Saturday, October 19, 2019

Hall of Fame Nominees for 2020: Here We Go Again! (SNS Week of 10/13/2019)

It's pretty understandable to criticize the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  After all, it seems to be run by one person, Jann Wenner, he of the former rock magazine, Rolling Stone. (I say former in that the majority of the new music that's reviewed is anything but, and it's more of a political tabloid these days).   Year after year, bands that many feel should get in, don't.   And apparently there's an obligation that hip-hop artists should belong in there as well.    That is a fuzzy line, as perhaps some of them do, but most shouldn't belong.    But more on that later.

Pat Benatar heads the list of the 2020 nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame


Last year, you might remember, I listed all the nominees and blogged whether they should belong or not.   Of course, I was wrong on most of the counts, but hey, it's great to speculate isn't it?  And besides, this is MY blog, so I can write whatever I want, right?   I also read that the real "hall of fame" isn't what is in Cleveland,  but in your own record collection, concert ticket stubs and T-shirts.  Or, in my case, on the various year-end lists and my mp3, vinyl, cassette and CD collections that I have stored, which I will explore once my interest in new music ends this December.

So, ladies and gentlemen, here are the nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Class of 2020:

  • Nine Inch Nails
  • Kraftwerk
  • The Notorious B.I.G.
  • Dave Matthews Band
  • Depeche Mode
  • Motörhead
  • Soundgarden
  • Whitney Houston
  • Judas Priest
  • MC5
  • Rufus featuring Chaka Khan
  • Todd Rundgren
  • The Doobie Brothers
  • T.Rex
  • Thin Lizzy
  • Pat Benatar

Some of these names should be familiar as they had been nominated last year.    Some of these are way overdue.   And some of these, I continue to scratch my head.   Anyway, without further adieu, in the order that I think they should get in, here goes:

1. Pat Benatar - She has been eligible since 2004, so I am scratching my head why this pioneering woman of the rock world isn't in yet.     While it's true that many women before her have made a mark, and just about all of them are in the Hall, the difference is that the likes of Janis Joplin,  Grace Slick, Joan Jett, Chrissie Hynde and others started (or remained) in bands.   Other women who are in, are in more of a pop, R&B or soul direction.    But Benatar was pretty much a solo artist from day one, who came forth at a time that traditional arena-style rock was being eclipsed by punk and new wave.   The late 70's and early 80's were rough for straight-ahead rock and rollers, and here comes this female rocker showing everyone how it's done.    Benatar had her share of huge hits:  "Hit Me With Your Best Shot", "We Live for Love", "Shadows of the Night",  "Love is a Battlefield" "Fire and Ice" and many others.   She also did a blues-oriented album in the early 1990's.   Her time for induction is now!

2. The Doobie Brothers - I was a fan of this band in the 1970's.  They had hits from their second album Toulouse Street ("Listen to the Music") in 1972 all the way to 1989's "The Doctor".  The band actually had two phases:  First led by Tom Johnston, the band had varying sounds.   While the rifts in "Listen to the Music" and "China Grove" is perhaps the most familiar and their trademark, they had more of a mid tempo laid-back sound with songs like "Another Park, Another Sunday", and the unclassifiable "Black Water".     Then, midway through the decade, along comes Michael McDonald, with a soulful sound, and the band effectively changed direction.    Takin' It To the Streets debuted their new sound, and the syncopation of their #1 hit, "What a Fool Believes" ushers in another mini-trend that was echoed by other artists of the day.    Because of this diversity, the Doobies should be in the Hall.

3.  Whitney Houston - I know I will get grunts here, since technically she isn't rock.   But many soul and R&B acts are in, and the late Ms. Houston definitely belongs.   While chart success isn't essential to nomination, she did rack up seven consecutive #1 singles which was a record.     While her ballads are the most noted, her cover of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You", in particular, she did have many up-tempo songs, particularly in the 1990's.   If Janet Jackson is in, then this Jersey girl should be, too.   It's a shame that her life ended the way it did, but she belongs in the Hall.  

4. Todd Rundgren - He was on my list last year and I still don't know why he isn't inducted yet.  Starting from the band Nazz in the late 60's, he went solo, had many hits, but perhaps more importantly, he had a hand in producing some of the big names of the 1970's, like Grand Funk Railroad, Meat Loaf, Badfinger, XTC, New York Dolls, and others.   He also formed a band Utopia that put out several albums in the 1970's and early 1980's.    He also resurrected the Cars with a couple of original members (as "The New Cars") before Ric Ocasek reunited the band albeit briefly.  He also delved into electronics before many others did.   He can do it all. 

5. Kraftwerk - Speaking of electronics, this band was a pioneer in techno music, and was way ahead of its time.    Autobahn and Trans-Europe Express were successful, and it paved the way for synth-pop, techno-pop, electronica, and the current EDM music in the subsequent decades.

6. Rufus featuring Chaka Khan -  I rooted for this outfit last year.  While Chaka is front and center, the whole band created a style of funk and complimented Ms. Khan's voice to a tee.    They could rock, funk out, or be sultry at times.   

7. Depeche Mode - The Cure got in last year, so it's time for this outfit to follow suit.  They were one of my early alternative favorites, and have still made mostly decent music into the 2010's (2013's "Heaven" reached #12 on my blog).   They have also adapted to the times, especially in the early 90's, fighting off the grunge movement with 1992's Songs of Faith and Devotion.     

8. Nine Inch Nails - One of the bands that I have banned on my blog because of radical politics on the part of Trent Reznor, it's  probably because of that that they'll get in, pleasing Jan Wenner immensely.   Still, their Pretty Hate Machine from 1989 ushered in the age of industrial rock, paving the  way for other bands well into the 90's, and 1994's The Downward Spiral (including "Closer", my #2 song for 1994) were landmarks for Trent and company.  The Nails were nominated previously in 2014 and 2015. 

9. Thin Lizzy - Their reign in the states was brief, but had far more success in the UK and their native Ireland.  Fronted by the very talented Phil Lynott, the band was influencial even though they're pretty much only known here for their 1976 hit, "The Boys are Back in Town".   Then again, they also had a killer version of the traditional "Whiskey in the Jar".   Sadly, we lost Lynott back in 1986, but any band that can transcend all this, deserves a shot.

10.  Soundgarden - Why not?  Nirvana and Pearl Jam are in, so the natural progression would be this Seattle grunge band fronted by the late Chris Cornell to get in.   While I wasn't really into this band as I was into Nirvana, they were a key part of rock history.   Grunge was pretty much the last major trend in rock, so I feel they should get the nod.   If they do, then Alice and Chains should also, in the near futures.


So, what about the others?   To be honest, I don't know too much about the MC5 except that, like Velvet Underground they were a pioneer of what we now call alternative rock music.  Keep an eye on them.   T-Rex, featuring Marc Bolan was a key part of the glam movement of the mid 70's.   But, aside from "Bang a Gong", I really don't know much about Bolan or the band's music.    I am not into metal, so I can't comment on Motorhead or even Judas Priest....I know they have their fans, but it's just something I wasn't into.  

And that brings us to The Notorious B.I.G.     It's a big debate as to whether rap, or hip-hop in general, belongs into a Rock and Roll hall.    Of course, in prior years, many rap artists were inducted.  While it's true that rock evolved from rhythm and blues, a form of music attributed to African-Americans (as hip-hop is currently), it closely resembled the form that rock would subsequently take on.  Artists like Little Richard, Chuck Berry and others are deservedly in; ditto for Motown, and Memphis soul in the 1960's, funk bands in the 70's and disco artists like Donna Summer.    Early hip-hop artists like Run-D.M.C., Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, more known as "old school rap" are deservedly in.    Then we get into the more serious "gangsta rap" era, with groups like Public Enemy and N.W.A, which are in.    However, Biggie Smalls, and the previously inducted Tupac Shakur, part of the "east/west coast rivalry" of the 90's are now considered (or already in)…..but the question is...did rap music by the mid 90's evolve to the point that it is no longer rock?    And if Biggie gets in, can Jay-Z, or Kanye West be far behind?


CRUSIN':  From September 29 until October 6, we went on a cruise to Canada and New England, via the Norwegian Explorer, with the ports being Saint John, New Brunswick; Halifax Nova Scotia, both in Canada; and Bar Harbor and Portland, Maine.    As was the case in recent excursions, new music really didn't play a part, but you did hear music throughout the ship.    The first day, however, it seemed that many songs on my 2010 and 2011 year-end list were heard.    I'm sure that wherever you'd go on the ship that there would be something for everyone.    

I did have a brief moment of glory during a game show called "Sing it If You Know It".   While, nobody really had to sing it if they knew it, but there were several rounds played, one of them involved 1980's trivia.   There were some easy questions, but some that most people wouldn't get--except me!   They divided the audience into two teams.     If you knew the answer, you'd run up to the front where the MC was and answer it....if you were right, one point for your team.    Now, I'm never one to participate (and possible make a fool out of myself) in front of a big crowd, even though I wouldn't seem any of them after the cruise.    So I chose to remain in the back.    That is, until the first question:

"What band would evolve into the band New Order"?

Okay, with a question like that, I couldn't sit down.   I knew the answer.  No one else was biting, so I ran around several chairs and made my way up front.   "Joy Division" was my answer....the MC wanted me to repeat it, and I'd be so embarrassed if it wasn't it.   But indeed, it was the right answer!   As I figured I did my good deed for the day and headed back to my seat, I figured that was it.   Then the next question:

"Morrissey" was originally in what band?

Here I go again....no one else was budging so up I went again.....I replied "The Smiths"....after repeating it a couple of times (saying "Smiths" was a bit of a tongue twister, but I got it out).  Another point for our team.


The next question:  "Philip Bailey was the lead singer of what band?".

Once again I started up, but a woman on the other team made it up there first, putting the "halt" sign on me.   I stood there nearby, just in case she answered wrong.  "The Commodores"? she answered with a question.   "Nope" replied the MC.   And there I was, with my answer "Earth, Wind and Fire".   More hi-fives as I headed back.   At this point, they wanted me to sit near the front so I could have a shore run up.

I answered two more of the questions, and basically won the round for my team!   Yea, me!!!


Aside from that, more music was provided by a jazz guitarist, and something called "Dueling Pianos--Howl at the Moon", in which three rotating pianists play on 2 pianos (with the third occasionally handling drums) and taking requests.    While the guys there were early middle age at best, they seem to know all the classic tunes.    It occurred to me that the era that I grew up in what indeed the best, and many of these songs you could sing along to.     I don't think there was one song after the year 2000 that was requested.   The audience had a great time with that.

While the cruise itself was just okay, I enjoyed the musical parts of it, as always.


SNS 100:  Foster the People holds on for a fifth week atop the SNS 100, the chart that serves as my current playlist on iTunes.  It dies the Black Keys' "Lo/Hi" and The Revivalists' "Change" for the longest running #1 this year.    In addition, the follow-up, "Pick U Up" debuts at #74 this week.   Runner-up for the fifth week as well is Nick Waterhouse's "Song For Winners", but the big movers are at #3 and #4:  Wilco seems posed for its second #1 as "Love is Everywhere (Beware)" jumps 10-3, while Love Fame Tragedy's "My Cheating Heart" moves 7-4.   Elsewhere in my top 10, three solo women invade that part of the list:  Andreya Triana's "Woman" (14-7), Shannon Marsyada's "The Message" (13-8), and Grace Potter's "Love is Love" (16-10).  It's the first top 10 for Triana, the fourth for Marsyada (including one as the Shannon Marsyada Trio), and the seventh for Potter (including five with The Nocturnals).

The second ten is completely devoid of bullets, with the Impact award going to Electric Guest's "Dollar" (23-18).   It's the fourth top 40 for the LA band. Absofacto returns to the top 20 with "Dissolve".

The top debut this week is by an Australian band Eliza and The Delusionals, with "Just Exist".  Led by Eliza Klatt, the song has been sitting at #1 on Sirius XM's Alt-Nation "Alt 18" list.   Another new artist, Lewis Capaldi enters with "Someone You Loved" which is a pop hit  (#3 on the Hot 100).   He reminds me of a cross between a male Adele and Ed Sheeran.   From what I know or read, he is no relation to Jim Capaldi of the classic rock band Traffic.   He hails from Scotland and has released his debut album Divinely Unaspirated to a Hellish Extent.  

Speaking of Sheeran, he debuts in a duet with Khalid, "Beautiful People", while another from Fitz & the Tantrum's latest album, All the Feels, "I Just Wanna Shine", and Kitten's "Memphis", also enter the list.


Scenes ‘n’ Soundwaves 100

October 13, 2019




This Week
Last Week
ARTIST-Title
Weeks on List
1
1
NUMBER ONE: 



(Single Only)
(5 Weeks at #1)
13
2
2
12
3
10
MOVER OF THE WEEK:



Album: Ode to Joy
11
4
7
7
5
6
11
6
4
17
7
14
5
8
13
6
9
5
15
10
16
6
11
8
17
12
15
11
13
12
14
14
3
14
15
11
18
16
17
11
17
9
9
18
23
TOP 20 IMPACT OF THE WEEK: 


Album: Kin
8
19
19
17
20
24
16




21
20
13
22
18
10
23
32
6
24
29
7
25
30
12
26
35
7
27
22
13
28
27
9
29
21
14
30
28
16
31
25
15
32
40
14
33
41
6
34
33
19
35
26
14
36
39
9
37
43
6
38
49
3
39
37
15
40
36
28
41
31
16
42
54
5
43
60
3
44
48
7
45
34
12
46
42
18
47
45
14
48
55
4
49
38
14
50
69
3
51
47
21
52
46
15
53
50
27
54
51
20
55
66
3
56
58
6
57
63
4
58
52
19
59
44
15
60
70
3
61
74
2
62
62
12
63
67
5
64
82
2
65
64
5
66
53
17
67
57
13
68
75
2
69
68
10
70
73
3
71
--- 
TOP DEBUT: 

(Single Only)
1
72
65
28
73
61
20
74
 ---
1
75
78
4
76
--- 
1
77
83
2
78
--- 
1
79
56
24
80
72
4
81
59
19
82
--- 
1
83
71
9
84
87
2
85
86
3
86
--- 
1
87
77
21
88
88
3
89
81
17
90
90
2
91
80
23
92
76
8
93
79
8
94
84
22
95
85
22
96
89
26
97
91
7
98
92
12
99
93
19
100
94
9







Songs with the greatest increase in favorite points over the prior week.

●    Songs with 25 or more plays on my iPod/iTunes.

               ▲      Songs with 50 or more plays on my iPod/iTunes.  

           ¨    Songs with 100 or more plays on my iPod/iTunes.


 

The “Scenes ‘n’ Soundwaves 100” is a list of current and recent song playlist which I am listening to.




































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