I woke up to the news of the latest inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this morning. For years, now the Hall has been honoring some of my all time favorite musical acts, but today’s group of inductees (you can see them all here) definitely hit home. For the first time, three of the acts that were so honored are truly of, by and for my generation of music fans. And I am a big fan of all three.
I guess it makes sense. After all, 40 today means 15 in 1986: the year all of these groups first hit any kind of recognition. At the same time, two of the three call Los Angeles home (and the third lived and recorded in Los Angeles during one of their most fruitful periods, which also coincided with my college years).
The induction of the Beastie Boys, Guns ‘N Roses and the Red Hot Chili Peppers is definitely a clear sign of transition into a different generation for the RNRHOF. Here are two songs from each band: one representing a “favorite” among their hit songs and the other representing a “favorite” among their deeper “album cuts.” Enjoy! (And, if you’re a fan, too, share yours!)
Beastie Boys
Perhaps the greatest video of the MTV music era: Sabotage
THE best Beastie Boys song: Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun
Guns ‘N Roses
Guitar lessons available here: Sweet Child O’ Mine
Who knew murder could sound so catchy? Used to Love Her
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Two things – great treadmill song; mentions Pleaides (hello Fullerton High School): Can’t Stop
The greatest (only?) song about the Lakers’ greatest era, from some big fans: Magic Johnson
Best hip-hop record ever made > Paul’s Boutique by Beastie Boys
Not a fan of GNR. I was more into the grunge that would follow & the metal that came before.
Ahhh, the Chili Peppers made my hardcore country music loving brother start to realize that music has many different forms and just as valuable. Californication opened his eyes to the WHOLE musical landscape. One of these days, I’ll get him to listen to the Uplift Mofo Party Plan….