Dear Listeners
I don’t have much respect for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — a brooding and arbitrary institution founded by record executives and music industry influencers who have historically adhered to a fairly narrow definition of rock and roll. not. But this year’s inductees, announced earlier this week, are one of the strongest classes in recent memory.
This calls the playlist.
The group of seven artists joining the institution in November includes both expired legends (Willie Nelson, Spinners) and iconoclastic innovators (Kate Bush, Rage Against the Machine). It’s a bit more varied than the usual rock hall classes that aren’t talked about much. According to her Evelyn McDonnell, a writer who has long covered Hall’s obvious biases, women make up just 8.63 percent of her enrollment.great Missy Elliott Not only will she be the first female rapper to enter this year, but she will also make history as the first black female artist to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in her first year of eligibility.Such achievements are commendable — as Elliott did enthusiastically series of tweets —but we also have to lament the fact that it took them so long to happen in the first place.
When we put today’s selections side by side, we found some commonalities. Bush and Elliot share an imaginative, ambitious and artistic compositional approach.the way George Michael It updates the complex soulfulness of groups like The Spinners to the self-aware 90s.some kind of cynicism Sheryl CrowHit in a way, a delivery that seems to echo the grit of Rage’s Zack de la Rocha.
Purists can debate whether any of these artists can be categorized as “rock,” but I would argue that Ice Cube demonstrated in a speech when he was inducted into rap group NWA in 2016. , prefers a more exciting definition. not a means. Rock and roll isn’t even a style of music,” he said. “Rock ‘n’ roll is a spirit. Rock ‘n’ roll is not to imitate what came before, but to forge your own path in music and life.”
Listen on Spotify while you read.
1. Kate Bush: “The Big Sky”
This is the fourth time Bush has been nominated for Rock Hall, but the recent resurgence in popularity of “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)”, inspired by the recent “Stranger Things”, put her in the final spot. literally pushed her away. corner. You’ve probably heard this song a lot in this past year of her, but how about a less popular but equally great track from the same 1985 album, Hounds of Love? . The title her track “Running Up That Hill” and her 1-2-3 punch on this “The Big Sky” might be one of the most prescient opening stretches of her pop album. (listen on youtube)
2. Missy Elliot “Work It”
Sometimes the obvious choice is the right choice. The hallucinogenic “Work It” isn’t her obscure B-side in Missy’s discography, but it’s one of her most glaring examples of her brash, otherworldly genius as both an MC and a producer. Smuggle into the mainstream.who else can perform the chorus backwards And yet does that nonsense syllable sound so infectious?listen on youtube)
3. Rage Against The Machine “Bulls On Parade”
this is Guy Fieri, RATM aficionado are Rockhall voters? I’m a child Rage is probably the most traditionally rock-leaning artist in this year’s Hall of Fame. The term “traditional” includes the politics, sound, and most famous hit of the band (the slam “Bulls on Parade”). (listen on youtube)
4. Sheryl Crow – “Leaving Las Vegas”
It feels weird to call a single from Crow’s gigantic debut album, Tuesday Night Music Club, underrated, but do you think it’s actually underrated? Sure, ‘All I Wanna Do’ has been forgotten. “Strong Enough” was an important touchstone for a younger generation of female musicians. Heim and genius — but in “Leaving Las Vegas” barHer “There’s a blurry line between what you want to do and what you have to do” line(!) kills me every time. (listen on youtube)
5. Spinners – Could It Be I’m Falling in Love
The air in Spinners’ songs is a little brighter than it was back here on Earth. Bobby Smith’s lead vocals seem to hover just inches above the rest of the track, leaving no doubt about the answers to the questions he posed on this timeless 1972 hit. my time. (listen on youtube)
6. George Michael “Freedom! ’90”
One day, this is my answer to the impossible question, “What is the greatest pop song of all time?”But I always say it’s the best song ever written to be Pop Stars — A bizarre contract between performers and fans, in which Michael deliberately interrogates from within the machine, ultimately setting it ablaze with a liberating chorus. He is more than worthy of being in the Rock Hall. I wish he lived to attend his inauguration. (listen on youtube)
7. Willie Nelson “Tower of Song”
Earlier this year, Nelson, who just turned 90, won the Best Country Album Grammy Award for “A Beautiful Time,” beating out young whippersnappers like Maren Morris, Miranda Lambert and Luke Combs. It’s a lovely record with strong original material, but the track that keeps me coming back is Leonard Cohen’s ironically majestic rendition of “Tower of Song,” his live rendition. If this cover passed you by when the album was first released, well, you’re in for a good deal of fun.listen on youtube)
pause for chanting,
lindsey
amp playlist
Listen on Spotify. This playlist will be updated with each new newsletter.
“Was the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Right?” Tracklist
Track 1: Kate Bush “The Big Sky”
Track 2: Missy Elliott “Work It”
Track 3: Rage Against The Machine “Bulls On Parade”
Track 4: Sheryl Crow “Leaving Las Vegas”
Track 5: The Spinners ‘Could It Be I’m Falling in Love’
Track 6: George Michael “Freedom! ’90”
Track 7: Willie Nelson “Tower of Song”
Bonus track
Joe Kwazala and Kristen Stoddard Host a very interesting podcastWho Cares About Rock Hall?It balances appropriately irreverent skepticism (both professional comedians) with Kwatzala’s encyclopedic knowledge of Rock Hall’s history. Each year they do an in-depth episode about each candidate.I found out about the show when they kindly asked me Story Dolly Parton with them last season.Their episode about this year’s Hall of Fame class was especially great, even if it was full of playful jabs against my Queen Crow (sorry, linking on this occasion Another Sheryl Banger).
And as always, check out our weekly playlist for the latest songs worth your time. bush tetraturned from DJ to electropop singer-songwriter Avalon Emerson more. Listen here.
