The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame released its list of nominees this week. And the list is questionable.
Now, let me get this out of the way: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is pointless. Its opinions matter less. And whoever gets inducted is no greater than whoever is excluded. The RRHOF does some good work through its community programmes and archives, but its status as the arbiter of which artists reigns supreme is questionable at best.
Now, with that out of the way, let’s get to the nominees. It’s a smaller pool this year, reflecting how diluted the talent field is. Yet there are still no Monkees or Warren Zevon.
Longshots: Mana, Chubby Checker, Soundgarden
Two of these three make no sense. Those two are the Mexican group Mana (which I don’t think ever had a presence outside Latin America) and Chubby Checker (who only had one song, The Twist). I have no idea why these artists are here. They might get some consolation prize.
Then there’s Soundgarden, who keep getting nominated but never included. That continues this year.
Outside looking in: Bad Company, Joe Cocker, Joy Division/New Order, Phish
Lots of classic rock acts here. But who gets in? Joe Cocker, who’s become synonymous with Woodstock? Safe rock act Bad Company? Phish, who’ve never had a hit? Or synth-poppers Joy Division/New Order?
History tells us we should expect Bad Company to get in given the previous inductions of Foreigner, The Foo Fighters, The Doobie Brothers and Def Leppard. But all those bands had a far greater catalogue and influence than Bad Company.
Joy Division are the most exciting group for me here, but I don’t think they’ll get recognition.
Solid chance: Billy Idol, Cyndi Lauper, Mariah Carey, Black Crowes
Cyndi Lauper and Mariah Carey have been nominated before. And, considering the Hall’s efforts in recent years to induct more women, I can see them both getting in.
The Black Crowes features a solid rock act (the induction is a concert after all).
But what about Billy Idol? He’s probably known more for his name and image than his music. Is that enough?
Shoo-ins: The White Stripes, Outkast, Oasis
The White Stripes and Oasis should’ve gotten in on their first nominations. It’s criminal they weren’t, and they should be in this year.
That leaves Outkast, which is ironically the outcast here. But the Hall has made an effort to include more hip-hop acts lately. Outkast are a decent addition.
Fitzie’s predictions: The Rock Hall in recent years has added between five and seven artists to be inducted via the “Performers” category. I’m going to take the middle this time and go with six additions: The Black Crowes, Cyndi Lauper, Mariah Carey, The White Stripes, Oasis, Outkast.
But at the end of the day, this whole excericse is stupid and we shouldn’t take it seriously.
Fitzie’s track of the day: Lotta Love, by Courtney Barnett
And now for your links:
Alasdair Gold: “Tottenham submit plans to improve medical facilities at training ground amid injury crisis”
Dan KP: “Daniel Levy’s risk-averse strategy threatens Tottenham’s place among a new Premier League elite”
The Telegraph: “Anatomy of Merseyside derby mayhem: Tarkowski’s goal, agonising VAR check and four red cards”