The Chameleons- Don't Fall

One of the bands I got into during the pandemic was the post-punk band, The Chameleons. Their debut, Scripts of the Bridge, in particular I've listen to the most. The opening track, "Don't Fall', is one of my favorites from them. The spooky sample at the beginning, the menacing riffs with the anger and foreboding in Mark "Vox" Burgess' voice make this an overlooked post-punk classic. Let me know what your favorite song from the Chameleons is in the comments.

   

Red Hot Chili Peppers- Under The Bridge

I saw a video from Classic Album Review the other day about the worst rock songs of all time and this RHCP song was on the list. He claims that Under The Bridge was "whiney and soupy dreck". Under The Bridge may be one of the RHCP most well known songs but for a good reason. It showed the band were more than a bunch of funk metalheads that occasionally wear nothing but socks.

This ballad was the second single off RHCP's breakthrough album "Blood Sugar Sex Magik". It dealt with Anthony Kiedis' with the depression that came with surviving drug addiction and the survivor's guilt he lives with after his friend, founding guitarist, Hillel Slovak, died from a drug overdose in 1988. From John Fruscante's somber guitar intro to Anthony's self reflective lyrics, it was a mature recording for the California band.

If their was one complaint I have is the Choir that appears during the climax of the song. It sounds way too high, incomprehensible and comes across as cartoonish, almost like the Muppets are singing along.. It nearly derails the seriousness of the song when the band this jamming hard while Kiedis is giving it his all.

If Classic Album Review had a problem it should have been that part and not everything else.

The 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees

                                                                            Wow...

After a few days of taking it in, I can say this is one of the best induction classes in years. Its on the same level as the 2020 class, maybe 2019 if Stevie Nicks was a Musical Excellence inductee. However, 2026 may take the cake because how strong the acts that got in are. So lets break it down.

• Phil Collins- 12 years after Peter Gabriel got inducted as a solo artist, the man that took his place finally became a double inductee. Of course, Phil Collins is much more and his catalog of hits, session and production work and both of his Disney movie soundtracks. Phil Collins had the career of 50 musicians and its about time he was inducted a second time.

• Billy Idol- I was really surprised Billy Idol snuck in. Not only that, he was the first inductee announced on American Idol before all the other ones. Still, I really do like Billy Idols music and I'm also glad Steve Stevens is being honored as well. Whether you see Billy Idol as the weakest inductee or not, at least its knowledge the he's apart of the one of the Rock Hall's best classes.

• Iron Maiden- When former IM singer Blaze Bayley was added to the nominee list for Iron Maiden, it was practically confirmed this powerful band was going to get in. I had my second thoughts and thought that Iron Maiden will get in through Musical Excellence much like Judas Priest. However, I was wrong and have become the first Heavy Metal band to a performer inductee since Def Leppard.

• Joy Division/New Oder- When I went to see the list of 2026 inductees on Futurerocklegends.com, I was in disbelief that Joy Division and New Order were among the performer inductees. I waited for confirmation and when I did, I screamed in excitement. It could have been so easy for the Hall to put them in a side category or pass over them disappear from contention like War, Devo and the New York Dolls. However, I'm over the moon both of these giants of alternative rock and getting into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and I hope it opens the door for other post-punk acts waiting their turn.

• Oasis, Whether the Gallagher brothers like it or not, Oasis are heading to the Rock Hall. I'm also glad founding member Paul McGuigan and Morning Glory drummer Alan White (not to be confused with the late Yes drummer) are included. I guess their absence on the nominee list was an error on the Hall's part. While they are the only 90's rock act getting in this year, I'm glad its them and not the Black Crowes.

• Sade- I was happily surprised by Sade's induction. The are such a low-key band compared to the other nominees like Mariah Carey or Shakira. However, I'm glad the Hall chose this unique and sensual band rather than a contemporary headliner. It proves the the Hall still values originality and I hope more smooth acts like Sade are waiting in the wings.

• Luther Vandross- Over two decades after we lost him, Luther Vandross is at last joining the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The tragedy of Luther's untimely passing is that if he was still with us, healthy and active in the music business, He could have the Dolly Parton of R&B. A figure that wholesome, kind and beloved by all. However, thanks to Kendrick Lamar's sampling his music for his hit song "luther" and his Rock Hall induction, a new generation will learn about this great man and the music he created.

• Wu-Tang Clan- The inductee I'm least familiar with but happy for them nerveless. Did have a feeling this band would get in unless voters preferred Lauryn Hill. However, Wu-Tang Clan earned their induction and are going in the Rock Hall as the largest rap act inducted. Not bad for a group of young men from Staten island.

I'm not going to go in to all the side inductees but I'm happy for Gram Parsons, Celia Cruz, Arif Madrin and Rick Rubin. It is strange the Hall doubled down on Old School female rappers get Early Influence inductions with Queen Latifah and MC Lyte but their are still deserving despite their first singles coming out in the late 1980's. This was a diverse and strong list of inductees that isn't catered to concert promoters or mediocrity. Classes like this is what the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame should strive for and I hope this the first step in a new direction for this controversial museum. Although Beyoncé being elgible next year may complicate things but that's another story for another time. 

Congratulations to all the inductees!!

Al Jarreau- Murphy's Law

                        

 

                                             "Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong"

That's Murphy's law in a nutshell. With March almost over, I'm going to share one more luck theme R&B song, this time from the Great Al Jarreau. Although critics at the time were not a fan of Mr. Jarreau's 1984 record, High Crime, for being "too pop", I think there a few gems here, Murphy's law being one of them. I think this track deserves to be remembered just as much as his other upbeat songs like "Mornin'" and "We're in this love together". On YouTube there's a great live version Al Jarreau did in 1985 with a killer guitar solo at the end.

Atlantic Starr- Touch a Four Leaf Clover

With St. Patrick's Day around the corner, I have a song that could have been a St. Patrick's Day staple if it was more well known. Atlantic Starr's Touch a Four Leaf Clover is possibly the sexiest song that mentions leprechauns and rabbit's feet. It was also original singer Sharon Bryant's last R&B hit with the band before persuading a solo career. While not that well known outside the R&B charts (it peaked at #87 on the Billboard 100), Erykah Badu did record her own version under the name "4 Leaf Clover", so it at least it has a following, just not when it comes to St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
 

The 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees

 For my first Rock Hall ballot run-down, I sure got an interesting list of nominees to tackle.

The Black Crowes- Once again, The Hall nominated one of the most unimpressive bands of the 90's. While I do like the hits the Black Crowes had, I don't think they are that worthy for induction, let alone a second nomination. Induction Chances: 10%.

Jeff Buckley- One of the most tragic characters in the history of rock. Jeff Buckley may have only one studio album to his name before a swimming accident took his life in 1997, "Grace" remains one of the most beloved albums of the 1990's. Jeff Buckley was a critical darling in his short life but I don't think that guarantees an induction. Induction Chances: 40%.

Mariah Carey- I think Mariah is a lock this year. I say that every time she was nominated but with her third nomination and Beyoncé being eligible next year, it's now or never for Mimi. Induction Chances: 80% .

Phil Collins- Despite my reservations, Phil Collins finally got nominated as a solo artist. I expect him to be inducted with an all-star tribute for him at the ceremony. I just hope Phil is well enough to attend. Induction Chances: 95%

Melissa Etheridge- How the heck did Melissa Etheridge not get nominated on her first year of eligibility back in 2014? Well, now that she's been nominated, has been at many Rock Hall Ceremonies, has the respect of her peers and is one of the biggest women in rock of the last 30 years, I expect someone to present for Melissa Etheridge for a change later this year. Induction Chances: 90%.

Lauryn Hill- Much like Jeff Buckley, Lauryn Hill has only one studio album to her name (not counting her work with the Fugees and her infamous MTV Unplugged album). Yet "The Miseducation" had a massive impact on the future of R&B. Ms. Hill may have difficulty with the other R&B acts on the ballot despite being hip-hop adjacent not mention her history of being a no-show at her concerts may hurt her chances. However, her induction for the Staple Singers in 1999 and her tribute to Nina Simone in 2018 contradict my claims. This makes Lauryn Hill a strong wildcard. Induction Chances: 60%.

Billy Idol- I'm happy that Billy Idol got nominated again. I honestly believed he would be replaced by Bryan Adams or a returning Lenny Kravitz despite my prediction. However, Billy's chances are still pretty low and with another MTV act to contend with, they're even lower. Induction Chances: 30%.

INXS- This is the other MTV act in question. I actually really like INXS as a band and I could see the surviving members team up with different singers for the ceremony like with their final album 'Original Sin". The only thing holding them off is splitting the vote with Billy Idol and not being influential enough. Induction Chances: 75%  

Iron Maiden- This has to be Iron Maiden's Year. I have a feeling that like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden could get a back door induction but I'm holding out hope they are apart of the performer class. Induction chances: 50%.

Joy Division/New Order- Much like Iron Maiden, This needs to be Joy Division and New Order's year. With Peter Hook's ABC interview last year and the joint act's consecutive nomination, I think they have a fair shot of causing an upset. If they fall short again and are possibly inducted through a side category, so be it. Induction Chances: 55%.

New Edition- As much as really like "Heart Break" and enjoy some of their early songs like "Mr. Telephone Man" and "Cool It Now". I don't think New Edition are Rock Hall worthy. Outside of Boyz II Men, I don't they're that influential. The fact that New Edition were nominated before Living Colour, Fishbone and giving Bad Brains a second chance. Not to mention the dozens of Funk bands still waiting for recognition makes me concern about the Rock Hall's priorities for black music that's not Hip-Hop. Induction Chances: 20%.

Oasis- As with JD/NO, Iron Maiden and Mariah Carey, The third time could be the charm for this Britpop band. Out of the other three timers, Oasis chances are on par with Mariah's so its likely the Gallagher brothers band is getting inducted, whether they like it or not. Induction Chances: 80%.

Pink- This is a random choice. Not a bad one I like Pink but with other great women of rock still waiting like Suzi Quatro, PJ Harvey a fellow nominee Melissa Etheridge, I think it's way too soon for Pink's Rock Hall induction. Induction Chances: 25%.

Sade- It's awesome to see this band return. However, with them on the same ballot as Luther Vandross (who I'll discuss later), Mariah Carey, New Edition and to a degree Lauryn Hill, they're chances are a mixed bag but I hope the best for Sade Adu and her band. Induction Chances: 45%.

Shakira- Another surprising nominee. Although "Hips Don't Lie" is a stone cold classic and she has a global fanbase, like with Pink, I think most Rock Hall voters will think it's too soon for Shakira, especially when Selena and Gloria Estefan/Miami Sound Machine have yet to get a nomination. Don't even get me started with Los Lobos, War and Soda Stereo. Induction Chances: 35%.

Luther Vandross- Of all of the R&B acts nominated, Luther Vandross is the most likely to be a lock (after Mariah). Luther's body of work as a recording artist, backup singer, songwriter and Disco front-man for Change alone make him worthy of Rock Hall despite his music largely being on the softer side Induction chances: 85%.

Wu-Tang Clan- Like most hip-hop after 1993, My knowledge of Wu-Tang Clan is limited. However, I like members' rap names and their mix of hip-hop and eastern philosophy, it makes them unique. Not to mention I cannot be against any rap group from the Tri-State area, I do think Wu-Tang Clan could be the sole rap inductee since most voters will bunch Lauryn Hill with the other R&B acts despite her rap pedigree. Induction Chances: 75%

Now that my thoughts are in order, Here is my early prediction on who will enter the Rock Hall this year:

-Mariah Carey

-Phil Collins

-Melissa Etheridge

-INXS

-Oasis

-Luther Vandross

-Wu-Tang Clan (If seven inductees)

Good luck to all the nominees!!

Roxy Music- More Than This

Now let's discuss how I got into music appreciation. One Summer day in 2011, I was looking at on demand music videos on my TV and found "More Than This" by Roxy Music. I previously looked up the album it came from "Avalon" and discovered it was their last album. So I though this was going to be bad song. However, it blew me away of how beautiful it was. What really got me is this halfway point where the song becomes an instrumental with Andy MacKay's sax blending with the synths, the occasional drum fills and Phil Manzanera's spacey guitars. By the time it was over, I was taken back and leaned sometimes a band can go out on a high note. 

There was another video I saw that day that really got me but that's for another time. For now let's enjoy Roxy Music' swan gong and one of the best love songs of the 80's.