One of the most critically respected female artists of the last thirty years, P.J. Harvey could be classified in so many ways.  Singer/Songwriter.  Lo-Fi Superstar.  Alternative Goddess.  Frankly, we could come up with so many more.  

Since her debut album in 1992, Mary J. has shown an evolution from a streetwise Hip Hop star to a Soulful Diva.  Her tough sexuality has made her an icon and her career progression shows no signs of slowing down.  The amazing this is with Mary J. Blige’s progression she kept her initial fans while obtaining new ones.  This type of cross over appeal and career consistency makes her stronger every year.  There is a greater chance here than you might think.

The Ska/Pop hybrid that No Doubt created in the mid 90’s found a huge following and made Gwen Stefani the Debbie Harry of her era.  No Doubt managed to gain both an Alternative and Pop following, though their future efforts were primarily danceable Pop.  Stefani is the key here, as her solo career skyrocketed and though it was not necessarily in the Rock vein, her overall efforts (which is still growing) could propel her band to Cleveland.

Some have called them Alternative Country, but the classification of Nashville’s Lambchop proves to be a difficult one.  The reality is that Lambchop seems to draw from multiple influences so effortlessly that it was hard to peg and even harder to go mainstream.  Not that this is a bad thing, as this was a band that wasn’t meant for mass acceptance but meant to be one of the top Indy bands of their day.  As we know, Indie Rock + Rock and Roll Hall of Fame generally equals having to buy a ticket to enter.