Playlist for 4/21

Beyonce - Cowboy Carter

Kaiser Chiefs - Easy Eighth Album 

Price Sisters - Between the Lines

Norah Jones - Visions

Ariana Grande - Eternal Sunshine

Bleachers - s/t

New Guitars In Town: Power Pop 1978-82 - Various (Cherry Red)

Shoulda Been A Bigger Hit Poll (2024 Edition)

  Once again I voted in this poll.  This is from a Facebook group I'm part of  called Wow 100. The concept is to list songs that make you say Wow!  But the initial concept was to list songs that should have been Top 10 hits.  I liked that concept better.  All of my choices below landed outside the Top 10.   

  You can listen to the results on April 20-21, on That Thing with Rich Appel. 

1.  Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
2.  Solitary Man - Neil Diamond
3.  Tiny Dancer - Elton John
4.  Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again - Fortunes
5.  Take It Easy - Eagles
6.  Always and Forever - Heatwave
7.  At Last - Etta James
8.  Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now - McFadden & Whitehead
9.  In The Midnight Hour - Wilson Pickett
10. Kentucky Rain - Elvis Presley
11. I Wanna Be Your Lover - Prince
12. To Love Somebody - Bee Gees
13. Wonderful World - Sam Cooke
14. Baby I Need Your Loving - Four Tops
15. I Only Have Eyes For You - Flamingos
16. God Only Knows - Beach Boys
17. This Magic Moment - Drifters
18. Try A Little Tenderness - Otis Redding
19. The Way You Do The Things You Do - Temptations
20. Respect Yourself - Staple Singers
21. Ooh Baby Baby - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
22. I'm Every Woman - Chaka Khan
23. Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel - Tavares
24. Mighty Love - Spinners
25. What I Like About You - Romantics
26. In The Still Of The Nite - Five Satins
27. Don't Make Me Over - Dionne Warwick
28. Sex Machine - James Brown
29. Operator - Jim Croce
30. Holiday - Madonna
31. Disco Inferno - Trammps
32. Tutti Frutti - Little Richard
33. I Saw Her Standing There - Beatles
34. Since I Don't Have You - Skyliners
35. Reet Petite - Jackie Wilson
36. I Only Want To Be With You - Dusty Springfield
37. Hold On I'm A Comin' - Sam & Dave
38. SOS - Abba
39. By The Time I Get To Phoenix - Glen Campbell
40. Nothing But A Heartache - Flirtations
41. All My Loving  - Beatles
42. In The Air Tonight - Phil Collins
43. Fever - Little Willie John
44. For The Good Times - Ray Price
45. It's A Shame - Spinners
46. Wild Night - Van Morrison
47. Lies - Knickerbockers
48. Treat Me Nice - Elvis Presley
49. More Today Than Yesterday - Spiral Staircase
50. Maybe Baby - Buddy Holly
51. Walking In The Rain - Ronettes
52. But It's Alright - J.J. Jackson
53. Carry On Wayward Son - Kansas
54. Sincerely - Moonglows
55. Forget Me Nots - Patrice Rushen
56. So Very Hard To Go - Tower of Power
57. Just What I Needed - Cars
58. Our Lips Are Sealed - Go-Go's
59. River Deep-Mountain High - Ike & Tina Turner
60. Love The One You're With - Stephen Stills
61. Wild World - Cat Stevens
62. Listen To The Music - Doobie Brothers
63. Baby I Love Your Way (live) - Peter Frampton
64. Into The Night - Benny Mardones
65. Different Drum - Linda Ronstadt
66. This Old Heart Of Mine - Isley Brothers
67. Tempted - Squeeze
68. If I Can Dream - Elvis Presley
69. Just Like Me - Paul Revere & The Raiders
70. Love Really Hurts Without You - Billy Ocean
71. Free Ride - Edgar Winter Group
72. Time Has Come Today - Chambers Brothers
73. I've Been Lonely Too Long - Rascals
74. Tired Of Being Alone - Al Green
75. Fantasy - Earth,Wind & Fire
76. Strange Magic - ELO
77. That's The Way Of The World - Earth, Wind & Fire
78. Games People Play - Joe South
79. Summer Rain - Johnny Rivers
80. One Of A Kind (Love Affair) - Spinners
81. Piano Man - Billy Joel
82. I'm Into Something Good - Herman's Hermits
83. Let's Spend The Night Together - Rolling Stones
84. Blue Bayou - Roy Orbison
85. Tuesday Afternoon - Moody Blues
86. Steppin' Stone - Monkees
87. So Far Away - Carole King
88. Itchycoo Park - Small Faces
89. Any Day Now - Chuck Jackson
90. People Get Ready - Impressions
91. It's My Life - Animals
92. You Get What You Give - New Radicals
93. I Melt With You - Modern English
94. Right Down The Line - Gerry Rafferty
95. I Saw The Light - Todd Rundgren
96. Having A Party - Sam Cooke
97. Got To Be Real - Cheryl Lynn
98. Oye Como Va - Santana
99.  Never Too Much - Luther Vandross

100. Look Of Love - ABC

101. Every Little Bit Hurts - Brenda Holloway

102. Super Freak - Rick James

103. Driver's Seat - Sniff 'n' the Tears 

104. Faithfully - Journey

105. Undun - Guess Who

106.  (You Make Me Feel) Mighty Real - Sylvester

107.  I Got You - Split Enz

108. Wishing You Were Here - Chicago 

109.  Show Me - Joe Tex

Inductee Predictions: 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

  This ballot proved to be the hardest to predict in ages. And I’ve been doing this for ages too. There are 15 nominees this year and a lot of new nominees.  10/15 are new to the ballot.  The highest since 2014 (10/16).  Only one of the five nominees was on the ballot last year (A Tribe Called Quest). And the other four were only nominated once before. 

  Lots of talk about diversity since the Jann Wenner debacle in 2023.  But the inductee nominees for women is very mixed.  Four solo women plus Sade Adu and her band.

  One other change for 2024, the voters get to choose 7 names instead of 5.  And since they usually induct 7 a year (sometimes 5 or 6 too), I've decided to also predict 7 inductees this year.  However, I do feel that another artist from this ballot could go in a side category.

  Last year 6 names were inducted as Musical Excellence, Non-Performer and Early Influence. I've also listed some contenders for this year. 

Inductees 

Cher - This years Willie/Dolly icon winner will be Cher, who many believe should already be in.  Of all the nominees she appears to be the only 100% lock.  First nomination

Foreigner - These classic rock stalwarts had the most talked about Hall video promotion in ages.  Inducted into the Song Hall in 2013.  First nomination

Kool & the Gang - Now in their 60th year, but with only one original member still alive, Robert "Kool" Bell. Vocalist James "JT" Taylor joined in 1979, left in the 90's.  Kool are the only classic Old School R&B act nominated this year (like the Spinners were in 2023). Four members were inducted into the Song Hall in 2018. Is it possible that they get put in as a Musical Excellence inductee?  First nomination 

Lenny Kravitz - He's one of the most well-connected nominees this year. Similar to Sheryl Crow last year.  Not a critical favorite but he should do well with fellow inductees.  First nomination 

Mariah Carey -  A big name that just seems like a can’t miss inductee. Inducted into the Song Hall in 2022.   First nomination

Peter Frampton - His appearance at last year's induction ceremony brought back waves of classic rock nostalgia.  He's a baby boomer favorite and like Cher, is one of those "can't believe he's not already inducted" names. Yet another possible Musical Excellence pick. First nomination

Sinead O'Connor - It's possible that were she still alive a nomination wouldn't have happened. And that's sad. But the outpouring of love and respect and reevaluation of her influence after she died is what got her on the ballot. A Musical Excellence candidate. (see below).  First nomination

The Rest                

Dave Matthews Band - In 2020 DMB won the fan vote but were not inducted.  This year they won it again. No act that started in the 90's has received a Musical Excellence award.  2nd nomination

Eric B. & Rakim - Of all the return nominees this was the biggest surprise because they were last nominated in 2012.  Will they fare better in 2024?  Gonna be tough with Tribe on the same ballot.  2nd nomination                                                                                                                                                                

Jane's Addiction - Nominated before in 2017, these alt-rockers appear to face tough odds again.  Maybe Perry Farrell will get a Musical Excellence award one of these years.  2nd nomination

Mary J. Blige - Last nominated in 2021. Even with 7 picks, Blige is on a tough ballot with Mariah and Sade most likely splitting votes. 2nd nomination

Oasis - Even if they get inducted, they won't show up, right?  But if you're looking for a hugely popular 90's band (more overseas than in the U.S. though) to induct, here’s one. First nomination.

Ozzy Osbourne - Of all the nominees, this is the one that stumped me the most. Here we have a good test of the metal bias that many accuse voters of having.  Ozzy is a household name. Is that enough? First nomination

Sade - They crafted Quiet Storm standards that continue to receive ample airplay.  Oddly, it is Sade Adu herself, not the band, that was voted into the Song Hall in 2023 (she deferred her induction though to a later date).   But the band is nominated here. First nomination 

A Tribe Called Quest - This is their 3rd nomination in a row. The Hall will want a Rap oriented inductee this year.  Musical Excellence or Early Influence. Performer or non-performer.  Who will it be? 3rd nomination

Special Categories

Has anyone had any luck predicting special category inductees? These are not my personal choices.  

Big Mama Thornton - Early Influence

Carol Kaye - Musical Excellence

MC5 - Early Influence 

The Wailers (Bob Marley group) - Special Performer Category (h/t NomCom member Alan Light who first mentioned this on his pod couple months ago)

A Tribe Called Quest - Musical Excellence

Playlist for 4/12

Kacey Musgraves - Deeper Well

Wonder Women of Country (Willis, Carper, Leigh) - s/t

Hurray for the Riff Raff - Past Is Still Alive

Noah Kahan - Stick Season

Yard Act - Where's My Utopia

Stoneman Family - White Lightning 

Elton John's Rocket Hour (Apple Radio Show, mostly weekly)

Playlist for 4/4

Gospel (2024 Documentary)

Cherrelle - Fragile

John Craigie - Pagan Church

Corb Lund - El Viejo

Rod Stewart & Jools Holland - Swing Fever

Johnny Lytle - People & Love

Fantastic Voyage - Various (Ace)

Taylor Swift Eras Tour (2023 Film)

Poll: March 1974 Songs

   March 1974.  Two months away from turning 10 years old.  Living in Germany.  One year away from moving back to the U.S.  American Top 40 playing on the weekends from Armed Forces Radio. 

 For this latest poll 38 songs were picked to vote on. Here are my rankings.  Listen to this countdown at popgoldradio.com

"Mighty Love", Spinners : 1
"Bennie And The Jets", Elton John : 2
"TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia)", MFSB featuring the Three Degrees : 3
"Jet", Paul McCartney & Wings : 4
"Dancing Machine", Jackson 5 : 5
"Sunshine On My Shoulders", John Denver : 6
"Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me", Gladys Knight & the Pips : 7
"The Way We Were", Barbra Streisand : 8
"Come And Get Your Love", Redbone : 9
"Jungle Boogie", Kool & the Gang : 10
"Lookin' For A Love", Bobby Womack : 11
"Until You Come Back To Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)", Aretha Franklin : 12
"Rock On", David Essex : 13
"There Won't Be Anymore", Charlie Rich : 14
"Rock And Roll, Hoochie Koo", Rick Derringer : 15
"Love's Theme", Love Unlimited Orchestra (Barry White) : 16
"Dark Lady", Cher : 17
"Put Your Hands Together", O'Jays : 18
"Spiders And Snakes", Jim Stafford : 19
"Eres Tu (Touch The Wind)", Mocedades : 20
"Let Me Be There", Olivia Newton-John : 21
"Boogie Down", Eddie Kendricks : 22
"You're Sixteen", Ringo Starr : 23
"(I Want To Sing You A) Love Song", Anne Murray : 24
"A Very Special Love Song", Charlie Rich : 25
"I'll Have To Say I Love You In A Song", Jim Croce : 26
"I Love", Tom T. Hall : 27
"Seasons In The Sun", Terry Jacks : 28
"Hooked On A Feeling", Blue Swede : 29
"Trying To Hold On To My Woman", Lamont Dozier : 30
"Star", Stealers Wheel : 31
"Oh My My", Ringo Starr : 32
"Sexy Mama", Moments : 33
"Last Time I Saw Him", Diana Ross : 34
"The Lord's Prayer", Sister Janet Mead : 35
"Keep On Singing", Helen Reddy : 36
"Mockingbird", Carly Simon & James Taylor : 37
"My Sweet Lady", Cliff DeYoung : 38

Personal Picks: 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

  Below are my Personal picks for the 2024 Rock Hall, listed in alphabetical order.  Most of the 15 nominees could get a "Yes" vote from me in other years. 10/15 nominees are on the ballot for the first time.  4/5 of the returnees are nominated for the 2nd time.  And one is back for their 3rd time in a row. 

  The Hall inducted 7 names from the Performer ballot last year. Plus 6 names in the side categories. This year for the first time the Hall is letting voters choose 7 artists, not 5. 

With each of my picks, I recommend some of their best recordings.

Again, these are my Personal picks, not predictions. 

Top 7

Cher - Her Iconic status as a Celebrity of movies and TV  has masked a music career that is admirably varied.  Whether with Sonny or solo.   First nomination

  

1.  Best of Sonny & Cher (Rhino 1993)

2.  Very Best of Cher (WB 2003)

Foreigner - For nearly a decade in the late 70's/mid-80's they were always good for some classic singles from each album.  "I Want to Know What Love Is" remains a monumental achievement.  Mick Jones & Lou Gramm inducted into the Songwriters Hall in 2013.   First nomination

  1. 4

  2. Complete Greatest Hits

Kool & The Gang - Funk pioneers turned 80's crossover hit machine.  Also arguably the most sampled band in hip hop.  Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018.  First nomination

  1.  Wild and Peaceful

  2.  Gold

Mariah Carey - We all know she can sing, but she can also write a good song. Inducted into the Songwriters Hall in 2022.  First nomination

  1.  Emancipation of Mimi

  2.  Essential

Peter Frampton - All I can say is you had to be there in 1976-77 when Frampton was a Classic Rock God. And if you combine his years with Humble Pie and his sideman work, then he's had a Hall of Fame career.  First nomination

  1.  Frampton Comes Alive

  2.  Greatest Hits

Sinead O' Connor - A classic case where the death of an artist spotlights just how overlooked and influential they were.  And Sinead falls into that category.  First nomination 

 1.  I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got

 3.  So Far: Best of (1997)

A Tribe Called Quest - If the gangsta rap of the 90's turned you off, then this group, along with De La Soul, was one of the acts to champion.  Cool samples, smart lyrics.   3rd nomination

  1. Low End Theory

  2. Anthology

The Rest

Dave Matthews Band - DMB are probably the archetypical mid-90's Rock band. Their mix of jam band rock, jazz, even World music gave them a devoted audience.  2nd nomination

Eric B. & Rakim - Pioneering rap duo who were an fye nominee in 2012.  Rakim is one of the greatest MC's ever.  2nd nomination

Jane's Addiction -  One could make the case that Perry Farrell should get a Musical Excellence award for his various bands and co-founding Lollapalooza. 2nd nomination

Lenny Kravitz - At his peak in the 90's/early 00's, he was one of that era's biggest Rock stars.  Still going strong some 35 years after his debut in 1989.  First nomination

Mary J. Blige - Now over 30 years into her career, Blige is certainly at the point where it's time to look at her influence on a generation female R&B singers.  2nd nomination

Oasis - 90's Britpop Kings whose first 2 albums remain classics some 30 years later.  First nomination

Ozzy Osbourne - "Crazy Train" remains his greatest solo song.   First solo nomination (Black Sabbath inducted 2006)

Sade -  Nominated as a band. Sade's mix of R&B & Jazz made her (and the band) a mainstay of both Quiet Storm and smooth jazz radio.  Only Sade Adu was voted into the Songwriters Hall in 2023 (to be inducted at a later date).  First nomination