Friday, August 31, 2018

2019 Rock Hall Nominee Predictions

Not my most daring of predictions.  I'm picking many former nominees, with a couple of newly eligibles.  Predicting what the NomCom will do is always tough.  We only get a smattering of info about their yearly get together.  But it's a tradition that we long time Rock Hall watchers love to do.

Also, must throw in this every year.  Surprises.  Always expect some NomCom shockers.

I'm going with the new standard of 19 nominess.

Bad Company - There's still some life left in the Classic Rock genre. Or should I say the Dad Rock genre? Many will say Free was the better band, but it's with Bad Company that Paul Rodgers' voice became an AOR staple.  And with the current voting bloc having expanded in past years with more AOR acts, Rodgers & Co. would make an easy pick for many of his peers  Bonus:  they are Steven Van Zandt approved.

Beck - Newly eligible, and a few years ago I would have said he was going to sail right in.  But now I'm not so sure that he'll get on the ballot first try, let alone go in first time out. Still, if the Hall wants to keep moving into the 90's, then Beck would be a popular choice.

Bjork - Kate Bush was a surprise nominee last year.  But she could end up as one of those one-time nominees that the NomCom soon forgets about (e.g. Los Lobos, Replacements, Eric B. & Rakim). If she does, then look for Bjork or Sinead O'Connor to take her place.

Def Leppard - They could be a likely Fan Vote winner. Which has meant instant induction.  But will they go on the same ballot as Judas Priest?  I have my doubts. Bet the NomCom mulls this one over real good.

Depeche Mode - Nominated the last 2 years, which means they've got some NomCom support.  But will they appear again?  Or could the Cure or the Smiths return?

Eurythmics - A very respectable 7th place fan vote finish for their first nomination last year.  So, a return is probable.  Last year when I predicted they would be inducted, I asked the question, "who doesn't love Annie Lennox?" A fellow Rock Hall watcher mocked my question when making their predictions, but I still say Annie Lennox is a beloved figure for those of us who followed Pop music in the 80's. But the voting bloc is still shunning acts from that decade.

Go-Go's - Before I get to the Go-Go's, let's tackle the Singles Inductee Category. When Steven Van Zandt surprised everyone at the 2018 ceremony by introducing a new Singles Inductee category, it left a lot of questions unanswered. The point of the Singles Inductees was to recognize important songs by acts that Van Zandt feels have been bypassed by the NomCom or voters.  He didn't word it that way, but everyone knew the truth. The years for the 6 singles ranged from 1951-68.  Does this new category mean that this is the end of pre-70's acts getting nominated? So what happens to Link Wray and Procol Harum? Both had singles inducted, and have been on the ballot in the past. So, the 2019 ballot could answer some of our questions.

So, when I thought of Singles being inducted, one of my first thoughts revolved around great Girl Groups from the 50's/60's that are still not in the Hall.  Previous nominees like the Chantels and Marvelettes.  And the Shangri-Las, who have never been nominated.  All 3 have iconic Singles that could be picked. But I want those groups inducted. But let's say the NomCom moves away from that era and steps into the 80's for the Go-Go's.  With a Broadway show in the Summer of '18, they've been in the news a lot more this year.

Janet Jackson - If there was one name everyone thought would be on the 2018 ballot, it was Janet.  Nominated in 2016 and '17, she has to be back this year.  A World Tour and a Billboard Icon award have put her past achievements back in the limelight.  And if her fans show up at the polls, she could be another contender to take the Fan Vote.

Judas Priest - On the ballot for the first time last year, they should be back, unless Def Leppard takes their place.  Or maybe both take show up.  That combination is already perplexing many Rock Hall watchers.

Kraftwerk - Nominated in 2003/'13/'15/'17, so a 2019 berth could happen. It's obvious many on the NomCom want them in.  But voters have been hesitant.

LL Cool J - NomCom member Alan Light is LL's biggest supporter, and an influential voice on the panel.  LL's  a 4 time nominee (also last year).  From the mid-80's to mid-90's,  he was also one of the, if not the biggest, male Rap act. But I've said it a million times, that his TV career has diluted his appeal to some voters.

Nine Inch Nails - Nominated in 2015 and '16, they've been surprisingly absent from the ballot the last two years.  But Reznor & Co. have been out on tour supporting a new album.  I think they're due to return. If not then Rage Against The Machine will be back for a 2nd nomination.

Radiohead - Their first time eligible in 2018 they get a nomination.  And most thought it was a no-brainer induction.  But they don't get in.  And soon the conspiracy theories come out.  They would be on tour induction night 2018.  Thom Yorke doesn't care about the Hall.  Who knows?  But I think the NomCom will forget all that and and go for them again. This is a band they want inducted.

Roxy Music - Not sure I buy the theory that they haven't been nominated yet because in the U.S. they didn't sell enough records.  Maybe not a bunch of Gold albums, but by now everyone knows who they are and what their music sounds like.  And how influential they were.  Still crazy that they've never even been nominated.

Rufus/Chaka Khan - This would be Chaka's 5th nomination (2 solo, 2 w/Rufus).  But I'm beginning to worry that the heavily leaning Rock voting bloc will shut her out the way they did Donna Summer (until the year after she died) & Chic.  They weren't a disco act, but enough could perceive them that way. And we all know the anti-disco bias of most Rock Hall voters is enough to block an induction. But the NomCom wants her in, so expect her to appear a few more times on the ballot.

Soundgarden - I know a lot of people thought Chris Cornell's death last year would finally get them nominated.  But the NomCom doesn't always do what we think.  Which is why I'm picking them this year.

Todd Rundgren - I don't think the NomCom cares that Rundgren is always ranting about the Hall.  But even more so than Roxy Music, it amazes me that he's never been nominated.  His credentials are solid, and many voters will also be surprised that he hasn't been inducted yet.

War - Other 70's/80's R&B groups were more popular, and if the NomCom wants to lean that way then Kool & The Gang (who had 3 members inducted into the Songwriters Hall this year) and the Commodores were be good choices. But up until the last of their 3 nominations in 2015, War had NomCom supporters.  Maybe they still do.  They are an R&B group that also has some Rock fans.  But we know how poorly 70's R&B groups have done with voters.

Zombies -  Speaking of respectable Fan Vote finishes.  How about a 6th place one for the Zombies last year? But questions remain.  Will the NomCom close the door on 50's/60's acts?  Let's see what happens this year.  A 3 time nominee, it will be interesting to see what happens to pre-70's names. Bonus: Steven Van Zandt approved.

Other names to consider:  A Tribe Called Quest, Commodores, Cure, Devo, Jethro Tull, J. Geils Band, Joe Cocker, Kate Bush, Kool & The Gang, Link Wray, Monkees, Pat Benatar, Rage Against The Machine, Shangri-Las,  Sinead O'Connor, Smiths,  Spinners, Warren Zevon

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Sunday, August 26, 2018

Remembering My Sister (Linda Louise Lane)

One of the earliest memories I have of hearing music came from my sister's bedroom in the mid to late-60's.  She was barely 10, and I was 5 years younger.  But she either had the radio tuned to an AM Top 40 station, or she was playing a 45 (and sometimes an album) she had on her turntable.  As the 60's rolled along her tastes remained with Top 40 Pop.  It was during these years that I heard the Beatles, Elvis Presley, Monkees, Tom Jones and many more. The early 70's she went from Teen Idols, Motown, Philly Soul, Carpenters, Elton John and many One-Hit Wonders.  When she reached her High School years in the late-70's there was the Eagles, Michael Jackson's Off the Wall, Disco, future Classic Rock artists and lots of 8-track tapes. 

Much like my Dad's LP collection of Country and Pop music, my sister's listening habits had a profound mark on the eclectic taste in music I have today.

My Sister, Linda Louise Lane, passed away on August 24, 2018.  She was only 59 years old.  There are many things I wanted to thank her for when she was alive.  But never got the chance.  Life is short and fleeting sometimes.  What I've written above may seem trivial, especially if you knew about her hard life.  But it's the best I could do for her.  I hope she reads this with a smile.  And with love from her brother.

Friday, August 24, 2018

Playlist for 8/24

Amanda Shires - To The Sunset
Shemekia Copeland - America's Child
Cody Jinks - Lifers
Kenny Chesney - Songs for the Saints
Jerry Jeff Walker - It's About Time
Beths - Future Me Hates Me
Posies - Frosting On The Beater

Saturday, August 18, 2018

Playlist for 8/18

Charles Lloyd & The Mavels, Lucinda Williams - Vanished Gardens
Boz Scaggs - Out of the Blues
Record Company - All Of This Life
Internet - Hive Mind
Baby Driver - Soundtrack
Dance The Blues:Mojo Magazine 8/18 - Various
Leonard Bernstein:Humor In Music (1959 TV Special)


Friday, August 17, 2018

RIP Aretha Franklin

She was the one and only "Queen of Soul".  A singer who had an incredible influence on all that followed her.  Aretha was gifted with a one of a kind voice.  One of the first Internet polls I ever participated in was in late 1999.  List the 3 greatest singers of the 20th century.  My picks were easy ones (for me):  Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and Aretha Franklin.  No wonder she was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Aretha was first signed to Columbia in the early 60's.  The voice is there, but the songs, arrangements, production, etc. is missing what would happen when she left. She made some of R&B's greatest songs at Atlantic Records. But if there was one part of Aretha's career that I think has been somewhat underrated, it's what a great album artist she was during her classic era, which for me was from 1967-72, at Atlantic records.

Now is the time for those who haven't heard these albums to explore her catalog beyond the many compilations that are out there:

I Never Loved A Man (1967)
Lady Soul (1968)
Aretha Now (1968)
Soul '69 (1969)
Spirit In The Dark  (1970)
Live at Fillmore West (1971)
Young, Gifted and Black (1972)
Amazing Grace (1972)

Like most 60's R&B singers, Aretha had trouble adjusting to the late 70's disco era.  She put out a string of lackluster albums that only Aretha's most loyal fans remember.  Then suddenly in 1981 she found the right material and Producers,   1982's Jump To It, Produced and mostly written by Luther Vandross was the start of the Aretha comeback.  1985's Who's Zoomin' Who was the bigger breakthrough.  For the rest of the 80's she was presence not just on the R&B charts but the Pop Top 40 as well.  Her last big hit being a duet with George Michael, 1987's "I Knew You Were Waiting".

Oddly enough, once the 80's ended Aretha's studio output became less and less.  1998's Rose Is Still A Rose was pretty good, but she became a concert draw up until 2017.

Regardless, Aretha Franklin was a towering figure not just in the R&B world but the world of music in general.  An incredible vocalist that inspired generations of vocalists.

There are no other contenders.  And there never will be.  She's the "Queen of Soul".

Thursday, August 16, 2018

Elvis Presley Poll (Top 100 Songs) (Updated 2023)

Updated 2023

I voted in a Best Elvis songs poll in 2018.  Since then I've updated this list a few times.

While the poll only let us include our Top 50, I decided to include my Top 100 songs.

1.  Jailhouse Rock
2.  Mystery Train
3.  Suspicious Minds
4.  Don't Be Cruel
5.  That's All Right
6.  Burning Love
7.  Heartbreak Hotel
8.  All Shook Up
9.  If I Can Dream
10. Hound Dog
11. Blue Moon
12. Return to Sender
13. Little Sister
14. Can't Help Falling In Love
15. Viva Las Vegas
16. Blue Christmas
17. In The Ghetto
18. Blue Moon of Kentucky
19. Trying To Get To You ('68 Special)
20. Baby Let's Play House
21. Big Hunk O' Love
22. Kentucky Rain
23. It's Now Or Never
24. Love Me
25. (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care
26. (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame
27. Too Much
28. (You're the) Devil In Disguise
29. Good Rockin' Tonight
30. Blue Suede Shoes
31. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear
32. Promised Land
33. Always On My Mind
34. Long Black Limousine
35. Are You Lonesome Tonight
36. Guitar Man
37. One Night ('68 TV Special)
38. Fame and Fortune
39. Milkcow Blues Boogie
40. How Great Thou Art
41. Moody Blue
42. Love Me Tender
43. I Feels So Bad
44. Hard Headed Woman
45. Crying In The Chapel
46. Tomorrow Is A Long Time
47. Follow That Dream
48. Trouble/Guitar Man ('68 TV Special)
49. Unchained Melody (1977 Live Version)
50. My Baby Left Me
51. Bossa Nova Baby
52. An American Trilogy  (Aloha From Hawaii Live '73)
53.  Pocketful of Rainbows
54.  Hurt
55.  She's Not You
56.  I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine
57.  Shake, Rattle & Roll/Flip, Flop & Fly (live 1956 Dorsey Brothers Stage Show)
58.  Paralyzed
59.  True Love Travels On A Gravel Road
60.  I'll Hold You In My Heart
61.  If You Talk In Your Sleep
62.  Way Down
63.  Santa Claus Is Back In Town 
64.  Don't Cry Daddy
65.  Steamroller Blues
66.  (Now and Then There's) A Fool Such As I
67.  I Was The One
68.  For The Heart
69.  One Broken Heart For Sale
70.  I, John 
71.  Tomorrow Is A Long Time
71.  I Want You, I Need You, I Love You
72.  Don't
73.  Girl of My Best Friend
74.  T-R-O-U-B-L-E
75.  U.S. Male
76.  You're A Heartbreaker
77.  Memories
78.  Surrender
79.  Fool
80.  A Little Less Conversation (Elvis vs. JXL remix 2002)
81.  Just Pretend
82.  Separate Ways
83.  Are You Lonesome Tonight (1969 laughing version)
84.  A Mess of Blues
85.  Wonder Of You
86.  I've Got A Thing About You Baby
87.  Tell Me Why
88.  Loving You
89.  After Loving You
90.  Merry Christmas Baby
91.  I Got Stung
92.  Clean Up Your Own Backyard
93.  Young and Beautiful
94.  Crawfish
95.  I Forgot To Remember To Forget
96.  (There'll Be) Peace In The Valley
97.  I'm Leavin'
98.  I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water
99.  My Way (Live '77 Single)
100.  She Thinks I Still Care

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Friday, August 10, 2018

Playlist for 8/10

Lori McKenna - Tree
Jimmy LaFave - Peace Town
Rodney Crowell - Acoustic Classics
Jayhawks - Back Roads and Abandoned Motels
Lera Lynn - Plays Well With Others
Rocky Mountain Way: 2017 Colorado Music Hall of Fame   (AXS TV Special)
Robin Williams:Come Inside My Mind  (Documentary)
Hannah Gadsby:Nanette   (Netflix)

Saturday, August 04, 2018

Playlist for 8/4

Fleetwood Mac - Future Games
Fleetwood Mac - Penguin
Fleetwood Mac - Heroes Are Hard To Find
Mary Margaret O'Hara - Miss America
John Hartford - Down By The River
Robert Ellis & Courtney Hartman - Dear John
Come to the Sunshine: Summershine Vol. 3 - Podcast
Suffers - Everything Here
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