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Keller @ Large: Hall Of Fame Outrage

BOSTON (CBS) - It happens every year at about this time: the music industry insiders who choose nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame release their list, and every music fan in America immediately descends into heated argument over it.

Including yours truly.

Listen to Jon's commentary:

Keller at Large Oct 18 2013

Among the new nominees who seem worthy are Nirvana, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, and Yes.

But - the Zombies? Cat Stevens? Kiss? A derivative '60's pop group, an undistinguished folk singer, and a costume novelty act are Hall of Fame material?

No way, not when Stevie Ray Vaughan, arguably the greatest guitarist ever (after Hendrix); the J. Geils Band from Mission Hill, kings of blues-rock; and the Tower of Power, the world's greatest (and longest-lasting) soul band, aren't in there.

For that matter, where's Jethro Tull and Joe Cocker? Have the Hall of Fame nominators been living in a cave for the past 40 years?

If you're really into this discussion, you should know there's a group called "Get Them Out of the Rock Hall" that has compiled a list of inductees who should get the boot, and they make some compelling arguments.

For instance, one of their board members says of Madonna: she's "a con artist who only got into music to get attention. If movies had worked out, you think she'd still be making records?" Well said, Madonna's music is garbage.

If she's in, why not just induct Miley Cyrus right now and be done with it?

Of course, there are few things in this life more subjective than musical taste, or more likely to inspire passion. Sports halls of fame have the advantage of being able to rely on statistical measures.

But really – Kiss gets nominated, but Weird Al Yankovic does not?

What a hall of fame outrage.

You can listen to Keller At Large on WBZ News Radio every weekday at 7:55 a.m. You can also watch Jon on WBZ-TV News.

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