IT IS NOW MID FEBRUARY, and as such, it's the annual trifecta of music related news. Last week, I blogged a bit about the Grammy Awards, and this week we got the Superbowl, which of course, aside from a football game and the parade of commercials, showcases the half-time show as well as the singing of the National Anthem. And a few days ago, there was the announcement of the nominees of the so-called "Rock and Roll" Hall of Fame for 2024 (and with it, the usual criticism of who gets nominated, and whether they are really rock, etc).
First, just a few words about the Superbowl, without really getting into it. We know the Kansas City Chiefs came from behind and in overtime, defeated the San Francisco 49ers. The Chiefs were led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes and running back Travis Kelce, who is probably more popular as the current boyfriend of Taylor Swift, enabling the singer to get yet more camera time, thus her mugshot was featured on two of these three music events. (Don't worry, Taylor isn't eligible for the Rock Hall until 2031).
The game featured Reba McEntire doing a great job singing The Star-Spangled Banner, while the halftime show was done by Usher, helped about by Alicia Keys, Jermaine Dupri, H.E.R., will.i.am, Lil Jon Ludacris and Sonic Boom of the South. While I am not too familiar with Usher's work (his music isn't really in my wheelhouse, but I remember him as a coach on The Voice and is very talented), the production was well done. As per a halftime show, the choreography was well done, without being way over the top, like last year's Rihanna show. It was definitely worth watching.
Okay, now it's time to check out the 2024 nominees of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:
- Mary J. Blige
- Mariah Carey
- Cher
- Dave Matthews Band
- Eric B. & Rakim
- Foreigner
- Peter Frampton
- Jane's Addiction
- Kool & the Gang
- Lenny Kravitz
- Oasis
- Sinéad O'Connor
- Ozzy Osbourne
- Sade
- A Tribe Called Quest
 |
| Cher is one of the nominees for this year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. |
I've viewed and read others takes on the nominees, and, contrary to others' opinions, that is a pretty good crop of artists. Unfortunately, judging the merits of these performers on their own merit has taken a back seat to the question of whether these are "rock artists". With a couple of exceptions, you can trace some rock accessibility, and even "rock spirit" to most of these artists. Of course, that doesn't necessarily mean that they deserve to get in.
Okay, let's tackle the annual "scratching my head" nominees, basically the first two on this list: Mary J Blige and Mariah Carey. I believe Ms. Blige has been nominated before, and yes, she is an accomplished singer in the R&B and hip-hop fields. But is she in the spirit of rock and its offshoots? Yes, many R&B artists are in the Hall, and of course, recently many in hip-hop are. But is this on her own merits or because of the need for women in her genre to be included? There are several women nominated who deserve to get in; Mary, unfortunately isn't one of them.
That goes for Mariah Carey as well. Yes, she is very successful, as indicated by her annual trek to #1 on the Hot 100 with "All I Want For Christmas Is You". She has 19 #1's on the Billboard chart, second only to The Beatles. But again, most of her hits are ballads, and heck, if you induct her, does that mean you have to do the same to say, Celine Dion? Then again, it's 2024, and requirements have really changed to be included.
OKAY, now we come to Cher, who I believe was nominated for the first time, remarkable since she's been making music since 1965, first as part of Sonny and Cher, and then a solo career which has transcended several decades Wasn't it just a couple months back that she was so infuriated by her snubs that she would never accept an induction? And I wonder if that statement had something to do with her subsequent nomination. While many have said that Cher isn't rock and reference her pop-oriented hits in the 1960's and 70's, her disco period and having the first hit single using autotune, "Believe", would discredit her from being there.
But actually, Cher, who has performed across many genres, has had rock sensibility. She married Greg Allman of the Allman Brothers Band, and cut an album together, Allman and Woman. She was also in a rock band called Black Rose with Les Dudek. And to be honest, her hit-making period from the late 1980's into the early 1990's was definitely rock-oriented. My guess is she gets in, if only for the anticipation as to her reaction, and whether she will eat her words.
Next is Dave Matthews Band. A proponent of the jam rock bands of the 1990's, they certainly have the creds. I got into the band's early material, which was successful not only on the pop chart, but also the alternative, mainstream rock, and the Triple-A charts, the latter of which I believe they had the first #1 when the chart came to be. They are still around, and still charting on Triple-A, but to be honest, I just couldn't get into anything past the 1990's. I think their contemporaries such as Phish and Blues Traveler are more deserving. So, I vote "no".
Eric B. and Rakim. I've seen this duo on the charts over the years, but to be honest, I'm not familiar with their music. They are a hip-hop duo, and with many in that genre nominated and getting in, who knows? But I think there are more worthy names out there.
Now we come to Foreigner. One of the premier arena-rock bands, and the one of two nominees whom I've seen in concert (plus I've seen frontman Lou Gramm solo as well). While many of this band's peers are in, these guys aren't yet. Their hit span lasted over a decade, well into the 1980's, with their last hits coming in 1988, although occasionally visiting the charts after that. They should get in.
Another act that should get in is Peter Frampton. He is the quintessential rock guitarist, first making it as part of Humble Pie and then with his solo career. Of course, his landmark live album, Frampton Comes Alive is one of the best-selling of all time, and while a couple of his studio albums afterward were lame, he would return to his virtuoso guitar work into the 1980's. And while he may not have been as successful later in his career, his guitar work should definitely get him in, as it shouldn't all be about sales.
Now we come to Jane's Addiction, headed by Perry Farrell. As a longtime alternative rock fan, I am glad to see this nominated. I believe they've been nominated numerous times. "Jane Says", "Stop!" and "Been Caught Stealing" are alt-rock classics and the band in some ways opened up the doors for the acts to come in the 1990's. At some point they should get in; whether it will be this year, remains to be seen.
Kool and the Gang are from my home state of New Jersey, and were at the forefront of funk and R&B in the 1970's and 80's. Many funk bands are already in, and this should be a no brainer. The band has had two eras of success: The early 1970's with the "Jungle Boogie" and "Hollywood Swinging" hits, and then in the late 1970's and most of the 80's with many party anthems like "Ladies Night", "Celebration", and others, along with smoother R&B ballads as well. If these guys don't get in, there's something terribly wrong.
Lenny Kravitz finally gets nominated this year. It's about time. In fact, I had talked about whether the reason many ballad and hip-hop singers get nominated is the perception that there are little artists of color who play rock music. But there are, and while many haven't had "hits", per se, Lenny definitely has. His early material spanned genres, but there was always a rock influence. He's been known early on as the "retro rocker", as much of his songs echoed early rock and soul influences. And to be honest, his success opened up the gates to much of the psychedelic rock and soul of current artists like Thee Sacred Souls, Devon Gillfillan, Curtis Harding and many others. While I think this should be a slam dunk, I'm sure others will wait a few years. But we'll see.
Then there's Oasis. While technically they belong on this list, and they did lead the "Brit-Pop" movement in the mid 1990's, not to mention many well-known songs during that area, I'm not a fan. I think there's a couple of songs there I like, such as "Live Forever". But several things turn me off, the least being the constant feuding between the Gallagher brothers. Then again, The Kinks, another band with feuding siblings are in, but that band had much more talent. But then there's the claim that they were the best thing out there since The Beatles (one of several; ill-fated bands to make that claim). Finally, to be honest, I think their supposed rivals, Blur should get in first. So I say "nay".
Sinead O'Connor; Say what you will about her, as she was very controversial (who can forget her performance on Saturday Night Live when she ripped up a picture of Pope John Paul II?), but unlike many artists who spew politics in statements, Ms. O'Connor put it in her songs. While many doubt her "rock" cred, she definitely deserves the nomination, especially in the wake of her passing last year. She did make the Modern Rock charts, and not just with her big Prince cover "Nothing Compares 2 U", but several other songs. You want to induct a woman, this is it, not Mariah. See the difference? The rock spirit has encompassed many protest songs going back to the days of Bob Dylan (who, incidentally, defended her at a show after concert-goers booed her). I also caught her in concert, at the PNC Bank Arts Center, where she refused to have the National Anthem played before her show, as was customary for a show at that venue.
Ozzy Osbourne gets a nomination. Probably another no-brainer and surprising that he's not there already, he is actually in as a member of Black Sabbath. Apparently, this year, he is the only representative of the heavy metal genrein 2024. Do you put him in? I'm not really a fan of his music for the most part (maybe "Crazy Train", but that's it). Many will definitely opt for his inclusion, but for me, I'll pass. for now But he should eventually get in.
Sade. There's a misconception that Sade, who had many smooth, jazzy hits in the 1980's is a solo artist. Actually, it was a band, fronted by the inimitable Sade Adu. Sade and the band's music was different from standard 80's fare (along with, say Tracy Chapman....another who should be there and maybe next year, she will). While "Smooth Operator" and "The Sweetest Taboo" were the big hits, check out some other gems of the era, such as "Your Love Is King", and "Hang on To Your Love". Sade continued making charts well into the 2010's. If you want diversity in the Rock Hall, this is it. Sade gets my vote.
Finally, we come to A Tribe Called Quest. Another hip-hop act who has been nominated recently. At first, I though, no, but after thinking about it, this is a band that does its own thing, which is in the rock spirit. While I don't think I'd vote for them (when there are other viable candidates), they deserve a spot.
I just want to say something else about the Hall of Fame. To be honest, being a part of it doesn't carry any more stature than those who are constantly snubbed. It's not the end-all. It's just basically fodder for conversation, and hey, I needed to write something this week.
Many others have "blamed" Jann Wenner, founder of Rolling Stone magazine as well as the RRHOF, for what seems like non-rockers being nominated and getting in. While that was once true, he had sold 49% of the magazine back in 2016 and the rest of it the following year. He was, however, still part of the Rock Hall foundation. However, in 2023 in a New York Times interview with David Marchese about Wenner's book The Masters: Conversations with Dylan, Lennon, Jagger, Townshend, Garcia, Bono and Springsteen, having interviews with all white males, Wenner responded that both black and female artists were "not in his zeitgeist", and also mentioned that none of the women that Wenner interviewed were "articulate enough on this intellectual level" to be included in the book. Similarly, of black artists like Curtis Mayfield, and Marvin Gaye, Wenner said they didn't "articulate" at this level.
Those remarks caused him to be removed from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame foundation. Who could have guessed that?
SNS 100: Anna Lavigne stays atop of the Scenes 'n' Soundwaves 100 for a second week with "Edge of the World", with a slim lead over Thee Sacred Souls' former #1 "Easier Said Than Done". Gary Alexander's "There's Always Beach Music" advances 5-3.
The top 10 is very competitive this week, with Teddy Swims' "Lose Control" jumping 11-4 to go along with its #2 ranking on the Hot 100. There's a chance it could be the next dual number one song as early as next week. Richard Swift, Rivermist, and Gary Lowder and Smokin' Hot, each move up one notch. Charlotte Sessions' "I've Fallen For A Dragon" which had a 33-9 move last week, still is making great upward advances, but holds at #9 due to the competition.
Three entrees into the top 20 this week, led by The Black Keys' latest, "Beautiful People (Stay High)" grabbing Impact honors (23-14). The song is #5 alternative and #1 on the Triple-A chart this week.
Colorjoy's "Cigarettes and Vanilla" advances 22-17 this week, becoming the duo's seventh top 20 from their debut album Golden Age. That ties them with Adele, who amassed seven top 20's from her 21 album from 2010-2012. Colorjoy, who had been on a hiatus for several months (Emily MacMahon had played and recorded with the band Mirrors on the Moon, which sits on the Tremors list with "Whiskey and Wine"), is back, recently played a gig at New York City's Rockwood Music Hall, and is hinting at recording some new material.
If 'Cigarettes and Vanilla" moves into the top 10, they would break another record for most top 10's from an album (Adele's cover of The Cure's "Lovesong" peaked at #12; all other songs from her album hit top 10), breaking a tie both with 21 with Fitz and the Tantrums' More Than Just a Dream.
Finally, Starbuck's "Coldest Night of The Year" moves 25-18 as a follow-up to the #1 "On the Sand".
Cage the Elephant's "Neon Pill" grabs Mover honors (54-35). Other key movers include Say She She's "Never Say Never", last week's Top Debut, "Turn the Lights Back On" by Billy Joel (43-34), and Juliet Callahan's "She Was Me" (75-46).
FAST CARS: Thanks to its performance on the Grammy Awards, "Fast Car" is on the SNS 100---twice. Last week, Tracy Chapman's original from 1988 debuted at #78 and moves #63 this week, while Luke Combs' cover, re-enters the blog chart at #86. Combs' version peaked here at #6 last summer, the same position that Ms. Chapman attained on the Billboard Hot 100 back then. While Combs' version jumped back into the top ten on the Billboard chart, Tracy's original re-enters at #42.
On the SNS 100, it creates sort of a "cover battle"; for only the third time in SNS history, the chart has two versions of a song appearing simultaneously on the blog. The first was back in 2011 when "Say Hello to Goodbye" by Shontelle and a cover version by Rachel Allyn both hit the list, with the latter hitting number one blog for four weeks. Last year, The Spinners' 1972 smash "I'll Be Around" had two covers on the blog list: Michael McMeel's beach music version peaked in the top ten while a version by Ariel Pink Tremored under the SNS 100 for a week just last year.
NEWBIES: Seven debuts this week, led by "OMG" by Suki Waterhouse at #65. Ms. Waterhouse mid-charted last year with Local Natives with "NYE". Another acronym title, but this eclectic pop-rock confection should propel the London-based singer-songwriter way up the blog chart. The song has several changes in tempo, a nice, dreamy interlude highlights the middle part of the song. Very gutsy and emotional makes this a primo pick. It's this week's Top Debut at #65. Incidentally, Ms. Waterhouse dates, and recently got engaged to actor Robert Pattinson.
Cayucas return with "Punch Bowl". This one, while in the alt lane, it has some vintage early 1960's flair with some surf pop that echoes The Beach Boys. The band hasn't had a blog hit since "Jessica WJ" hit top 10 here in 2018 but that may change with this one. Has prospects.
Laura Jane Grace's "Hole in My Head" has a cool retro-punk feel to it. And despite the name, it is actually a male artist (real name: Thomas James Gabel). The artist was formerly of the band Against Me and is a throwback to the original punk era. Interesting.
Lainey Wilson is one of the top female country stars and is coming off a couple blog hits. This is her latest. Perhaps not as immediate as "Watermelon Moonshine", but after a slow start, the song gets going. The song has some Dolly Parton vibes and is at the center of the country lane. Picture a train chugging along for this one, with some awesome guitar work to boot.
Next is "Top Down" by Nadia Shutkufski. While this song is currently on some of the beach music charts, the song reminds me a lot of "Blurred Lines" as well as the song it mimics, "Got To Give It Up" If anything this eclectic song shows how varied beach music is. The rhythm is persistent, and Nadia seems to have a great time singing and grooving along to this. Keyboard and a sax solo in the middle enhance it even more. Very soulful!!
I'm looking at the Hot 100, and while Jack Harlow has been in and out of #1 for months, and Teddy Swims is, as mentioned earlier, #2, the #3 song is "Beautiful Things" by Benson Boone. It's a surprise since I have no idea who he is. While he is considered a pop artist, he sounds a bit like Five For Fighting, but when he gets to the middle of the song, he shifts into a bluesy-rock mode a couple of times. It's great to see music like that at the top of the charts; it complements the Teddy Swims song as well. Boone is a singer-songwriter from Monroe, Washington. He shared some of his work on TikTok and competed on American Idol, making the Hollywood round before voluntarily withdrawing from the competition. We'll see how the song fares here.
Finally veteran British band Bush, headed by Gavin Rossdale, enter with "Nowhere To Go But Everywhere". The band came over as part of the post grunge scene and made a big mark in the 1990's with many alternative hits before initially disbanding in the middle of the 2000's. They reformed in 2010, scoring a #2 blog hit with "Afterlife". The new song is in the band's classic sound and is from a new compilation album Loaded: The Greatest Hits 1994-2023. The song may click with a few listens.
Scenes ‘n’ Soundwaves 100 Playlist
February 11, 2024
|
This Week |
Last Week |
ARTIST-Title |
Weeks on List |
|
1 |
1 |
NUMBER ONE:  Album: Guillemot Days (2 Weeks at #1) |
9 |
|
2 |
2 |
12 |
|
|
3 |
5 |
11 |
|
|
4 |
11 |
5 |
|
|
5 |
6 |
11 |
|
|
6 |
7 |
7 |
|
|
7 |
8 |
14 |
|
|
8 |
3 |
11 |
|
|
9 |
9 |
3 |
|
|
10 |
4 |
20 |
|
|
11 |
17 |
11 |
|
|
12 |
15 |
10 |
|
|
13 |
16 |
8 |
|
|
14 |
23 |
TOP 20 IMPACT OF THE WEEK:  "Beautiful People (Stay High)" Album: Ohio Players |
4 |
|
15 |
20 |
5 |
|
|
16 |
12 |
13 |
|
|
17 |
22 |
6 |
|
|
18 |
25 |
5 |
|
|
19 |
14 |
12 |
|
|
20 |
10 |
13 |
|
|
21 |
13 |
15 |
|
|
22 |
28 |
4 |
|
|
23 |
31 |
Rev. Bubba D. Liverance and the
Cornhole Prophets - Something In the Water |
5 |
|
24 |
19 |
11 |
|
|
25 |
18 |
13 |
|
|
26 |
32 |
10 |
|
|
27 |
30 |
15 |
|
|
28 |
33 |
6 |
|
|
29 |
21 |
16 |
|
|
30 |
27 |
16 |
|
|
31 |
38 |
3 |
|
|
32 |
40 |
4 |
|
|
33 |
24 |
12 |
|
|
34 |
43 |
2 |
|
|
35 |
54 |
MOVER OF THE WEEK:  Album: Neon Pill |
3 |
|
36 |
26 |
12 |
|
|
37 |
29 |
13 |
|
|
38 |
52 |
2 |
|
|
39 |
39 |
12 |
|
|
40 |
49 |
4 |
|
|
41 |
34 |
15 |
|
|
42 |
48 |
5 |
|
|
43 |
35 |
17 |
|
|
44 |
46 |
5 |
|
|
45 |
61 |
2 |
|
|
46 |
75 |
2 |
|
|
47 |
47 |
27 |
|
|
48 |
36 |
10 |
|
|
49 |
37 |
12 |
|
|
50 |
72 |
2 |
|
|
51 |
66 |
2 |
|
|
52 |
73 |
2 |
|
|
53 |
57 |
6 |
|
|
54 |
44 |
21 |
|
|
55 |
41 |
19 |
|
|
56 |
77 |
2 |
|
|
57 |
58 |
4 |
|
|
58 |
71 |
2 |
|
|
59 |
55 |
22 |
|
|
60 |
42 |
14 |
|
|
61 |
70 |
3 |
|
|
62 |
45 |
18 |
|
|
63 |
78 |
2 |
|
|
64 |
74 |
3 |
|
|
65 |
--- |
TOP DEBUT:  "OMG" (Single Release) |
1 |
|
66 |
51 |
20 |
|
|
67 |
81 |
2 |
|
|
68 |
50 |
15 |
|
|
69 |
59 |
25 |
|
|
70 |
76 |
44 |
|
|
71 |
86 |
2 |
|
|
72 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
73 |
---- |
1 |
|
|
74 |
53 |
6 |
|
|
75 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
76 |
65 |
35 |
|
|
77 |
80 |
9 |
|
|
78 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
79 |
69 |
22 |
|
|
80 |
56 |
14 |
|
|
81 |
64 |
17 |
|
|
82 |
83 |
29 |
|
|
83 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
84 |
84 |
3 |
|
|
85 |
60 |
7 |
|
|
86 |
RE ENTRY |
20 |
|
|
87 |
67 |
18 |
|
|
88 |
82 |
18 |
|
|
89 |
89 |
3 |
|
|
90 |
62 |
12 |
|
|
91 |
79 |
4 |
|
|
92 |
87 |
3 |
|
|
93 |
68 |
5 |
|
|
94 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
95 |
63 |
13 |
|
|
96 |
85 |
4 |
|
|
97 |
88 |
15 |
|
|
98 |
91 |
32 |
|
|
99 |
92 |
12 |
|
|
100 |
90 |
4 |
Tremors:
101. Mirrors on the Moon, "Whiskey and Wine"
Tremors:
Songs which have steady or increasing points but not enough to chart on the SNS
100.
▲Song garnered most plays
on Spotify, for the month, with a
superscript following the symbol if most played for multiple months ● Song
among top 5 most plays on Spotify.
Awards given during the last blog of each month. To qualify, the song must be currently or
have peaked in the top 40.
Songs
on the SNS 100 are included on the following public Spotify playlists
Scenes
‘n’ Soundwaves Top 40: Contains songs in positions 1-40 on the SNS
100
Scenes
Up and Coming: Songs below #40 that are moving up the chart.
Scenes
Recurrents: Songs which have
dropped below the top 40 but are still on the SNS 100
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