I woke up this morning to an email from the Rock Hall announcing the nominees for induction class of 2013. Here's the list.
The Paul Butterfield Blues Band
Chic
Deep Purple
Heart
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Albert King
Kraftwerk
The Marvelettes
The Meters
Randy Newman
N.W.A
Procol Harum
Public Enemy
Rush
Donna Summer
For the first time the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is allowing the fans to help choose the inductees. Here's what they say.
"For the first time in its history, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will offer fans the opportunity to officially participate in the induction selection process. Beginning on Thursday, October 4 and continuing through December 5, the public can visit rockhall.com, hbo.com, CNN.com and rollingstone.com to cast votes for who they believe to be most deserving of induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The top five artists, as selected by the public, will comprise a "fans' ballot" that will be tallied along with the other ballots to choose the 2013 inductees. Those that are selected for the Induction Class of 2013 will be announced later this year."
I couldn't find the voting page on HBO or CNN but I linked to the Rock Hall and Rolling Stone page so you can vote.
It's not as if the fans have sole control over the selection but merely act en masse as a ballot. That's a good thing. Look at major league baseball's all-star selections. So often the best talent of that year are not chosen. It's because when you leave it to the masses it becomes a popularity contest. I'd hate to imagine a Rock Hall filled with inductees chosen by the masses.
Yes, we can argue about the lack of prog rock nominees once more, though Rush fans are no doubt thrilled, and you'll find plenty of that chatter online today. Just not here.
And the five acts I chose you ask? Deep Purple, Krafwerk, The Meters, Randy Newman and Public Enemy.
