You probably missed it, but on Monday night the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted it's 2010 class into the highly debatable walls of this shrine. I do not have any real problem with this years class in particular, other than the fact there are piles of bands and artists who have been eligible for a decade or more that should find a cozy home in this hall as well. I'm going to discuss below some artists that have been eligible for a while and whether they have a good shot at it or not.
Eligible RF's top snub(s) Notes
Year
1981 John Coltrane: Where is he already. Jazz is Rock too.
1983 The Kingston Trio: So important in influence of folk and vocal harmonies, but the hall may shut out
1984 Neil Sedaka: Started writing hits in the Brill building in 1958. Calendar Girl alone should have him in.
1985 Bobby Rydell: Dick Clark is in the hall, but the artists he propelled still lack respect. Chubby Checker too.
1986 Ben E. King: Never has one artist more deserved to get in on the quality of one song.
1987 Bobby Fuller Four: This might be second most deserving for one kick ass song. I Fought The Law rules!
1988 Neil Diamond: What did this guys do to piss off the fame or hall of Shame in this case. Get him in!
1989 The Moody Blues: A timeless body of pretty rock songs. Very original. No business not being in soon.
The Zombies: Just not a big enough body of work, but album Odessey and Oracle alone has them close.
1990 Donovan: 1990 is a year that these decisions are getting tough. Lots of greats now eligible.
1991 Cat Stevens: Maybe the Yusuf Islam thing has them all confused.
1992 Harry Nilsson: Won't ever get a sniff, but great artist
1993 Deep Purple: Don't start putting all your Metal also-rans without letting a Metal pioneer slip in.
1994 Chicago: Year is really tough for first ballot candidates, but Chicago's body of work is exemplary
Yes: Prog finally got some respect with Genesis in '10 but Yes should be there too.
Warren Zevon: If freakin' Jackson Browne is in, get Zevon in there too at some point. I think he slips in.
1995 Jimmy Buffett: He has an outstanding body of work. Not just dopey drinking songs. Should be there.
Todd Rundgren: My favorite Philly area artist and Power Popper should be there already.
1996 Thin Lizzy: I'm probably dreaming on this one but the Irish rockers sure should be there IMO.
Electric Light Orchestra: Maybe not everyone's thing. Very deserving and original for their time.
The Doobie Brothers: Kind of hokey of course, but who doesn't love them some Doobies every once in a while.
1997 Big Star: No, they were not big stars, but maybe the most important band you don't know. Bar none.
Lou Reed: He's in with the Underground, and my bro will scoff at this one. His solo work is HOF too.
Roxy Music: To artsy and British to get the respect they deserve. Probably won't get in I'm guessing.
Richard Thompson: This guy is the best folk oriented guitarist on maybe the planet, you may not know.
1998 Rush: Are there not any fantasy nerds in powerful places. These Canucks are incredible and should be there now!
1999 Kiss: Must be the makeup. Great hits. Tons of sales and no HOF yet. I'm betting these guys get in next year.
Brian Eno: Again too artsy, but a pioneer that has been overlooked
Bad Company: Really great rock songs, but not likely to make it at this pace.
The Commodores: I would think they get there soon.
2000 Journey: I think they are getting closer, but somebody doesn't like them at RHOF.
Television: I'm dreaming again of course, but CBGB's most gifted artistic Punk outfit should have it's place.
2001 Heart: Females of true Rock music have been a glaring omission of the HOF. Lot's of R&B and Singer/Songwriters have been enshrined, but we need more Rock women.
Boston: Maybe going years and years between each album, never helped these great rock musicians.
Nick Lowe: A songwriting genius from multiple bands is probably too brit, and too Power Pop for entry.
The Runaways: See Heart's entry, and add that here we have Joan Jett and Lita Ford, starting tremendous rock careers.
2002 Cheap Trick: This one's a biggie. Criminal overlooking so far. I think they make it soon, but I'd be scared if not in next couple years.
The Buzzcocks: I think I heard my entire audience of 4 people say "Who?" Actually my audience is smarter than that. These guys come second only to The Clash for high quality UK Punk. Get 'em in.
Motorhead: All Metal heads started here, or should have.
XTC: Okay I know, may only ever see a british rock HOF, but the rest of the world should know them too.
Wire: Same case as XTC, but Rolling Stone has given due so maybe someday we could be so lucky to see Wire in.
George Thorogood: Delaware's only hope.
Peter Gabriel: Love him or hate him, he should be there someday.
2003 The Cars: New Wave is worthy of Hall entry too you know.
Dire Straits: Propelled by virtuoso guitar by Mark Knopfler, these guys may make it someday.
Joy Division: This is where I piss some people off when I reach for a Goth Rock Pioneer.
Magazine: This is where I hear crickets. I might be the only one in the world who appreciates Howard Devoto and John McGeoch this much.
Siouxsie & The Banshees: I'm quite new to the relevance of Siouxsie, but another woman rocker who has been knocked off by so many.
The Cure: Oh man, did I hate the Cure. I have really warmed up to them though and have so much respect for their longevity.
2004 Def Leppard: Studio darlings fall a bit short on longevity of music with substance, but Pyromania is good enough to invite these lads in.
Iron Maiden: If Metal is going to proliferate one day at the hall, better get these guys in too.
Echo & The Bunnymen: One of my not a chance in this world possibilities, but Post Punk should have one of it's greatest in.
2005 Ozzy Osbourne: C'mon, do I need to say a thing? Ozzy rules.
The Go-Go's: Pioneering in their own way. Very important female contribution.
INXS: I hated them when all my classmates loved them. I still kind of do, but they've moved a number of peeps so I give credit when due.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts: This chic is so damn Rock and Roll, let her in here too.
2006 Duran Duran: The greatest new wave band ever, and second only to Michael jackson for understanding MTV and the transition to video. They are so important to me.
Billy Idol: Epitome of a Rocker.
New Order: Manchester music scene should have it's own wing, and New Order is a big reason why. More important for the influence.
Motley Crue: These are the metal also-rans I speak of, but they are pretty important for many.
2007 Beastie Boys: The Beasties were all over the place in high school years. Paul's Boutique is the soundtrack to this generation.
Janet Jackson: Hey, she's not my favorite, but so many hits and very very talented. Hall worthy some day.
Sonic Youth: Indie Rock has arrived hopefully some day anyway, at the hall. All things grunge better recognize.
2008 Bon Jovi: Tough to admit, but they have left a mark.
Pantera: I know so little about them, but I know how important they are to that realm of music.
Stevie Ray Vaughn: Wow, he's not in yet.
The Smiths: Boy did I hate the people that liked the Smiths, or thought I did. They are super important though.
2009 LL Cool J: Hip Hop has arrived at the hall only a couple of times, but L will find it here someday too.
The Flaming Lips: Not likely but if there is ever an Indie Rock Hall of Fame, these Oklahomans are front and center.
The Pogues: Celtic rock has no representation yet and you must start here.
The Red Hot Chilli Peppers: Not my favorite by any means, but wow they have now been around quite a while now and are hit makers.
2010 Dinosaur Jr: Not on the radar for most, and this never happens but one could hope.
Megadeth: If Metal is embraced, they have to be there someday.
My Bloody Valentine: Wishful thinking again on my part, but the pioneers of shoegazing.
Primal Scream: Way too freakin' cool and unique to ever get a sniff.
Future classes of RHOF. That's a discussion for another day. Must get outside now in the beautiful weather that has finally arrived.
I would just love people's opinions fired back at me on this topic. I have spoken my two cents. The best part about all this music criticism is the healthy debate it can stir up. I love a good challenge.
Thanks RF
