I think my New Year's resolution for 2015 will be to stop posting about The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It's a laudable goal. I should have the serenity to accept the things I can not change. The Rock Hall Foundation will continue to nominate and induct whomever they see fit and no amount of complaining by anyone will change that fact. They thrive on the publicity and controversy. Sadly, like all my previous resolutions, it probably won't be kept.
First, congratulations to the Class of 2015: Green Day, Lou Reed, SRV and Double Trouble, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Bill Withers and Paul Butterfield Blues Band. They are all talented musicians with loyal fanbases. In essence, the Rock Hall is about the fans. I'm sure the artists are honored by the recognition, but the fans receive validation for their taste in music. That's also why there is so much outrage and vitriol every year when individuals favorite bands aren't nominated or inducted. For my friend, John, it's Motley Crue. For millions of people it's Deep Purple. Sound Mind readers know I was one of those people until Rush were finally inducted a couple years ago. Hell, if I were the Gatekeeper bands like Dinosaur Jr., The Pixies, Guided by Voices, The Flaming Lips and Teenage Fanclub would all be in the Rock Hall. However, that would make about 100,000 people ecstatic and everybody else in the world would be spewing venom about it on the interwebs. That's the nature of music fandom. It's subjective and arbitrary and the Rock Hall Foundation voters are certainly not immune. But, as The Stones said, "It's only rock and roll, but I like it". I like the concept of a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and I'm blessed to live in the city where it's located. So, despite all my past complaints and wishing that just one year they wouldn't induct anyone, I'm glad there's a Rock Hall. Having said that, here's my take on the Class of 2015.
I didn't feel any of the nominees this year were crucial additions to the Hall of Fame, although I did vote for Green Day in the fan balloting. They have a strong resume through American Idiot and I don't have a problem with their induction. I will defer to the committee on Bill Withers and Paul Butterfield, because I know virtually nothing about either of them. I've stated several times in past Sound Mind posts that I don't get the whole Lou Reed thing. He's already in with The Velvet Underground and I think that's more than adequate. SRV was a tough call. I was a big fan thirty years ago, but his music hasn't aged very well in my opinion. I thought Joan Jett had a better case with The Runaways. With the Blackhearts she was more of a middle of the road, one hit wonder. Bottom line; not a great class.
I guess my main complaint is if they've decided old bands like The Zombies, Deep Purple, Cheap Trick, Yes, The Smiths and Duran Duran aren't worthy of induction then, going forward, they should only consider newly eligible artists. If that means there are a few years where no one is inducted, so be it. I'd prefer that to forced quotas every year with marginal nominees. Other than Pearl Jam, Radiohead, The White Stripes and Foo Fighters, there aren't really anymore locks for induction.
Finally, I want to give some love to Ringo Starr, who is receiving some kind of lifetime achievement induction. Ringo should have gone in as a nominated solo artist like John, Paul and George before him. He certainly has a better catalog than anyone who was inducted in this class. He has been unfairly written off as a bad drummer ("he's not even the best drummer in The Beatles"). He has never been taken seriously due to his goofy, happy go lucky personality. If I had been his manager over the past 25 years, I would have surrounded him with a talented group of musicians, like McCartney did, and perform that catalog all over the world. The All Star band thing just contributes to the idea that he's not a legitimate solo performer. I'm tempted to attend the induction just for Ringo. If I do, I'll definitely be breaking my resolution. Peace.
A Living Will For My Music Collection