Middle Aged Dummies - Artist - Round 5 - Lists due by Fri May 9. (4 Viewers)

[zamboni]

Could someone clarify something for me, please? Are Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon in the Hall of Fame, or did they just win Miss Congeniality?

The RR HOF seems to be doing the same lowering-the-bar thing as Cooperstown did when it started letting in marginal guys like Harold Baines.

The problem - as with most things related to post-1950s pop history - is Jann Wenner. He and his crew created their version of what "R&R" is (& what it's not) 50+ years ago, and it got baked into the DNA of music fans. I think people our age are so used to it that we'll never get past it, but I think it's changing for younger folks.

Probably should have clarified better, and we've had these discussions many times before. Like you, I have no problem with R&B/soul/rap/disco/country, etc. acts getting into the RRHOF. They very well should be despite what Wenner and his cronies pigeonholed as R&R per se.

My comment more related to the nature of acts that they're letting in more and more. One example is Bad Company, who just got in. Solid band that had some very good tunes and a couple of solid albums, but really just disappeared not too long thereafter and kept on going with different personnel on the country fair circuit.

But I digress - it's a tiresome argument that's not worth dedicating much brainpower or time.

Agree on Bad Company. Grand Funk & Chic are my two hills to die on

Chic definitely deserves the nod - may not have been around long, but a huge influence on many artists to this day.

I noticed you left out of your response

Didn’t want to get myself in trouble. It’s dangerous treading these days around here.

No, I didn't mean that. I meant that the emoji looks like Donnie Brewer from Grand Funk

Oh right - lol. A fro that probably made Oscar Gamble jealous.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Willie Nelson is 92 today and still releasing 7 albums a year.

 

[tuffnutt]

Conor Oberst Last 5 Out
All 5 of these songs would have made my list had this just been a Bright Eyes countdown, but unfortunately they found the cutting room floor with the inclusion of the other Conor Oberst projects.
The Calendar That Hung Itself- Bright Eyes
from Fevers and Mirrors (2000)

It perfectly encapsulates the experience being young and pining after something with all your heart and soul. its a metaphor for emotional collapse or the oppressive weight of time and memory.

A Perfect Sonnet- Bright Eyes
from Every Day and Every Night (1999)

It captures the confusion and heartbreak that often accompany young, intense love — where every feeling is amplified. It’s about remembering someone deeply but painfully, and trying to make sense of your own feelings through poetic expression.

Bowl of Oranges- Bright Eyes
from Lifted or the Story is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground (2002)

This is one of Conor Oberst’s more hopeful and healing songs—though it still carries his signature blend of vulnerability and introspection. It explores mental health, suffering, and the small, unexpected joys that help carry us through pain.

We Are Nowhere and its Now- Bright Eyes
from I'm Wide Awake and It's Morning (2005)

This one is a haunting, introspective track about existential confusion, searching for meaning, and the emotional paralysis of being lost in time and place. It's one of the most poetic and emotionally heavy songs from the album. Love Emmy Lou Harris on backing vocals.

The Big Picture- Bright Eyes
from Lifted or the Story is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground (2002)

This was my hardest cut. but at nearly 9 minutes long and with its raw and unpolished sound, I get that it might not be everyone's cup of tea. so for that reason it stays off the countdown.

 

[Eephus]

Michael Head is not in the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Steve Marriott list has been submitted.

Really enjoyed discovering/re-discovering some of his deeper cuts with The Small Faces and Humble Pie - hope people not familiar with his material enjoy this little powerhouse.

Plan on submitting my just-missed list early next week.

I was at the doctor this morning. I presume we'll be hearing from Steve about why he wouldn't have done that.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Willie Nelson is 92 today and still releasing 7 albums a year.

I've been in the car a bunch today and WXPN has been playing a lot of Willie, both his recordings and covers of his songs.

 

[Chaos34]

A Perfect Sonnet- Bright Eyes
from Every Day and Every Night (1999)

good lord what a poet

 

[KarmaPolice]

Great stuff so far - I got caught up with the last 5-10 outs this morning. This one is going to stuffed with artists and songs that I either haven't heard of or just barely. For example Bright Eyes I had heard of (and probably heard a song or two in passing), but didn't now the artist name. John 5 I thought was made up and is one that I am very much looking forward to.

Also in the last few weeks I have been randomly going through the GP4 playlists. I laughed to myself a few times as I hit a song that gave me pause in a playlist to see who it was, just to see it was an upcoming Part 5 artist. I posted a bit ago I felt I should know Luna and ran across a couple of their songs. Same with Golden Smog. A few others showed up as well. The best was running into an artist I hadn't heard of that was in 2-3 playlists and caused me to start a deep dive. I searched the thread to see who drafted the songs and saw a post from me talking about how they were a favorite artist from the playlists. I think I have just erased that year from memory.