Ignoring the impact of the Velvet Underground proved to be impossible for even the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Still, we wonder of Yo La Tengo who have been the critical darlings of the last twenty years and a clear disciple of the Velvets have any reasonable shot at the Hall. Despite the huge acclaim they have, they never sold a ton of records and this will be a real test of acclaim against commercialism.

They may not be responsible for the Lo-Fi movement (though some they were), Guided by Voices were the preeminent Lo-Fi band of the 90’s. Their main Lo-Fi works had the dual attack of being both strange and catchy which is no easy musical feat. Though primarily in the indie ranks, it is possible that their heavy output of music could work in the favor but the odds are solidly against them despite how much more quality material they put out.

The Prodigy were one of the most successful electronic bands of the 1990’s, but there were many who did not necessarily view them as electronic.

For a good two years, the Cranberries were a very successful run before the BritPop explosion.   The Irish group found success on both sides of the Atlantic with their melodic blend of Alternative music, though the key to their sound was the distinctive and beautiful voice of Dolores O’Riordan who gave the Cranberries both their edge and their beauty.  Despite those attributes, the Irish stars will struggle to find serious consideration for the Hall.