By Phill Marder

Faithful readers of Goldmine know that last year I was assigned the task of compiling a list of 10 bands snubbed by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Considering the track record of the Hall of Fame, limiting the list to 10 was nigh impossible. And when I did, the fur started flying as readers pounded me with, “Hey dummy, what about this band…and what about that band?” Then there were the readers who complained some individuals were excluded, one naming Joe Tex, Don Covay, Connie Francis, Freddy Cannon, Len Barry and Pat Boone, all fine suggestions except for the fact none qualify as a “band” or “group,” even allowing for weight gain due to the aging process.

So, this year I get the chance to add 10 more. All 10, as well as many others, were profiled in “Great Blogs Of Fire” last year, and more are still to come. With all on last year’s list ignored – Heart was the only nominee and they didn’t make it – the importance of being on this list is questionable. In fact, considering my track record, group’s should be trying to avoid this list.

Remember, last year’s list included Bon Jovi, The Cars, Chicago, The E-Street Band, The Guess Who, Heart, Kiss, The Moody Blues, Paul Revere & The Raiders and Rush. So don’t gripe if they’re not on this year’s list.

And remember, Grand Funk Railroad was the installment prior to this 2011 recap, so if you missed it, check “Great Blogs of Fire” under blogs. There you’ll also find articles on solo artists – Todd Rundgren, Chubby Checker and more – and several duos – Hall & Oates, America, Pet Shop Boys, etc.

And stay tuned. There’s a good chance your favorite, if not already covered,  will be coming to this blog soon. Or to an even bigger recognition.

Again, in alphabetical order, 10 more bands that should be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame:

CHEAP TRICK -

The almost original foursome has been around so long now, their biggest problem is probably being taken for granted.

Another problem may be the band’s lack of success in England, strange as few groups have been as capable of sounding as Beatlesque as Cheap Trick and they have been quite strong in some other European locales, in addition to Japan and the entire Pan Pacific.

Cheap Trick is a rare example of critics and fans agreeing. They get overall good reviews and they sell product and concert tickets as well.

There are bands that should enter the Hall of Fame ahead of Cheap Trick. But there also are some currently enshrined that should have followed them.

THE CURE -

Robert Smith’s guys were nominated last year, but didn’t make the cut. How close were they? Anyone…anyone??

I’m confident The Cure will get there eventually. Of course, many of us oldtimers are skeptical of anything that came across after 1980. But I try to keep an open ear and I purchased the 1987 disc, “Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me,” apparently doing my part to make it the band’s highest charting (#35) album to that date in the U.S.  It actually was the group’s sixth U.S. charting long player, so we’re not talking overnight wonder here.

The LP turned out to be a favorite of mine, with strong material and excellent musicianship, and the follow-up, “Disintegration,” climbed all the way to No. 12. But it took until 1992 for the band’s biggest hit, “Wish,” which rose to No. 2 and No. 1 in the U.K. All told, The Cure has been one of Britain’s top groups since 1980, placing 11 albums in the Top 10.

DEEP PURPLE -

The question is, “How many of today’s guitarists cut their teeth on the riff from “Smoke On The Water?” The answer? Anyone?…anyone?

That 1973 classic became Deep Purple’s signature song and their biggest hit, equaling the No. 4 finish of their first big single, “Hush.” Deep Purple also connected for two top 10 singles in the United Kingdom, “Black Night” and “Strange Kind Of Woman.”

But we all know Purple was not a singles band, though they did manage to mix heavy melody content with their hard rock/metal foundation, which earned them recognition as the world’s loudest band. From 1968 until 1993, this remarkably durable congregation smashed its way through several lineups without losing steam, putting five LPs into the U.S. top 20 and 12 into the U.K. top 20, where they topped the charts three times, with “Fireball,” “Machine Head” and “Deepest Purple.”

DEF LEPPARD -

They say a leopard never changes its spots. Why should Def Leppard?

Following the adage, “if it ain ‘t broke, don’t fix it,” this English quintet has remained remarkably consistent in its output, earning recognition from some as the world’s premier heavy metal band, from others as the world’s premier hard rock band and from fans as just an extremely popular and enduring band, no matter the category critics assign them.

From their debut album, “On Through The Night,” which appeared in 1980, to  “Songs From  The Sparkle Lounge,” which kept Def Leppard in the top 10 in 2008, vocalist Joe Elliott and his cohorts have maintained a standard of excellence, resulting in two albums, “Hysteria” and “Adrenalize,” that topped both the U.S. and U.K. charts, plus a No. 2, “Pyromania,” in the U.S.

Perhaps the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will induct them if guitarist Phil Collen promises to wear a shirt?

DURAN DURAN -

No it didn’t reach Elvis or Beatles’ standards, but the fervor generated by England’s “Fab 5″ eclipsed most others in Rock history, save, perhaps, The Monkees.

They broke into the big time with 1981′s British hit single, “Planet Earth,” and conquered the U.S. market the following year with “Hungry Like The Wolf.”

With MTV and videos the new fad, Duran Duran quickly swept the globe. Was it their music or just their good looks? Video made them giants, but time proved they had the musical chops to justify the popularity. In the U.S., Duran Duran gave us 13 top 20 singles and eight top 20 LPs and they did even better in their U.K. homeland, charting 13 top 20 LPs and 22 Top 20 singles.

They are currently on tour supporting last year’s hit album, “All You Need Is Now.”

THE ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA -

The must be inducted member is Jeff Lynne, thanks to his work with The Move and The Traveling Wilburys, his success as a songwriter and his accomplishments as a producer.

But since the R&R Hall of Fame has ignored him thus far and seems to have an aversion  toward progressive rock groups, let’s go for Lynne’s crowning achievement – ELO, one of the most accomplished and popular groups of the ’70s and early ’80s.

Trendsetters, with a full-time, three-member string section, ELO dominated the radio waves and best-seller charts from 1972 until 1986, with five of their LPs and seven singles reaching the Top 10.

FOREIGNER -

Probably too popular for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Even though they recorded for Atlantic, even though they had No. 1 albums and singles on both sides of the Atlantic…Ocean, that is… and even though they rocked as hard as any band since the ’70s, Foreigner cannot get a nod.

If they’re being ignored because of their monster ballads, someone should make “Urgent,” “Dirty White Boy,” “Juke Box Hero” and “Break It Up,” among others, required listening for the Rock Hall’s nominating committee.

GERRY & THE PACEMAKERS -

When I wrote this segment last year, it also included Herman’s Hermits, but Peter Noone, apparently disturbed by my summary of the Hermits, responded by writing, “I don’t want to be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame” and suggested I put my efforts into getting Gerry & the boys inducted in addition to another somewhat childish suggestion.

Talk about ego.

I suppose it never occurred to Noone that maybe the surviving Hermits or the families of anyone not still with us may want the honor and recognition for their work. Judging from his comment, Noone apparently doesn’t think The Hermits was a group effort. But the article suggested Herman’s Hermits should be in the Hall of Fame, not Peter Noone should be in the Hall of Fame.

This section also included Manfred Mann, The Searchers, The Troggs and The Zombies, and I still think all six rate induction, but since I’m just picking one, Gerry & The Pacemakers get the edge, though the Hermits did have the most hits.

Why the Pacemakers before the Hermits? Overall, the groups were close. But the difference between the frontmen, Gerry Marsden and Noone, gives the Pacemakers the edge.

Marsden was not the most prolific writer, but when he did write he penned some of the best songs to come out of the British Invasion, “Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Crying ” and “Ferry Across The Mersey” being the most memorable. Noone sang almost all cover material. Marsden played guitar, Noone played the crowd. And, though Noone’s vocal efforts were pleasant enough on lighter fare, Marsden was much better overall and thus much more versatile.

JETHRO TULL -

It’s almost impossible to take the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame seriously when bands such as Jethro Tull have yet to be inducted.

Led by Ian Anderson, who resembled a crane when stationary and a “Dancing With The Stars” version of Joe Cocker when on the move, Tull was a completely unique band. I mean, Anderson played flute and they were named after the inventor of a seed drill. C’mon.

But even with little success producing hits, Tull dominated album charts for well over 20 years and rarely failed to sell out personal appearances. In 1972 and 1973, they produced albums that topped the U.S. charts, “Thick As A Brick” and “A Passion Play.” 1974′s “War Child” just missed, stopping at No. 2, and four others, “Aqualung,” “Living In The Past,” “Minstrel In The Gallery” and “Songs From The Wood” cracked the top 10. They reached similar heights in their homeland.

THE MONKEES -

No group I pitched for last year drew anywhere near the response garnered by fan favorites, The Monkees.

So what did the R&R HOF do? Ignored The Monkees and inducted Don Kirshner instead. No fear, Monkee fans…Goldmine backs The Monkees 100 percent, even though they canceled the end of last year’s tour, rendering my tickets useless.

The arguments are just as useless. The R&R HOF is aware of how many records the group sold, how many concerts it sold out, how popular and innovative the TV series was, and how meaningless is the complaint of the group not playing on their earliest recordings.

Most of the artists in the “Great Blogs Of Fire” series point out just how out of touch the R&R Hall of Fame is with the public. Perhaps none more than The Monkees.

THE SMITHS -

The Brits always seem to be more open to extremes than those in the States, one example being the United Kingdom’s embracing of The Smiths, a group for the most part ignored in the U.S. At least comparatively speaking.

Without a hit single in the colonies, The Smiths still managed to chart seven LPs, though none ranked stronger than #55 in spite of critical acclaim here. However, in the British Isles, where the group was revered, 18 singles hit the top 30 and 17 albums cracked the top 40, including two that topped the charts and five that hit #2.

Controversial lead singer Morrissey also has achieved great success on both sides of the Atlantic as a solo artist.

Either the Brits know something the Americans don’t, or they have extremely poor taste. As a fan of The Smiths and Morrissey, I’d lean toward the former.

TOMMY JAMES & THE SHONDELLS -

Last year Joan Jett & the Blackhearts were nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. They had three top 10 hits, one being the No. 7 “Crimson & Clover.” The source of the much superior original, Tommy James & the Shondells, has yet to be recognized.

The Shondells’ “Crimson & Clover” topped the charts in 1969. Two other James top 5 hits, “I Think We’re Alone Now” and “Mony Mony,” hit No. 1 on remakes, the former by Tiffany, the latter by Billy Idol.

In total, this group produced eight Top 10 hits, including the No. 1 “Hanky Panky,” the No. 2 “Crystal Blue Persuasion” and the No. 4 solo smash by James, “Draggin’ The Line.”

And, perhaps more importantly, they did it all on Roulette Records and managed to stay alive, too. Speaking of alive, James still tours with a group of Shondells, rocking harder than ever.

YES -

The blog, “Great Blogs Of Fire,” already has documented the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s apparent disdain for Progressive Rock.

No Moody Blues, no Rush, no Jethro Tull, no Electric Light Orchestra, no sense.

And the neglect has stretched even to Atlantic Records, of which almost everyone involved in the company currently is inducted save two of the label’s most successful recording acts – King Crimson and Yes, coincidentally both giants of Progressive Rock.

We haven’t gotten around to King Crimson…yet. But we did profile Yes last year, and there’s no question they belong in the Hall of Fame. With just two major hit singles, “Roundabout” and the No. 1 “Owner Of A Lonely Heart,” Yes still managed to become one of the world’s best-selling groups and one of Rock’s largest concert draws.

Almost every one of their long-players hit the top 10 in the United Kingdom and seven reached the top 10 in the states. That success has been duplicated around the globe.

Yes has been eligible 17 years without a nomination. Memorandum to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominating committee and voting members – It is no crime to be an instrumental virtuoso.

I know, I know…It’s a baker’s dozen, not 10. Shhhhhhhhhh.

And remember, there’s more to come in 2012. So keep reading…and writing.

Donovan brings Sunshine Superman and The Hurdy Gurdy Man into the Rock Hall of Fame

By Phill Marder

Bah…humbug.

Thanks again Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Hey, I shouldn’t grumble too much. Three of my six choices…Guns N Roses, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and, thankfully, Donovan…did get in. And the best present of all was the induction of Laura Nyro. Not because I think she deserves it…I don’t. Simply because I won’t have to see her name on the ballot again.

The biggest disappointment is the rejection of Heart, but Donna Summer’s continued absence and the Cure and the Spinners being shot down also grates.

It should be noted that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame website ran a poll for fans just like you and I to cast our vote for the five most worthy candidates. In that poll, Nyro ran dead last of 15 from wire-to-wire, while the Faces/Small Faces mutuel entry, which also made it this year, was in or near the bottom five.

You can see how much impact our opinion had.

In another most interesting development, Freddie King, who also almost bottomed out on that poll, was on the list of 15 candidates for induction and winds up getting inducted in the Early Influence category???

Wow. I’d love to see the ballot for the 1999 inductions. If you’re a faithful reader of this blog, you’ll remember I was taken to task for complaining that Charles Brown took up a 1999 slot that could have been given to someone who actually had something to do with Rock & Roll. Since 1999, Brown had been listed on the Hall of Fame website as being inducted as a performer. But a couple days after my article appeared, Brown’s category magically was changed to Early Influence.

Another listed on the ballot, but inducted as an Early Influence was Wanda Jackson. Jackson never had much impact early or late…take my word for it, I was there…and never even had a major hit record. Her first of a few minor hits didn’t come until 1960. Early Influence?

Evidently, King, whose success also came well into the Rock Era, didn’t get enough support to be inducted as a performer this year. So…he’s inducted as an Early Influence instead. Is that what happened with Brown, too?

Anyone? Anyone?

If that’s not transparent enough, King recorded for Atlantic Records, its subsidiary, Cotillion Records, then finally Leon Russell’s Shelter Records. Of course, Russell was inducted last year in the Sideman category. And Tom Dowd, the Atlantic engineer and producer who worked with King at times, also is inducted this year in the sideman category. (The Sideman category was changed to The Award For Musical Excellence, but the Hall of Fame website continues to list the induction category as “Sideman,” not only for last year’s inductees but this year’s – Dowd, Cosimo Matassa and Glyn Johns – as well. Don Kirshner also is listed as “Sideman,” though he’s receiving The Lifetime Achievement Award?). 

Finally, how about the ultimate slap in the face to the Monkees and their throngs of fans? The induction of the ever-popular Don Kirshner.

The Monkees can barely get into the Hall of Fame with a ticket. Kirshner was the “dictator” who controlled the group’s fortunes until he was bounced out unceremoniously. He responded by creating a new Monkees who couldn’t toss him out because, technically, they didn’t exist. They were, of course, the Archies.

Coal for the stockings of those involved. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone else. May Santa bring you all a pleasant surprise in the New Year.

By Phill Marder

When the 2011 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductions took place March 14, 2011,  just one band — Alice Cooper — was inducted. Strange, as there are many bands worthy of the honor, but thus far denied. Trying to name just 10 is a daunting
assignment, but here is a list — in alphabetical order — of some of the bands most deserving of induction.

1. BON JOVI
Nominated but rejected in 2011, the New Jersey group continues a 27-year run as a true worldwide supergroup. A string of No. 1 albums in at least 10 countries, sold-out concerts around the globe, induction into the U.K. Hall of Fame, Bon Jovi has achieved popularity rarely equaled in rock history. However, as it seems with many popular bands, critics treat them with disdain as does a vocal minority. Whether their musical talent lives up to your expectations is irrelevant. Their success speaks for the band and the gazillion followers who believe they are the real deal — naysayers be damned.

2. THE CARS
Contemporaries Blondie and The Talking Heads already have been inducted, but The Cars, arguably the most successful and talented of the bands that broke through in the late ’70s and carried through to the ’80s, have thus far been ignored. Producers of great singles, albums, and award-winning videos, The Cars had the chops and delivered the goods with regularity. Perhaps a reported reunion will re-focus the spotlight on this most talented of bands.

3. CHICAGO
It has been reported that this group is now the most successful U.S. band in Billboard chart history. Baseball’s Pete Rose, who has the most hits in history, is not in that Hall of Fame, either. With Rose, there are extenuating circumstances. With Chicago, well, maybe there are, too, for there are really two distinct Chicagos — early and later versions — despite the constant presence of keyboardist Robert Lamm and the horn section of Lee Loughnane, Walt Parazaider and James Pankow. The original group, with Peter Cetera on bass, Danny Seraphine on drums and Terry Kath (supposedly Jimi Hendrix’ favorite guitarist) was as creative and innovative a band as rock and roll has produced.

4. THE E-STREET BAND
Bruce Springsteen was inducted in 1999. Along with Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Springsteen is one of the greatest individual talents in the history of rock and roll. It’s likely he would have achieved that status with just his guitar and harmonica. But his band, “the mighty E-Street Band” as Bruce calls it, helped build the Springsteen legend with unequaled concert performances. Only the bands of James Brown could compare, but even they would come up short against this assemblage. The late Clarence Clemons, Roy Bittan, Garry Tallent, Danny Federici, Nils Lofgren, Max Weinberg and Steven Van Zandt also were with “The Boss” in most of his studio sessions.

5. THE GUESS WHO
Burton Cummings, Randy Bachman, Garry Peterson and Jim Kale and later Kurt Winter and Greg Leskiw is one of the greatest bands to emerge from Canada. Musicianship without peer, songwriting genius, a great lead vocalist in Cummings and terrific harmony, The Guess Who was a chart fixture from 1969 to 1974, despite unconventional singles that dealt with a myriad of controversial topics. But, they were capable of expressing just plain romantic lyrics, too. For example: “Kill your kid sister and murder your dad, rip the lashes off of your eyes. Slaughter all your cattle and burn your crops if you’re dancing with another guy.” Maybe you have to be Canadian, eh, but their albums remain great listening.

6. HEART
The Wilson sisters, Ann and Nancy, are still touring and bringing down the house, Ann’s voice soaring above the band and all others around. I prefer the initial Heart to the ’80s version, but the induction of the Wilson sisters is the key, much as would be the induction of Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell of America.

7. KISS
Denied two years ago, these masters of makeup and marketing were left off the induction list this year in favor of the Alice Cooper Band. Now that Alice has gained induction, perhaps KISS will get its due recognition. No matter your opinion, KISS has been one of the most successful bands of the rock and roll era.

8. THE MOODY BLUES
It is hard to fathom a band this talented and successful unacknowledged by the Hall of Fame. With little support from hit singles, the Moodies have dominated the U.K and U.S. charts since 1968. With three carryovers from “Days of Future Passed” — John Lodge, Justin Hayward and Graeme Edge — The Moody Blues continue today to play before sellout crowds. Their past albums remain vessels carrying listeners to magical lands, rocking at times, mystical and beautiful almost always.

9. PAUL REVERE & THE RAIDERS
Just when did rock and roll have to be so serious? Not while this band is around, that’s for sure. The Raiders are not just a guilty pleasure. They were one helluva great rock band with a lead singer — Mark Lindsay — who was second to none. When Lindsay growled “You been steppin’ out with the cobbler” or “I’m not your steppin’ stone,” there was little doubt he meant business. Showmen superb, The Raiders wore Revolutionary War uniforms, performed synchronized dance routines and destroyed equipment (in fun, not anger) on stage. But through all the clowning came the music, a series of great hard-rock singles and albums. The material, almost all group written, since has been covered by The Sex Pistols, David Bowie, Joan Jett, Pat Benatar, The Flamin’ Groovies and Sammy Hagar as well as many others. Revere still has a hot band performing today if you want to see a terrific live show.

10. RUSH
If this trio was not included, Goldmine’s offices might be stormed by angry throngs, as a recent Goldmine online poll about prog-rock music was swamped by Rush supporters. Geddy Lee, Neil Peart and Alex Lifeson have been churning out masterful recordings since 1974. Members of the Canadian Hall of Fame, as is The Guess Who, Rush dazzles audiences with its instrumental mastery. Vocalist Geddy Lee may be an acquired taste, but the same could be said of many current inductees, including Tom Waits, Dr. John and Leon Russell from this year alone.

Guns N’ Roses leads Hall of Fame poll in spite of barely receiving 20% of the vote

By Phill Marder

 The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is running a poll on this year’s nominees for induction and you’re invited to vote at this link…
http://rockhall.com/get-involved/interact/poll/

As of Friday morning, November 4, 268,803 votes have been tabulated, which each voter choosing five of the 15 nominees. I believe each voter can cast just one ballot.

The results so far seem to back my assertion several weeks ago that, overall, this is a pretty weak group, as only one nominee has been chosen by over 20 percent of the voters and that act – Guns N’ Roses – is barely eclipsing it at 20.3 percent. That means just one of five voters puts them in the top five of 15 choices.

It also supports what I believe is the generally held assertion that the Hall of Fame is way out of touch with public sentiment. Could you imagine the percentage The Beatles or Elvis would be racking up in this poll? I’m not a gambling man, but I’d bet The Monkees, The E-Street Band, Rush, and plenty of other candidates would be chalking up better than 20.3 percent after a quarter million votes.

Of course, it doesn’t matter. The Hall of Fame voters don’t pay any more attention to the public than does the nominating committee, which is why you get such confounding selections year after year.

But, let’s look at the poll results so far even if they are for naught.

1. Guns N’ Roses – (54,554 votes – 20.3%) – I listed them as a shoo-in in my original article on this year’s nominees and I maintain that prediction. I’m not a fan, but a lot of you are and they’ve left a mark.

2. The Red Hot Chili Peppers - (50,424 – 18.76%) – This band was one of my picks. They’ve had a long, successful career with much notoriety. If you’ve never listened to them, I think you’d be surprised at just how good they are.

3. The Cure – (39,492 – 14.69%) – Another one of my choices and a group that garnered a lot of support from Great Blogs Of Fire readers. Consistently interesting on record and a concert favorite.

4. Heart – (24,744 – 9.21%) – A major disappointment here. I would have expected this group to be running around 75 percent. But, hopefully, they’ll still make it.

5. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts – (21,768 – 8.1%) – They’re not getting much support, but for them to be as close to Heart as they are and ahead of Donovan, Donna Summer and The Spinners is hard for me to explain.

6. The Beastie Boys – (19,025 – 7.08%) – Again, don’t look at the standings, look at the percentage of those who agree they are Hall of Famers. Just seven percent. Would Todd Rundgren have seven percent?

7. Donna Summer – (10,221 – 3.8%) – Now here’s the real chasm. The disco queen is just one notch behind the rappers, but has only about half the votes. She deserves induction, but she’s in danger of becoming the HOF’s version of Susan Lucci.

8. War – (7,910 – 2.94%) – Another big drop here. I said this group should make it some day down the road, but there are many more deserving. Would Chicago or Electric Light Orchestra be running at less than three percent?

9. The Spinners – (7,827 – 2.91%) – One of my choices making a real disappointing showing in this poll. They should be waiting about another 10 years, but they’re one of the strongest entries of this group.

10. Donovan – (7,415 – 2.76%) – My biggest disappointment in this poll. Didn’t get in last year, and if it was up to this group of voters, wouldn’t make it this year, either.

11. The Small Faces/Faces – (7,000 – 2.6%) – I was confounded at the support this band received in the Goldmine poll. This is more like it. Would the Moody Blues be running less than three percent?

12. Rufus with Chaka Khan - (6,989 – 2.6%) – I was confounded this group was nominated, and evidently I’m not alone.

13. Freddie King – (5,817 - 2.15%) – The blues guitarist isn’t picking up much support.

14. Eric B. & Rakim - (3,336 – 1.24%) – You can’t get much lower than this.

15. Laura Nyro – (2,348 – 0.87%) – Ooops! Yes you can. I must apologize because I wrote Nyro only composed two memorable songs. I remembered a third – “He’s A Runner” is my favorite Blood, Sweat & Tears song. Now, if I can come up with about 147 more, she’ll get close to Burt Bacharach & Hal David. Or maybe just 100 more and she’ll be approaching Jimmy Webb or Bob Crewe. For the reader who said “my taste is in my mouth,” evidently that goes for over 99% of these voters, too. Perhaps that explains the obesity epidemic.

Well, there you have it. My top five remain Donovan, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Cure, Heart and Donna Summer with Guns N’ Roses listed as a shoo-in and The Spinners my next choice.