Grammys Add 25 Records To Hall of Fame

The Grammys added 25 new recordings to their Hall of Fame -- everything from turn of the century 78s to Barbra Streisand's debut. Most of the choices make sense: Jimi Hendrix's "Axis of Love" (which gives Hendriz a hat trick), BB King's essential "Live at the Regal," the O-Jays single "Love Train," the Weavers with "Goodnight Irene" and Bessie Smith with "Downhearted Blues."

But some of it is head-scratching. I think "Hair" is fine for a time capsule, but should the original cast album really be in the Hall of Fame? And I've never been a fan of "An American in Paris" but we'll leave that alone for the real head-scratcher -- Bob Marley's "Exodus." Marley is already in the Hall with the singles "No Woman, No Cry" and "Get Up, Stand Up" (as well as Eric Clapton's cover of "I Shot The Sheriff"). But this is his first album to be included. I don't know anyone who would start with "Exodus." It's very good, but nothing compared to "Catch A Fire" and "Burnin'" and "Natty Dread" and "Live!" Heck, I'd probably even start with the greatest hits compilation "Legend," one of the best-selling albums of all time.

Even worse are the omissions. They've already inducted both the cast and soundtrack for "West Side Story" but still no other Sondheim. Michael Jackson is in there for the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back" but keeping "Thriller" (and even "Off The Wall") out is just foolish. Finally, the complete lack of rap and hip hop makes the Hall of Fame a joke. No Public Enemy's "It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back?" No Run DMC? No "White Lines" from Grandmaster Flash, Melle Mel and the Furious Five? No Dr. Dre? No Beastie Boys? Not even "Sugarhill Rap," the first Top 40 rap/hip-hop hit? The Hall is filled with black artists so they're not being racist. Just stupid.