We got the nominees list for 2014's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame a week or two ago. Let's take a look at who made the grade!
The Paul Butterfield Blues Band: A seminal blues band, Butterfield was a hugely influential blues harp player that also dabbled in jazz and psychedelic rock. Good pick, but likely won't be inducted this year.
Chic: This is the second year that Chic has been nominated. Chic, with Nile Rodgers at the helm, were one of the best disco bands. While disco hasn't aged well, Rodgers has kept himself busy in electronic music, having shown up on Daft Punk's Random Access Memories this past year.
Deep Purple: Strange they're not in the Hall already. Stoner rock before it was stoner rock, heavy blues influence on their music. Maybe it's because they're kind of associated with just one song, "Smoke on the Water"?
Peter Gabriel: An early member of Genesis, Gabriel left the band early and went his own weird way. Has worked in prog, psychedelic, new wave, roots and jazz. Amazingly eclectic artist that deserves to be in the Hall.
Hall and Oates: This is my sentimental favourite this year. I apologetically love Hall and Oates blue-eyed soul and vocal harmonies. They'll get in, but probably not this year,
KISS: The first slam dunk of the list, KISS brought theatricality to a new level with their stage shows and their glam-tinged hard rock. Also set the standard for marketing a band's image to death (KISS coffins anyone?). Gene Simmons will be a brilliantly, unsufferable douchebag during the induction too.
LL Cool J: A lot of hip-hop has been inducted in the past few years, LL Cool J looks to be the odds-on favourite for this year. He's one of the biggest names in rap to come out of the New York scene, and also has the crossover R&B appeal too. He'll likely get in.
The Meters: New Orleans based funk and blues masters made several classic albums in the 60s. They've been up for induction before, but I doubt it's their year.
Nirvana: The other shoo-in this year, and in their first year of eligibility. Nirvana set the entire world of music on its ear in 1991 and their short but inspiring career launched the Seattle scene, changed rock radio forever and arguably made indy rock socially acceptable.
NWA: The other hip-hop group in nomination this year, and one of the most influential bands from the Los Angeles gangsta rap style. Very confrontational for the time, but Dre and Ice Cube has both lightened up a lot (Ice Cube does family movies now, hard to believe the guy who rapped "Fuck Tha Police" had that in him). Likely will be skipped over for LL this year.
The Replacements: This is the most interesting pick this year. The Mats were musical chameleons and a stalwart of the 80s scene in Minnesota. Oddly iconoclastic, they were equally at home in punk and in indy rock. They were also famous for their drunken and drug-addled concerts.
Linda Ronstadt: Another sentimental favourite. Ronstadt's work might be dismissed as schmaltzy and poppy. Anyone doubting her range should listen to her version of Warren Zevon's "Carmelita". Due to health problems, this singer now can't sing anymore. She'll likely get it.
Cat Stevens: Strange he's not in either. Cat Stevens is a legend in folk rock circles and in the 60s rock and roll/folk style. "Peace Train" alone should be his ticket in. Maybe he's been delayed to the Yusuf Islam thing back in the 90s?
Link Wray: Consummate surf-rock and instrumental electric guitarist. Likely not his year though.
Yes: Massively influential prog rockers, with a hit career spanning into the mid 80s. Maybe, but not likely this year.
The Zombies: Huge pop-psychedelic band with a massive back catalogue. I like this band for this year's ceremony.
My picks for inductions: KISS, Nirvana, LL Cool J, The Zombies, Cat Stevens, Linda Ronstadt.
