Well, the 2001 inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Although I certainly agree with Queen and Aerosmith (and yes…Richie Valens should have made it a hell of a long time ago), most of the list is somewhat lightweight pop, as it has seemed to be in the past couple years.
I mean…Michael Jackson, the Flamingos (even SOUNDS lightweight) and Solomon Burke (I have no damn idea who that is…which of course means that he should be in there [/sarcasm]) and not Black Sabbath (who have been eligible for 5 years and nominated for 3…the biggest shafting of all), Lynyrd Skynyrd (2nd year nominated) and AC/DC (1st nomination)???
It seems like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame should change its name to the Pop Hall of Fame!!!
I can’t believe that Lou Reed got snubbed. Has velvet underground been inducted in the past? I hope this doesn’t cause a commotion but I sincerely think that lou reed has been more influential to music and musicians everywhere than richie valens!!! If he hadn’t died I honestly doubt that he would be in the rock n roll hall of fame now.
Certainly I agree, but if the standard is influence, then why no Sabbath? I would certainly call Black Sabbath rather inflential, as I’m sure every hard rocker/heavy metalist would!! I’d probably say they’re more influencial than the Flamingoes (some 2rd rate doo wop group).
I suppose that you aren’t a big fan of “Another One Bites the Dust”, are ya? I agree there…Queen were an awe-inspiring ROCK band…certainly no damn disco group!
Hey, isn’t every photo of Michael Jackson frightening?
I dunno I agree with all of the nominees this year EXCEPT for Queen and Arrowsmith. I also think Richie Valens is getting inducted simply because he died with Buddy Holly. The best picks were the ones that nobody will notice, Jimmie Johnson for his work with Chuck Berry. If you listen to his piano work you will notice it sets the beat more then Chuck’s guitar. This is particualarly noticible on “Let it Rock”, which is basically his piano combined with some riffs from Chuck.
James Burton was the sideman extraordinare. He made major contributions to Elvis’s comback period, and his work on many other sides is fitting too.
Michael Jackson may be one wierd dude, but his contributions to music are immense. Thriller alone would be enough for his induction.
Soloman Burke was one of the great soul shouters of the Sixties, listen to his music and you will know his influence on all that followed him.
Nope I’m telling you that IMHO Queen isn’t good enough to get in to the Hall of Fame. You can make a better case for Arrowsmith, but I suspect that they are getting in for being survivors. In fact, the more I think about it Arrowsmith does deserve to get in. Secondly, the Hall of Fame is meant to honour people because of their contributions. One good thing about rock is that the music is inclusive, people should be honoured because of their contributions. Personally I can’t wait until 2002 when both the Clash and the Sex Pistols should gain induction on their first year of eligibility.
Keith
Soul music is part and parcel of rock and roll, period. Ergo, soul performers are legitimate canidates for induction. James Brown, Otis Redding and Sam Cooke are at least as rock and roll as, say, the Lovin’ Spoonful, perhaps more so.
Ritchie Valens was the first Hispanic rock star. He also managed to take a song sung entirely in Spanish (and a traditional folk song) at that and make an American rock and roll hit out of it. A hit that has persevered for 42 years, no less. Another legitimate inductee.
The Flamingos were not only not second-rate, they were one of the premier doo-wop groups of the time! Their influence on doo-wop and rock vocalization was enormous.
Lou Reed is probably not being inducted because the process is extremely political. Lou is, all talent aside, an extremely unlikeable and obnoxious person, and probably has a lot of enemies among the voters.
I agree there…Queen were an awe-inspiring ROCK band…certainly no damn disco group!