Perhaps way ahead of their time, Camper Van Beethoven was merging whatever styles they felt like and was one of the darlings of the underground scene of the 1980’s. The styles they merged ranged anywhere from various World Music influences, Punk, Ska, Folk and virtually anything else they wished to. The California band was absurdly creative and was a very fun band to watch. Had they been a little more serious lyrically it is possible that they may have been perceived less campy and their musicianship would have been featured more prominently, but without that irreverence it just wouldn’t have been the same band.

Although they were though of us primarily as a British New Wave band, ABC actually drew from a lot of American R&B to create their music. This sleek amalgamation was created some of the catchier Synth Pop of the era which also charted well. Many of the New Wave associated bands had a short shelf life, though ABC had a fairly decent run. They didn’t make it to the 90’s, but reflection of their era has generated new respect for them.

Generally the Singer/Songwriter draws much critical acclaim and praise, but in the case of Harry Chapin his popularity far outweighed the critical top ten lists. Chapin was the late season “Hawkeye from M*A*S*H” as his oversensitive and maudlin lyrics struck a chord with many fans and turned away others with his sappiness. However, the fans that Chapin did have were among the most devoted of the Singer/Songwriter genre and if that counts for something than the Hall could come calling.

If you try to find any write up about Foghat that did not describe them as a basic Blues Rock band it might be the first one ever written. In some circles in the 70’s it wasn’t considered cool to be a straight up Rock band, but to those who were into “uncool” music, Foghat delivered some pretty good material. It likely won’t be enough to get them into the Hall, but they have a pair of hits that looks like will live on long after this debate ends.