Just not my thing.

Favorite song:  "American Baby"

13. OASIS

Innovation:  They were one of the acts leading the charge for the Britpop movement.

Influence:  Leading the charge, they influenced a lot of British bands that came after them, and not just in Britpop, but rock bands in general that followed.

Impact:  A fair amount of commercial success here in the States, and immensely popular in the UK to the point of creating factions in the Britpop fandom circles.

Intangibles:  They have a bit of longevity, releasing albums over a course of fifteen years, and a bit of critical acclaim to go with it.

Issues:  The sibling drama.  You're either here for it or really not here for it, but either way, it distracts and maybe even detracts from the music.  I mean, how many members can you name that don't have the surname "Gallagher" without looking it up?  Also, while no one denies how important the Beatles were, some hold it against Oasis for sounding a little too derivative of the Beatles.

Personal taste:  They do have some really good stuff, and a lot that kind of fades in the background.  A song or two that I couldn't wait to be over, but nothing too annoying.  But it does get old after a bit, so prolonged listening, or bingeing on them, I don't recommend.

Favorite song:  "Cigarettes And Alcohol"

14. PETER FRAMPTON

Innovation:  He didn't really innovate so much as he popularized the innovation of the talk box, but even that's a little something.

Influence:  A lot of guitarists have cited his playing as one of their influences, most notably of late, Sheryl Crow.  

Impact:  Massive, but short-lived, though the songs that hit do still linger on, and his name continues to be recognized as one of the greats.

Intangibles:  Because of his few hits, he's gone largely underrated for his skill as a musician, but it's pretty impressive.

Issues:  His entire candidacy and career hang on the one live album, and not because he didn't try.  Between a series of personal setbacks and dwindling sales, he just couldn't replicate past success, and that leaves a bad impression for his merits overall.

Personal taste:  It's a shame he couldn't replicate his past success.  I think a lot of his later stuff is really great, but unfortunately sounds like the kind of music a legend who is banking on their name would be making.

Favorite song:  "Off The Hook"

15.  LENNY KRAVITZ

Innovation:  Not a lot to speak of, but maybe you could call him a unique synthesis of familiar elements that together sounds new-ish.  

Influence:  Very little, and those that do directly cite him haven't been wildly popular for a substantial amount of time.

Impact:  Sixteen Hot 100 hits, but only five broke the Top 40.  But still a bit of recognizability too on the Mainstream and Modern Rock charts, plus a lot of name recognition for his acting and fashion.

Intangibles:  His creative control is underrated, as a quality musician who plays all the instruments and writes his own songs.  Also, peer respect from the old guard is massive.  The heroes he grew up loving now love him back.

Issues:  He's derided for a seeming lack of originality, as well as discounted for being all image and little substance, like a cardboard cutout.

Personal taste:  This may actually be where Kravitz has a serious shot.  Besides being the insider industry darling, his music slaps for the most part.  Admittedly, I don't really care for his falsetto songs, both because of his falsetto voice itself and because of the arrangements that accommodate it.  His biggest hit is not one I care for.  As a personal parenthetical and utter non-sequitur, I have to dock him a couple points for co-writing and producing Madonna's "Justify My Love;" growing up listening to the radio a lot, that was the first song I can recall absolutely not liking when I heard it on the Top 40 station at the time.  I still don't like that song either, and it set me on a course to not being a fan of Madonna.

Favorite song:  "The Chamber"

And there you have it, my Merits ranks.  Admittedly, my Intangibles and Issues categories also included a lot of the "Why They Might Make It" and "Why They Might Not" aspects usually reserved for the seeding post, as opposed to the more meat-and-potatoes analyses I try to stick to in this type of entry; however, given how pressed for time I was last year, this might be the smarter move on my part anyway.  So, having given my personal taste analyses, the ranks for Personal Taste are as follows, with an average of the two ranks in parentheses:

1. Ozzy Osbourne  (average score: 4.5)

2. Kool And The Gang  (average score: 2)

3. Cher  (average score: 2)

4. Mariah Carey  (average score: 3.5)

5. Sinead O'Connor  (average score: 7.5)

6. Lenny Kravitz  (average score: 10.5)

7. Eric B. And Rakim  (average score: 5.5)

8. A Tribe Called Quest  (average score: 7)

9. Peter Frampton  (average score: 11.5)

10. Mary J. Blige  (average score:  7.5)

11. Oasis  (average score: 12) 

12. Jane's Addiction  (average score: 11.5)

13. Foreigner  (average score: 12)

14. Dave Matthews Band  (average score: 13)

15. Sade  (average score: 11)

So, by my numerical averages, my vote in the fan ballot SHOULD look like I'm throwing votes for Cher, Kool And The Gang, Mariah Carey, Ozzy Osbourne, Eric B. And Rakim, A Tribe Called Quest, and then if I'm voting for seven, choosing some days to vote for Mary J. Blige, while some days voting for Sinead O'Connor.  And except for voting for Mary J. Blige every time I cast a ballot, that's exactly what I've been doing with my vote.  Those clear top six averages, plus Mary J. Blige.  No shade to Sinead--if only I had an eighth slot.  It's a fun and interesting ballot, and overall, I don't begrudge any of the nominees and won't necessarily call any of them undeserving.  I won't be upset if Frampton gets in, because he does score huge for influence.  I won't be upset if Lenny Kravitz gets in, because even if you do feel he's "the end of the line" for something, it's still good to include it to wrap up that "line" with a bow.  But who do I think will make it?  Hopefully, I'll be able to get that up quickly, as the fan vote will probably end before I can finish proofreading and hit "Publish."  Or the day after I do.  Stay tuned.

Predicting 2024's ballot

 As we anticipate the announcement for the ballot for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame this year, I once again finding myself doing the last minute panic thing to get it posted in time.  But that's okay, because it forces me to be succinct.  Let's face it, the explanations matter less to most readers than the names in bold.  So, what are my picks?

First, I'll start with the newly eligible artists.  None.  Okay, but some thought Coldplay would be nominated once they presumably became eligible (until we learned of the adjustment), but I'm going to apply Occam's Razor to this one and say the Hall is showing their cards.  They could nominate Coldplay too, but they clearly want the White Stripes first.  So they make my list.  Among other nominees, I think A Tribe Called Quest will return, too.  The rationale is a little hard to explain, but Tribe is basically the first hip-hop repeat nominee that isn't a huge name or a foundational to hip-hop.  They're innovative, but they weren't as foundational as Grandmaster Flash And The Furious  Five or N.W.A. or as big as LL Cool J. So for them to be nominated twice already despite not being a bigger name tells me there's a burning desire around the hoagie for this group.  I also think Warren Zevon will return, just because he's been a long time coming, and if he needs a second nomination to get in, they won't give up right away.  And with Rage Against The Machine in, they may want to see if that truly does clear the lane for Soundgarden.

Using the past ceremony as a crystal ball, I imagine there will be a second hip-hop act on the ballot in the form of Outkast. Big Boi did a great job.  Sadly, I don't see Queen Latifah getting nominated or Salt-N-Pepa, simply because Tribe is a bigger priority for someone there.  I think the Dave Matthews Band will probably get another look as well, since Dave just did his best to be oh so charming and toe in the sand humble while inducting Willie Nelson.  I don't think he was insincere, mind you; I just don't like the idea of that attitude being the reason the Nominating Committee latches onto him again more than his music being the reason.  Now, some lamented there wasn't anything for the rock lovers, which I kinda disagree with.  There just wasn't any display of rock and roll as a form of male peacocking.  To which, I say, "So?"  But Sheryl Crow gave a really good performance that rocked, even if she had never brought out Peter Frampton to play with her.  But bringing him out was a big moment, and I think it'll serve as an impetus to get him in while he's with us.  

Conversely, I am kind of led to believe that there will be a moment of "Everyone loves you once you're gone" spirit that will probably see a nomination for Jimmy Buffett, an artist I have an aversion to mainly because of the fan base.  I do like some of his songs, and would probably like more if I did a deeper dive, but the extent to which "Margaritaville" (a song I like) has been transferred from an anthem about escapism to an anthem for the mindset of "any reason to get blasted is a good one"--which in turn is becoming escapism again because of the depressing economic realities younger generations are facing, there's no mindless partying anymore, it's escapism even when we call it partying and celebrating--is irksome.  It's become about the object rather than the reason.  Anyway, I see him being nominated.  

Looking elsewhere, just because I don't see every act returning to the ballot from last year, I think they'll go with Motorhead instead of Iron Maiden and give Cyndi Lauper a year off to go with Cher, just to poke the bear as it were and court controversy.  I'm guessing about sixteen nominees, and I just think it's a shame they snubbed Destiny's Child. I hope they rectify it.  For the older men in the room, let's throw in a possible nomination for Huey Lewis And The News, another name they may want to rush to honor while the lead man is still with us, but has had to give up touring.  Let's give another nod for Mary J. Blige and see if we can finally get Mariah Carey on the ballot too.  I'll even throw No Doubt on there too.

Lastly, for my left field pick, I'm going back to the removal of Jann S. Wenner altogether from the Foundation establishment, following his headlong rush to get canceled last year.  If there were any vindictive NomComm members who wanted to twist the knife, there is one act they could nominate to do that.  Even though there are no articulate women in this group, nor any articulate people of color, it would still bring a cheesy grin to those of us who know to see them nominated.  Reportedly on Wenner's "over my dead body" list, this would also be indicative of Sykes being at the helm because this was an act that really helped MTV in its first decade with programming, which then caused a resurgence in their popularity.  Naturally, I'm talking about the Monkees.  A left field pick to be sure, but think about it.

In closing, those are my sixteen names, and I'd also like to take this opportunity to commit a shameless plug.  Even though I didn't predict "Weird Al" Yankovic to be on the ballot, I did recently have the privilege to be a guest on the "My Weekly Mixtape" podcast, where the host, Brian Colburn, and I cast a vision of a twenty-song playlist that both symbolizes most if not all of the reasons why "Weird Al" should be in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, and also displays what I believe is unquestionable musical excellence across his entire career.  Please go check it out; it would mean a lot to me if you would. And if Brian's wife reads this: Ross and Rachel were on a break.  Yeah, I said it. Whatcha gonna do about it, huh?

Songs Of Proof: The Class Of 2023

 It's hard to type up a blog post on a phone, so bear with me until I have the time to purchase a new laptop.  But, I'm watching the ABC broadcast as I text this up.  So, I'll have ceremony thoughts while sharing my choices and thought process.  

Kate Bush:  It may seem like sacrilege to not use "Running Up That Hill" for her Song Of Proof, but stranger things have happened, thus marking the last mileage I intend to milk out of that joke.  Big Boi gave an enthralling speech, even when giving the prompter people flak for falling down on the job.  The performance of St. Vincent was beautiful, but I felt it was important to use another song, lest anyone think of Kate Bush as a one-trick pony.  And having few pop hits gave me a little more latitude.  But I didn't abandon the charts either.  A great middle ground and truly one of my favorite songs by this amazing artist, "Love And Anger" is a top shelf song that showcases Bush's signature avant-garde theatricality and intertwines it with a solid enough beat for those who would dare wonder what Kate Bush has to do with rock and roll anyway.  Plus, it was a number one hit on the Album (or Mainstream) Rock charts when it came out.  Underrated song that needs more attention, and I think it does justice on an objective level too.

Don Cornelius:  The segue from the Spinners tribute to this induction was clever, and the video package really was amazing for this man.  It's just sad that it's another example that the Hall is more of a rogues' gallery than an upright citizens parade (malaprop intentional).  But not inducting him would have been wrong too.  What "Soul Train" did for the African-American community is too significant to not enshrine him, especially since he had to be the one to get Dick Clark to back down with his copycat competitor program.  He went toe to toe with Dick Clark, whom you did not pick a professional fight with in those days, and emerged victorious, to elevate the Black community.  No, he needed to be inducted, warts and all.  And just as "Bandstand Boogie" represents Clark, the only choice for Don Cornelius is the MFSB (featuring the Three Degrees) classic, "TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia)," which was the theme song, minus the singing of the name of "Soul Train."

Sheryl Crow: Her segment is really condensed and rushed.  But that's to be expected, condensing a 4.5 hour event down to under 3 hours to allow for commercials.  Anyway, Sheryl's music to me kind of has an alternative beach bum feel to it.  The kind of music someone on the beach plays who has nowhere else to be, but isn't the standard type of music you'd expect from such a character.  And that's not meant in a derogatory manner either. That's just the mental image I get of her music.  To that end, I wanted "A Change Would Do You Good," but it wasn't a Hot 100 hit.  Since her commercial success had a lot to do with her case, I felt it needed to be one.  "Soak Up The Sun" is a favorite but is a little too atypical.  "If It Makes You Happy," I'll admit I thought was an Alanis Morissette song when I first heard it, so no.  The final song standing is "Everyday Is A Winding Road," narrowly edging out "All I Wanna Do."  With a little bit of a road trip feel to its pacing and arrangement, it works the best for that "enjoying life" vibe that I feel is most signature of her music.  And hey, Frampton shredded wickedly while onstage with Sheryl and Stevie.  

DJ Kool Herc:  This was a tough one.  First, a quick side note, if someone is to be inducted as a "Musical Influence", in what is a renaming of the "Early Influence" category, then one should arguably have a catalog to go with it.  I personally would have gone with Award For Musical Excellence for him; I mean, they inducted engineers in that category, so why not Herc there?  I digress, and it seems that if you're not a Performer inductee, then whichever category they stuff you in is irrelevant.  I think it's careless, haphazard, and slipshod, but you're also all sick of seeing me tilt at that windmill.  His acceptance speech seemed incoherent in parts, but I think we can chalk it up to being overcome with emotion.  But with no substantial catalog of his own, choosing the song  for him was tricky.  I seriously thought about going with the James Brown song that they mentioned as being one of the songs that he kept using the break of that pioneered hip-hop.  However, since hip-hop originally started as the milieu and elevation of the deejay, I chose a different direction.  The song chosen is a little off, but bear with me.  Even though the credited artist is absolutely making the song about him, the lyrics namecheck Kool Herc as one of the innovators, and if you just go by the title alone, it could also apply to DJ Kool Herc as well, and how hip-hop was originally about the deejay and not the emcee.  So, for those reasons, the song used is "Girls Love The Way He Spins" by Grandmaster Flash.

Missy Elliott:  This was a great induction.  Queen Latifah gave a great speech, and the video package was on point.  It also makes it seem an induction for Timbaland is inevitable.  Missy's speech was wonderful, and her performance was the halftime show we need.  One of the things I heard said about her was that her sound still sounds current.  I'm not knowledgeable enough about hip-hop to weigh in on that, but it is a good listen at any time.  Thinking about how she wanted to head a label more than perform, I'm not sure if she didn't have confidence in her abilities or just wanted the label more to the point where she downplayed her abilities.  Either way, it just shows that brilliance can't and shouldn't be shrouded, and either way, her story shows that no matter how talented you are and how big the dream, to get it, you gotta "Work It."  Narrowly beating out "Get Ur Freak On," that will be the selection for her.  And if I'm in the wrong, hopefully it's no worse than a misdemeanor.

Chaka Khan:  I'm glad she's in, I'm sad it happened this way, because now there is no chance to have her be a double inductee.  But you can't be a double inductee if you can't even get in a first time.  Bird in the hand being worth two in the bush, and all that.  The song I'm using for her as an Award For Musical Excellence inductee is the same I'd have used if she'd been voted in.  "I'm Every Woman" is a powerful anthem and a party jam as well, and that's fitting because discovery of one's identity is worth celebrating.  It's a personal victory, and to quote "Avengers: Age Of Ultron:" victory should be honored with revels.  As far as her induction segment goes, H.E.R. absolutely killed it, as did Chaka.  Sia... thanks for trying, I guess.  And I have to give it up for Chaka acknowledging Tony and thus also the Hall's attempts to acknowledge Rufus as a band too.  Rock on Tony Maiden, sorry you got shafted by the voters.  Congratulations Chaka.  You are every woman in how you showed how hard it is for institutions to give women the laurels that are no-brainers to hand out.

Al Kooper:  The brass ring just always seemed to elude the man, but he had his hands in enough things to be significant.  I'm glad he got his due recognition and that ABC didn't excise his induction altogether for time's sake.  A hard one to choose a song for.  I almost went with a Lynyrd Skynyrd song; however, I felt he has been too much of a journeyman musician to not use a song he played on more notably.  Having played on "Blonde On Blonde," I decided that "I Want You" is the ideal choice.  The organ line is subtle to where you might miss it, but it really adds a lot to the song.  That really seems to symbolize Al Kooper's career as a whole, so this Bob Dylan song makes the final cut.

George Michael:  Andrew was a pure class act as the inductor, choosing to not even make a cheeky joke about how he's being excluded, only about how he was the cuter one, not George.  I loved his speech.  And he was the perfect person to accept the award in George's honor.  Much was said about Adam's reserved performance of "Faith," but not being a huge George Michael fan myself, I didn't care about how much sex the performance could have exuded.  That said, it was wooden, fir real, that son of a beech.  Sorry.  But literally standing still to a song with that danceable a beat is just bad showmanship.  Getting to the song, this was the toughest one to choose.  My rules about choosing a Song Of Proof disqualify all of his duets and Wham! classics.  "Amazing" is a fantastic song, but it's a little outside of his imperial reign as a megastar, so I felt it disingenuous to use that one.  And since even though I have readers, the Great Playlist is primarily a vanity project, I wanted it to be a song that doesn't make me bored by the second minute, which ruled out "One More Try," "Father Figure," and "Freedom ('90)."  Personal opinion, don't at me, he still deserved his induction.  It came down to two songs, and they both are highly sexual.  Opting to not deal with whether to use part one, part two, or parts one and two; I went with the simpler, anthropomorphic "Monkey."

Willie Nelson:  I actually streamed the livestream while I was delivering my route, and when I listened while delivering, I was initially really annoyed with Dave Matthews' speech.  He sounded rambling and clumsy.  Watching it with more focus on a sick day on Boxing Day, I appreciated his speech a lot more, especially the social commentary.  I really didn't like the weed jokes though.  It wasn't funny to say, "I don't know if you know this..." Everyone knows it, and some cynics claim that it was the weed and not the music that made Willie influential to rock musicians.  Fortunately, Dave's uncut speech did highlight some of Nelson's most important recordings, including the "Stardust" album.   Focusing on the music, I had my choice already, but the video package reinforced the decision.  Willie struggled trying to find fame via the traditional Nashville route.  He was doing well playing gigs, and really found himself and his style after relocating to Texas.  Being a good live act and all those open miles moving back to the Lone Star State, the obvious choice is the crossover hit, "On The Road Again."

Rage Against The Machine:  Honestly, put any song you want here for this band.  Even their cover of "Maggie's Farm" would fit.  I went for a song from the Rock charts, but even a non-charting song is just as appropriate.  The message of change and anger came through in every note and every song.  Ice T's speech was great.  Tom Morello's speech.... it would have been more meaningful in my opinion if he weren't an insider of the institution of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.  Nonetheless, what he said was worth saying.  It's reminiscent of what Bernie Sanders has been telling people when he's had to suspend his presidential campaigns, telling us we can't hang all our hopes on him, that it's our revolution, our torch and pitchfork to carry, and our fight to fight.  "Bulls On Parade" is the choice, but there's no bad call here.

The Spinners:  So overdue, so welcome, so horrendous that this last nomination only happened because Thom Bell died.  But finally the Spinners are in.  I weep that the Hall's rushing headlong to more modern acts because given how the Hall operates, it means we can just forget ever enshrining the Stylistics, Delfonics, Chi-Lites, Harold Melvin And The Blue Notes, and all the other amazing soul groups of the '70s.  So much fertile ground there.  This also makes the insult of having no inductor for the Spinners even more egregious.  They got left off the original poster, and they're the only Performer inductee from this class to not get an inductor.  The Hall was just determined to do them dirty, but at least they corrected course to include John Edwards.  And New Edition really captured the spirit in their tribute.  Anyway, I long decided that "I'll Be Around" would be their Song Of Proof, and that still stands.  It has the funky beat that really shows the hybrid style that we call "Motownphilly."  There were a few close competitors though.  But in the end, that song was still around as the most solid example.

Bernie Taupin:  I'm so glad they kept Bernie's cutting remarks aimed at Jann S. Wenner.  Highlight for sure.  Anyway, with the ceremony running long as it was, I was kind of upset that Elton John performed "Tiny Dancer," as that's one of the notoriously longer songs.  I don't hate the song, just a little sick of it.  So, no, not the choice here.  Counterintuitively, I'm going with "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting."  Even in what is such a meat and potatoes rocker of a song, the lyrics still have some incredible poetic value.  Descriptions that evoke sensory triggers, metaphors, and social commentary are all found in this song that seems basic in some ways.  But it's not.  It may not be his most highbrow song, but it still shows his brilliance.  

Link Wray:  A triumph of an induction to be sure.  It'd have been nice to induct him as a Performer, and also a mention of the Ray-Men,  but under the circumstances, a Musical Influence solo induction is empirically better than a Singles not-a-category-category non-induction-induction.  Even though the Song Of Proof is "Rumble" for obvious reasons, I really appreciate the job they did to put some spotlight on his other songs, particularly "Rawhide."  On a personal note, I really like "Copenhagen Boogie" and "Ace Of Spades" as well.  Jimmy Page did a terrific job with the tribute.  A musicians' musician, it's so great that Link Wray got inducted.  Let's keep dismantling that bogus consolation prize and get Chubby Checker, the Chantels, and the Shangri-Las in 2024. 

And soon the Nominating Committee will meet to draft up that ballot.  The timeline has shifted for eligibility, and we'll see how that shapes things.  Meanwhile, putting a cap on the Class Of 2023 with a recap:

Kate Bush: "Love And Anger"

Don Cornelius: "T.S.O.P. (The Sound Of Philadelphia)" by MFSB featuring the Three Degrees

Sheryl Crow: "Everyday Is A Winding Road"

DJ Kool Herc: "Girls Love The Way He Spins" by Grandmaster Flash

Missy Elliott: "Work It"

Chaka Khan: "I'm Every Woman"

Al Kooper: "I Want You" by Bob Dylan

George Michael: "Monkey"

Willie Nelson: "On The Road Again"

Rage Against The Machine: "Bulls On Parade"

The Spinners: "I'll Be Around" (Vocal Group Hall Of Fame Song Of Proof: "It's A Shame")

Bernie Taupin: "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting" by Elton John

Link Wray: "Rumble" (with his Ray Men)

Thoughts? Comments?  Make your voice heard below.

Delayed Reaction 2023

 It's been over two weeks already, so most of what's been needed to be said has been.  So, we'll try to keep most of this short (famous last words).  The Class Of 2023 has been announced, and it's loaded. Good.  

First off, I went 5/7, so I feel pretty good.  I don't know how many did better, but I feel that's the modal average among those of us in the watching community.  Maybe not.  Either way, it's not bad.  Remember when I first reacted to the ballot and said to pay attention to Kate Bush and Rage Against The Machine?  I said at least one of those two was getting in, and I was right.  And it turns out both got in.  It's been a common thing lately with artists that are on the ballot three consecutive years.  Perhaps it's a matter of gaining momentum that they finally break through, but three consecutive ballots seems to be the magic number lately.  It's why I picked Todd Rundgren for 2021.  And it also resets the counter back to zero for acts like Dionne Warwick and Fela Kuti who weren't nominated for their third consecutive years.  

Aside from Rage, the Spinners were my other bracket buster and one of the two names that comes off the list I made almost twenty years ago.  And I'm so happy to be wrong about their chances.  This is big, and I'm here for it.

Sheryl Crow gets in, confirming the LinkedIn nature of the Hall and how relatively effortlessly a popular act can get in sometimes.  A lot of disgruntlement over her getting in, simply because she's such a "safe" pick, but you can't deny her ubiquity and how many songs of hers you know once you sit down and think about it.  Congratulations to her.

Not a lot of surprise about George Michael getting the votes either, though his name being announced just further stirs the pot regarding the fan vote, as he was the only one from the fan ballot to make it.  It's an annual heartbreak for us hobbyists who know how it works to see the disappointed fan bases, who think sheer numbers win the day and that they can love their favorite artists hard enough to get them inducted, like a Care Bear stare of clicks, only to see them find out that all those millions add up to one.  That's why it was kind of funny when the people from Africa on Twitter told the Hall to go sit on it and rotate last year after being duped about the importance of the fan vote for Fela Kuti, but I digress.

And congrats to Willie Nelson making it too.  There's been some discussion about who in the country world could be next for the Hall, but I'm going with a hot take here: no one.  I think the Old Town Road stops here for a spell, and I'll tell you why.  Dolly got inducted, and Willie is getting in for basically the same reason, and it's only partially about their music.  Willie was especially innovative with outlaw country, so it's defensible, but the real reason for those two names is their names.  Dolly and Willie are national treasures, and the Hall needs them for their cache.  After those two, there are no more country artists who are universally beloved who aren't already in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.  Not Waylon, not Merle, not Kris, maaayybbeee Loretta or Patsy, but certainly not Garth.  In fact, Garth Brooks is almost considered a benchmark of country music truly losing its authenticity and becoming "Nashville pop."  Maybe his sales numbers get him some chatter, but if I'm trying to think like the Hall, they're gonna say "Amen" on country for awhile, congratulate themselves, and take a bite out of the hoagie.  

But big huzzah for Missy Elliott getting in.  She is truly deserving, and it is great that we finally have a female rapper getting inducted, hopefully not the last.  And it's so great that we finally have an African-American woman getting in on her first year of eligibility, as well, though I'm still really sad we couldn't have more in the form of Destiny's Child.  I said it then, and I'll say it again: if Beyonce is not good enough to be a double FYE, then who is?  Apparently Dave Grohl (not gonna argue against Lennon, obviously).

And that segues into the first point on the other categories.  Chaka Khan is getting in for Musical Excellence (the other name from the aforementioned list), and it's bittersweet for me.  If getting more women inducted is important, and it is, then having more women as double inductees should also be considered important, and I do not see any possibility of Rufus getting acknowledged now that this is happening.  I actually have a flicker of renewed hope for Chic getting in under the newly renamed Musical Influence moniker (more coming), but I genuinely do not see Rufus being nominated for the ballot now that Chaka is getting her laurels, nor do I see any special committee having any impetus to acknowledge Rufus in this way, not even to give Khan the second induction she absolutely deserves.

Al Kooper getting in is pretty cool, but I'm not especially thrilled.  Undoubtedly deserving, but growing up and listening to Oldies radio, he was always and exclusively referred to as the guy who was in Blood, Sweat, And Tears before they got popular.  I've enjoyed going down the rabbit hole of his career on Spotify, and I really hope the video package and induction speech do him justice.

There are two inductees that really make me tilt my head, but not because they're being inducted, but where.  The first is Bernie Taupin.  If there's any quibble with his merits, it's that as a songwriter, he had a client list of one, Elton John.  That's still a huge asset for him though, but when it comes to songwriters and producers, unless your name is George Martin, being famously linked to one name only is a roadblock to the Hall usually.  Even so, I have no qualm with Bernie getting in, but Musical Excellence is a bit of a headscratcher.  Songwriters traditionally get in under the Non-Performer category, so why Bernie here? But then again, I'm a Logical; I like structure, accuracy, consistency, and all that.  But I've also been following the Hall long enough to know that Hall gonna Hall.  So I just roll my eyes cynically, but still happy for Mr. Taupin.

But the Non-Performer we do get is a big one. Don Cornelius has been chosen, and it's a major form of representation that we thought if we would get, it'd be in the form of Thom Bell.  But this is huge.  Sadly, it also continues the trend of the Hall being a rogues gallery.  I admit, I knew nothing about the domestic violence until Joe Kwaczala brought them up on the reaction episode of "Who Cares About The Rock Hall."  But '70s soul getting a second representative this year is gladdening.  But I will add that between Taupin and Cornelius, the new line seems to be about what they did.  Songwriting is a part of the creative and creation process for music, which seems to justify Musical Excellence, whereas Cornelius was involved in the exhibition, the promotion of the music, so Non-Performer.  In short, the operative phrase is "music business," and if the former word applies to you more, you get Musical Excellence, whereas if the latter applies to you more, you're a Non-Performer.  But I'm sure that line will be erased next year so let's move on.  At least we didn't get any lawyers this time, to quote Michelle Bourg.

Moving onto the renamed Musical Excellence category... at least it's honest-ish.  I hope it doesn't preclude pre-rock acts from getting in anymore, and I really don't want the category to be a Veterans Committee category, though it seems that ship has sailed.  First though, Link Wray is going in, and a big hell yeah to that.  The completist in me wants the Ray-Men included, but I'd be lying if I said I thought that had a snowball's chance of happening.  But the big uptick to this is that it starts dismantling the sham that is the Singles "category."  In a way, it's giving Little Steven what he wants, but it's also what we'd rather have than that.  I really really really really really hope Chubby Checker is next.  The man deserves it.  Shut up; yes he does.  I really hope they do more than focus on "Rumble" too.  "Copenhagen Boogie" may not be as revolutionary, but it is a jam!

Speaking of revisitations, what one Podcaster said with irony, I'll say with conviction: let's talk about a band called Chic.  Think about it.  This is a band that has been sampled so many times in hip-hop that Musical Influence would absolutely befit them.  Their eleven nominations were always about Nile Rodgers, much to the Hall's detriment, but the rest of the group deserves the acknowledgment as well.  And hey, I'm sure his buddies would love to induct him a second time too.  Those eleven nominations will not have been completely in vain if we can induct this outfit into the Hall, and since categories are meaningless anyway, this would at least make sense under the new and tortuous parameters.

Speaking of tortuous parameters, that brings us to the last name, and an important one, but another one that shows the seeming meaninglessness of category distinctions.  DJ Kool Herc is a seminal figure in hip-hop and rightly belongs in.  Under the old guidelines, though, he couldn't have been in this category, even while they inducted Kraftwerk and Gil Scott-Heron as Early Influences, because he didn't release any records. Caveat: I've heard he has released an album, back in '15.  Is that correct?  Seems no one can find it.  Best I've been able to find is the collaborative album with Mr. Green, narrated by DJ Kool Herc, "The Last Of The 'Classic Beats'."  It's a short album and a good listen, but the music comes from Mr. Green, with spoken bits from Herc.  I would have put him under Musical Excellence for the energy of his live work at parties and such, and insisted that the Musical Influence category requires an actual discography, however brief.  But here we are.  And while it wouldn't be unwarranted, this induction actually does make it possible to induct ragtime pioneer Scott Joplin as a Musical Influence, even though there are no wax or vinyl recordings of the man playing his own compositions, as he created barrel rolls for player pianos to play his compositions in an automated fashion.  Again, not unwarranted, but seemingly previously impossible, given the Hall's previous methods of operation.  Heck, this makes it possible to induct classical composers now, who predated the recording technology, for the influence their works had on progressive rock outfits.  All things that were probably previously possible, but now have a precedent of sorts with Kool Herc's induction.

So that's the Class and those are my thoughts.  It's good to get another perspective after the news has settled and simmered a bit (though I wouldn't object to being on a reaction episode sometime), and I hope you've enjoyed it.  And yes, Brian Colburn, with a class this size, I already have a Playlist Wars-style playilst made for this class, and I'd enjoy knowing what your theoretical list would be too.  

Doubt I'll be able to attend the ceremony, but I still look forward to it.  Not ready to think about 2024 yet.  Just enjoying this moment.  Let's all do that: take some time and just enjoy the music.

Predictions For 2023

 As I previously said, I don't have the spare time for the full treatment that I normally put into my predictions.  I'll still list them by seeds, but I'll just cut to what is usually just the "In The End" part.  No percentages either.  I'll just say I think that there will be six.  I just can't see the Hall inducting half the ballot, even though they've inducted 55% when they had nine nominees.  I think six will be the limit.  My seeds:

1. Willie Nelson He's a national treasure and the voters as a body won't pass up the chance.  

2. Sheryl Crow The Hall can be very LinkedIn-like sometimes, and I have to believe the connections are too many for her to miss.

3. Missy Elliott In recent years, the Hall has been on the ball about getting the titans of hip-hop inducted immediately, and I expect that to continue.

4. Warren Zevon I originally had him sitting on the outside, but those handling his affairs tweeted about the inductees being announced Wednesday, so I have to imagine they got the phone call.

5. George Michael I don't get it personally. His music is alright, but it doesn't move me. But I'm clearly in the minority.

6. Kate Bush If any of my predicted inductees were to be inducted in one of the other categories, it's her.  The astonishment of the "Stranger Things" rennaissance may have lost its luster, but the Hall will still want her in. And if not now, when?  So, I think she's getting in one way or another, but I'm betting she'll just have the votes this time.

7. The White Stripes The upset special.  May sneak in, especially if there is a seventh, but may just end up being the Radiohead this time, as in, "How the hell did they miss the first time around?".

8. Iron Maiden The other nominee that could get the Musical Excellence laurels, especially if Kate Bush does get the votes.  Just still not seeing them make it.

9. The Spinners Their nomination wasn't so much about them, in a way, as it was about Thom Bell, and it'll be him getting the Non-Performer induction instead of this group getting in as Performer or Early Influence. But boy would I love to be wrong.

10. Cyndi Lauper My intuition is telling me she was just the painful last cut for too many voters.

11. Joy Division/New Order This group could easily make a fool of me too, but I think it will take just a couple more tries to get them in.

12. Soundgarden I just see them splitting the vote against Rage Against The Machine, but they've got the support of musicians and writers.

13. Rage Against The Machine I just see them splitting the vote against Soundgarden, but they've got the support of the insiders at the Foundation.

14. A Tribe Called Quest With Missy Elliott on the ballot, no chance.  

Voila.  My predictions.  As for the other categories, I think Thom Bell could be a Non-Performer, and either Kate Bush or Iron Maiden for Musical Excellence.  Not sure if they'll actually have an Early Influence inductee or not. I think with the lack of inductors for three inductees last year, they'll want a smaller class to keep things tight, especially for HBO.  But boy would I love to be wrong.  We'll find out in a couple days.