V23|NO41
And the Nominees Are?
Didn’t know NWA and Public Enemy were rock ‘n’ roll
Each year we welcome in a new class of groups to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. And with every year, it makes you question the definition of “Rock ‘n’ Roll.” But nonetheless, all the artists that are nominated each year have had at least one single that makes you go, “Oh yeah, I know them!” You become eligible to be nominated for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame 25 years after the release of your first record. The hall considers influence and significance of the artists’ contributions to the development and perpetuation of rock ‘n’ roll; that’s according to their website. Leading this year’s nominees are two of the biggest acts in music history. They changed music forever, and the big artists of today quote them as major influences. Unfortunately, they aren’t rock ‘n’ roll. I am referring to NWA and Public Enemy. These amazing groups are two of the biggest hip-hop innovators of our time, so they are joining the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame? I’m not putting down songs such as “Straight Outta Compton,” “F*** the Police” and “911 (Is a Joke).” I’m also not putting down Dr. Dre, Ice Cube or Flava Flav, because they all scare me in their own way. I also respect them all. But I have to ask, is there a Hip Hop Hall of Fame? If so, would Bruce Springsteen be inducted, let alone nominated? I doubt it. Maybe “Rock ‘n’ Roll” doesn’t stand for rock music. Is “Rock ‘n’ Roll” an attitude, a persona, maybe a reputation? Maybe the definition is left up to you. I believe NWA is more “Rock ‘n’ Roll” then 90 percent of the current groups in the Hall of Fame. With the chance of sounding extremely cheesy, I think you are “Rock ‘n’ Roll” if you truly believe it. There are plenty of rock bands to fill up your ballots for this year’s class. Deep Purple, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Heart and Canadian rockers Rush. Slappa da bass. I cannot think of any reason why all of these bands shouldn’t be inducted. Even with Rush being the biggest nerd circuses of rock music, they are amazing. How can you argue with tracks like “Limelight,” “Fly By Night,” “Subdivisions” and “Tom Sawyer?” Of course, there are other notables on the list that skew the definition of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, like Donna Summer and Randy Newman. If you want your voice to be heard, for the first time ever, voting will be open to the public until December 5. You can head over to rollingstone.com for more details on how you can cast your vote. It is the voting season, you know. Hey look, people are doing good things in our community. Rock Out For Cancer is this Saturday, October 13, at First Round Bar on 11th Street. The show begins at 4 p.m. and there is a $2 cover charge, with all the proceeds going to the local chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for Doctor’s Hospital. You can see some great local bands like Severed Halo, Allgood Asylum and Stillview, just to name a few. Check them out on Facebook to get more details and you can come out and see me. I’ll be broadcasting live for 95 Rock from 8-10 p.m., auctioning off a drumhead signed by the members of Papa Roach. It’s for a good cause, and I’m pretty sure if you show up it will get you into Heaven. There is definitely one band that comes to Augusta and every girl in the city will be there. I’m talking about Hinder. Hinder, along with Lyman, Within Reason and Augusta’s own False Flag will be at the Country Club on Tuesday, October 16. Tickets are only $20. Last, if you are looking for a great cover band, check out the Talking Heads cover band Same as it Ever Was on Thursday, October 18, at Sky City. What shows are you checking out that you want me to write about? Have you gone to the Whisky Bar yet? Can I come? What does NWA stand for? Email me at matt@themetrospirit.com.
MATTSTONE can be heard weekdays from 2-6 p.m. on 95 Rock. 11OCTOBER2012
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 33