The Rock and Roll Futures (301)
As we intend to make this website a constant work in process, we though it would be useful to discuss the future bands/artists who will become eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Many of these artists are still recording and/or performing and thus adding to their impending legacy. They will be in our future lists so please feel free to vote so that we can rank them accordingly when they become eligible.
With a run that made you wonder if they were trying to be sweet and cute, (or only appear that way), Tanya Donelly’s project, Belly was both loved and hated by critics, and it became rare to find two music critics in a row who would give the same opinion about the band. Donnelly was a talent, but it is going to be hard to see…
A darling of the respected BritPop bands, Scotland’s Beta Band was fairly far from being one themselves. Dubbed “folktronica” due to their ability to merge Folk with Electronic elements, it is a safe assumption to state that the Beta Band had no real equal during their time. With that said, their uniqueness has yet to be proven as influential; which it what the Rock and Roll…
For a band that seemed to draw so much of their sound from elements of American Rock and Roll, it is curious how the Scottish band, Biffy Clyro failed to make even a tiny dent in the United States. Regardless, they did make it in the U.K., and should have a solid future in their homeland. Of course, we know what that means for a shot…
The Zakk Wylde led Black Label Society has one major intangible: Zakk Wylde. Wylde is beloved in Metal circles and as such, his project automatically gained him an automatic fan base. However, as watchers of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame are very much aware that the musical genre of Heavy Metal is not exactly respected by them, and as such we don’t see any…
Black Lips are a very entertaining Punk band, but their charm is primarily based on their rowdy live shows, many of which were known to get completely out of control. That should not take away from a band that is lyrically better than they get credit for, though we wonder what percentage of their fans focus on that.
One of the more successful and respected Independent Rock bands of the 2000’s, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club blended Classic Rock influences along with melodic Alternative to make a sound that kicked down the doors of the Rock world. As much as BRMC was clearly inspired by multiple British sounds, they are as American sounding as they come.
A major star in the world of Country Music, Blake Shelton crossed over huge into the mainstream with his good looks, crooning voice and television appearances on “The Voice”. Shelton may have already done enough for a spot in the revamped Country Music Hall of Fame, but bigger Country stars than Shelton have never come close to entering the Rock Hall.
The premature death of front man, Shannon Hoon brought to an end what may have been a Hall of Fame career. Best known for their folksy hit, No Rain, Blind Melon scored big with their debut album in a way that was not typical of other Alternative bands of their time. The group drew more from Classic Rock than Grunge, yet crossed over to both sets.…
Seemingly hitting their stride lately, Blue October has delivered on a formula of angst, Alt Rock and Experimentation. As part of an underappreciated Texas Rock scene, Blue October has reached a certain level of mainstream success without really having to shed what made them special to begin with. Their Hall of Fame chances seem slim at this point but they appear to have a lot more…
Despite their name, the duo that comprised the Electronic duo known as Board of Canada is not Canadian at all. Rather, they are Scottish, but as much as their name alludes to a tranquil place, their Electronic music is at its based when it incorporates rich and soothing Ambient textures. BOC could also vary into Techno and Trip Hop, but all the while they still had…
More of a hybrid of Country and Southern Rock than most people realize, Brad Paisley was labeled as a Country star, though he seemed to have more qualities that resembled Lynyrd Skynyrd than other Traditional Country Acts. Regardless, Paisley is in the same boat as many other New Country stars in that unless the old Country Superstars get in, it does matter how much “Rock” credibility…
Brand New took their Pop-Punk blend to a decent sized audience and for many were musical highlights of the decade. They managed to get airplay on MTV2 and Fuse and crack the Alternative charts, though they probably have not done enough to generate a significant look from those who decide who enters the Hall.
Many of the reviews for Pennsylvania’s Alt-Rock back, Breaking Benjamin, generally praised them for their consistent style. That might be praise, but while they did have success in the mid 2000’s with a post grunge sound, it was similar to what a lot of other bands were doing at the time and not exactly innovate or unique. They would come back with a number one album…
Possibly the uncrowned king of retro cool, Brian Setzer first made his mark with the 50’s Rockabilly throwback, the Stray Cats. He would reemerge in the 90’s looking even further back in ushered in the Swing revival. This brings up the same question that we have asked with other musicians who have had great overall careers, but not necessarily a Hall of Fame run with any…
Basically the continual project of Conor Oberst, Bright Eyes emerged as the darling of the Midwest Indie Rock scene of the New Millennium. With a growing fan base and passionate fans, Bright Eyes may not have sold a lot of albums in the past ten years, but that could easily change in the next decade. This could be a real wild card pick for the Hall…
Known for their powerful live shows and success on the U.K. Indie Rock scene, the sardonically named, British Sea Power echoed for many the sounds of the Cure and Joy Division. With unique lyrical content and a finger on the pulse of what was relevant to the U.K. at the time, they would be a band that would be a great fit…for the U.K. Indie Hall…
Broken Social Scene is the perfect example of the increased popularity and attention towards music in Canada. The band, which constantly has over twelve members are capable of some of the most textured music in Canadian Indie Rock, and though the respect level for this band is high, Broken Social Scene would unfortunately have to have a solid breakthrough in the United States to crack a…
When people first heard Bubba Sparxxx, the last thing they pictured was a fat white guy who looked more like he should be driving a tractor than helming a hip hop song. Sparxxx actually generated solid commercial success, but though have begrudgingly accepted his talent, but does he really meet the influence category that the Hall claims to covet?
A bit of a Late 90’s/Early 00’s Hard Rock Throwback, Buckcherry was a Rock band that seemed to hit the big time a few years too late to be big. The band had a few hits, and could very well have a few more, but unless that happens they won’t have much a chance for Cleveland.
Named Buckethead, because well…..he wears a bucket on his head, Brian Patrick Carroll may very well be one of the most talented guitarists ever. He is also among the strangest. Unlike other shredders, Buckethead’s music ranges from the Progressive to Jazz to Avant-Garde and all points in between. There is no doubting his talent, although many doubt his sanity.