Last March, in conjunction with the Rock Hall Induction ceremonies, Cleveland.com conducted a readers poll: Who should get into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? The results are here.
Cleveland.com Managing Producer Johanna Hoadley and I did a special episode of the Cool Tunes radio show to play music by some of the winners, which is archived here. Below is a run-down of some of the winners and why they deserve to be in the Rock Hall (when eligible):
Donovan
Scottish folky turned psychedelic rocker, Donovan had 12 Top 40 hits in the U.S., was a brilliant songwriter and charismatic singer. "Catch the Wind," "Sunshine Superman," "Mellow Yellow," "There is a Mountain," "Wear Your Love Like Heaven," "Hurdy Gurdy Man," "Atlantis": how can you keep him out?
The Cure
Most important and enduring English modern rock band - began as minimalist punkish trio before defining and transcending goth, mutating into psychedelic jam band, before returning to bright alt-rock. Robert Smith is iconic singer/songwriter.
Roxy Music
The single most important band of the '70s. Huge in Europe and Britain but never as big here. Bryan Ferry and Brian Eno presented duality of feverish romanticism and icy avant-art. Great songs, great albums, great musicianship, complete worldview. Must get in.
Depeche Mode
Most important, popular and enduring techno-pop band. Style evolved from bright dance pop of early-'80s Vince Clarke era, to darker sounds and images as Martin Gore took over. Started playing guitars in the '90s. Seem to have survived drugs, fame, etc. and still going.
New Order
Enigmatic '80s evolution out of brilliant bleakness of Joy Division, New Order developed odd hybrid of dense Yes-like guitar and lead-bass sound coupled with electronic dance discipline. Remixes ruled electronic modern-rock dancefloor in '80s. Actually has made best complete albums in '90s (Republic) and '00s (Get Ready).
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