n the final days of 1999, Pause & Play saluted the year's Shoulda-Beens, the albums and songs that should have been hits but never were.
Now here are the Should-Be's, artists that should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame but aren't.
Think kindly of these forgotten souls when the Class of 2000 is inducted into the Rock Hall during its 15th annual ceremony March 6 at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York.
(In keeping with Rock Hall rules for Class of 2000 induction, this alphabetical list is limited to artists who have recorded prior to 1975.)
ABBA - The group: Anni-Frid "Frida" Lyngstad, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny 
Anderson, Agnetha Faltskog. Formed: 1970. What P&P says: The Swedish pop quartet disbanded nearly 20 years ago, and yet their music is as popular or more popular than ever before. Their songs have appeared on a slew of film soundtracks; their best-of collection still sells millions annually around the world, and many artists today laud the group's seemingly flawless productions and endless hook sense. That has to account for something. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: They're mindless pop songs, a product of the dreaded disco era. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 6 ... in the words of 1999 inductee Paul McCartney, "Let 'em in." Best song: "Dancing Queen" (Atlantic, 1976); best album: "Gold - Greatest Hits" (Polydor, 1993).
AEROSMITH - The group: Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton, Joey Kramer. Formed: 1970. What P&P says: They're not considered a huge hard-rock influence, certainly not in the vein of Black Sabbath or Deep Purple, but 26 years of hits speaks for itself. They alone should be rewarded for sticking to their guns, even when hard rock fell out of favor in the early to mid-'80s. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: These guys seriously rock; I'm voting for them next year. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 8 ... it's only a matter of time. Best song: "Dream On" (Columbia, 1973); best album: "Toys in the Attic" (1975).
HERB ALPERT & THE TIJUANA BRASS - The group: Alpert and mostly studio musicians until 1965, when he formed his own band. What P&P says: Anyone who ever took gymnastics lessons in the 1960s and '70s has had their fill of "Taste of Honey" and "Spanish Flea," and viewers of "General Hospital" will forever associate "Rise" with Luke's dance-floor attack on Laura in 1979, but you can't hold those and "This Guy's In Love With You" against Alpert, who deserves serious consideration for founding A&M Records with Jerry Moss in 1962. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: We may not get around to him for a while; let's wait and make him a non-performer selection in a few years, if at all. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 6 ... eventually. Best song: "Rise" (A&M, 1979); best album: "Whipped Cream & Other Delights" (1965).
BACHMAN-TURNER OVERDRIVE - The group: Randy, Tim and Robbie Bachman, C. Fred Turner. Formed: 1972. What P&P says: They didn't have as many hits as Randy's former band, The Guess Who, but some of this Vancouver-based group's best-known rock songs have stood the test of time. Heck, even Office Depot is "Takin' Care of Business." What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: The Guess Who haven't gotten in yet, so these guys don't have to hold their breath. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 3 ... take it like a man. Best song: "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" (Mercury, 1974); best album: "Not Fragile" (1974).
BAD COMPANY - The group: Paul Rodgers, Mick Ralphs, Boz Burrell, Simon Kirke. Formed: 1973. What P&P says: One of the all-time great supergroups; Rodgers and Kirke came from Free; Ralphs was in Mott the Hoople, and Burrell was a member of King Crimson. Together, they had 17 chart singles and six multiplatinum-selling albums. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: They're not a major influence, but they have left an indelible mark. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 6 ... you may be running with the pack someday. Best song: "Can't Get Enough" (Swan Song, 1974); best album: "Bad Company" (1974).
BADFINGER - The group: Pete Ham, Tom Evans, Joey Molland, Mike Gibbins. Formed: 1968. What P&P says: They had only three good years together and only four classic hits, but too many power-pop bands have cited them as a major inspiration. You can't ignore that. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: We can't induct people based on four songs; besides, they sounded too much like the Beatles. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 4 ... not a big enough groundswell. Best song: "No Matter What" (Apple, 1970); best album: "No Dice" (1970).
JOAN BAEZ - What P&P says: Joni Mitchell is rightfully in, but this 
preeminent folk singer should be right behind her. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: Hmmm, I had forgotten about her; she indeed has inspired several generations of folk artists. We may have to get her in soon or wait until she reaches the early-influence age. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 8 ... what's the hold-up? Best song: "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" (Vanguard, 1971); best album: "Diamonds & Rust" (A&M, 1975).
TONY BENNETT - What P&P says: No one says you have to be a rock star to get into the Hall of Fame; it's based on the performer's body of work and influence on others. This song stylist certainly has it all. Even the MTV crowd says so. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: He'll get in all right, but he'll have to wait for early-influence status. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 8 ... hang on, Tony. Best song: "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" (Columbia, 1962); best album: "Perfectly Frank" (1992).
GEORGE BENSON - What P&P says: What a talent - he can sing, he composes, he plays a mean guitar. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: Yeah, "Breezin' " was great, but then there's "Give Me the Night" and "Turn Your Love Around." End of story. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 4 ... but never give up on a good thing. Best song: "This Masquerade" (Warner, 1976); best album: "Breezin' " (1976).
BIG STAR - The group: Alex Chilton, Chris Bell, Andy Hummell, Jody Stephens. Formed: 1971. What P&P says: With Chilton, former lead singer of the Box Tops, at the helm, this Memphis group helped define '70s power-pop. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: Not enough recordings to justify inclusion. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 5 ... with cheers to "In the Street," wisely rejuvenated as the theme to "That '70s Show." Best song: "September Gurls" (Ardent, 1974); best album: "#1 Record" (1972).
BLACK SABBATH - The group: Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Terry "Geezer" Butler, William Ward, many lineup changes over the years. Formed: 1969. What P&P says: Mind-numbing hard rock that resonates well in 2000. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: I've been meaning to vote them in, but Billy Joel and the Eagles were my priorities for a while. (Ugh.) On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 9 ... reserve a seat for them. Best song: "Paranoid" (Warner, 1971); best album: "Paranoid" (1971).
BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS - The group: Al Kooper, Steve Katz, Bobby Colomby, David Clayton-Thomas. Formed: 1967. What P&P says: Top-notch musicians and a formidable singer, but admittedly horn rock sounds dated. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: Of the horn-rock bands, Chicago will get in first, but that may take some time. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 4 ... it's making them so very unhappy. Best song: "And When I Die" (Columbia, 1969); best album: "Blood, Sweat & Tears" (1968).
BLUE ÖYSTER CULT - The group: Eric Bloom, Donald "Buck Dharma" 
Roeser, Allen Lanier, Joe and Albert Bouchard. Formed: 1970. What P&P says: If all the Hall of Fame voters were red-blooded American teenage boys from the '70s, these Long Island rock veterans would be shoo-ins. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: They just don't have what it takes, but hey, awesome laser show. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 4 ... we're burnin' for you. Best song: "Cities On Flame With Rock and Roll" (Columbia, 1972); best album: "Secret Treaties" (1974).
GLEN CAMPBELL - Hi! I'm Glen Campbell! What P&P says: He was a studio standout in the early 1960s before replacing Brian Wilson in the Beach Boys in 1965, albeit briefly. Tough shoes to fill, but the singer-songwriter-guitarist went on to forge a tremendous solo career. And, gosh darn, "Rhinestone Cowboy" wasn't so bad. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: He's more appropriate for the Adult Contemporary Hall of Fame. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 3 ... at least he has true grit. Best song: "Wichita Lineman" (Capitol, 1968); best album: "Wichita Lineman" (1968).
CARPENTERS - The duo: Karen and Richard Carpenter. Formed: 1969. What P&P says: There they were, in the summer of 1971 as "Superstar" was climbing the pop chart, playing to a standing-room-only crowd at the Ohio State Fair. A pretty young woman with an angelic voice, wearing a long skirt and playing drums, as her awkward but talented older brother harmonized and played piano. That was the first concert P&P ever attended. We've been hooked ever since. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: They'll get in when Bread does. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 4 ... it's going to take some time. Best song: "Superstar" (A&M, 1971); best album: "Yesterday Once More" 2-CD best-of (1985).
CHUBBY CHECKER - What P&P says: "The Twist" went No. 1 in 1960 and late 1961, the only rock song to reenter the charts and return to the top. He also had 34 chart singles. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: A dance craze won't get him in, but he might make it in later as an early influence. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 6 ... keep twistin'. Best song: "The Twist" (Parkway, 1960); best album: "Your Twist Party" (1961).
CHICAGO - The group: Peter Cetera, Robert Lamm, James Pankow, Lee Loughnane, Terry Kath, Walt Parazaider, Danny Seraphine and several others since. Formed: 1967. What P&P says: More than 20 albums, most of them platinum-sellers, and nearly 50 chart hits across four decades - geez, what more do you want? If Billy Joel can get inducted, so should these guys. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: We hate horn rock, and we hate groups that use Roman numerals for album titles. Go away. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 4 ... baby, what a big surprise it would be if they gained admission. Best song: "25 or 6 to 4" (Columbia, 1970); best album: "Chicago IX - Chicago's Greatest Hits" (1975).
THE CHI-LITES - The group: Eugene Record, Robert "Squirrel" Lester, Marshall Thompson, Creadel "Red" Jones. Formed: 1963. What P&P says: If you ever saw them live, even in the late 1980s, you would be believers, too. They were the cream of the 1970s R&B vocal crop. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: Sure, they had a No. 1, 22 other pop hits and 41 R&B hits, but they were no Four Tops. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 4 ... for God's sake, give more power to the people. Best song: "Oh Girl" (Brunswick, 1972); best album: "The Chi-Lites Greatest Hits" (1972).
DAVE CLARK FIVE - The group: Dave Clark, Mike Smith, Lenny Davidson, Denny Payton, Rick Huxley. Formed: 1960. What P&P says: 15 Top 40 hits from 1964 to '66; that nearly rivals the Beatles. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: They're not the Beatles. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 4 ... but they got what it takes. Best song: "Glad All Over" (Epic, 1964); best album: "The Dave Clark Five's Greatest Hits" (1966).
JIMMY CLIFF - What P&P says: He did a lot to popularize reggae outside Jamaica, particularly with his role in the landmark film "The Harder They Come." What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: He's definitely a pioneer, but he'll have to wait his turn. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 6 ... sooner or later. Best song: "Many Rivers to Cross" (Mango, 1975); best album: "The Harder They Come" soundtrack (1975).
PATSY CLINE - What P&P says: What, you mean she's not already in?! Holy cow! Her presence is felt in country, rock and pop circles, even 37 
years after her death in a plane crash. No one sang tear-jerking ballads better. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: We really dropped the ball on this one, for sure. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 9 ... a wrong will be righted. Best song: "Crazy" (Decca, 1961); best album: "The Patsy Cline Collection" (MCA, 1992).
ALICE COOPER - The group: Alice Cooper (Vincent Furnier), Glen Buxton, Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway, Neal Smith and many others since. Formed: 1965. What P&P says: Without the Prince of Darkness, the king of shock-rock, there would be no Kiss and a million others. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: He's a potential candidate; it just may take some time. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 7 ... he's gonna be elected! Best song: "School's Out" (Warner, 1972); best album: "Welcome to My Nightmare" (Atlantic, 1975).
DEEP PURPLE - The group: Ritchie Blackmore, Rod Evans, Jon Lord and Ian Paice and Nicky Simper (replaced by Ian Gillan and Roger Glover in 1969), numerous lineup changes thereafter. Formed: 1968. What P&P says: The legendary heavy-metal group ripped through cover versions and original material like no other; bands today still cop their riffs. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: It's a glaring omission, we know; this isn't a perfect science. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 7 ... hush, they'll make it in eventually. Best song: "Smoke On the Water" (Warner, 1973); best album: "Machine Head" (1972).
NEIL DIAMOND - What P&P says: His songs are still being covered today, the ultimate compliment. Don't judge him for "You Don't Bring Me Flowers," "Love On the Rocks" and "Heartlight." Praise him for "Solitary Man," "Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon," "Kentucky Woman," "Red Red Wine." What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: "Song Sung Blue" and that wretched "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" soundtrack ... we rest our case. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 5 ... Billy Joel should open the door for you. Best song: "Solitary Man" (Bang, 1966); best album: "The Greatest Hits 1966-1992" (Columbia, 1992).
DONOVAN - What P&P says: Sure, he was tripped out and rarely made sense, but songs like "Season of the Witch" and "Sunshine Superman" were cutting-edge for their time and reverberate today (just ask Beck). What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: He's too much of a flower child; let us know when the buzz wears off. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 5 ... we like you! Best song: "Sunshine Superman" (Epic, 1966); best album: "Sunshine Superman" (1966).
ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA - The group: Roy Wood, Bev Bevan, Jeff Lynne, many others since. Formed: 1971. What P&P says: They took orchestral rock to new heights and tipped their hats to the Beatles along the way. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: "Xanadu" ... need we say more? On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 4 ... face the music. Best song: "Don't Bring Me Down" (Jet, 1979); best album: "Out of the Blue" (1977).
THE 5TH DIMENSION - The group: Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis Jr., Florence LaRue, Lamont McLemore, Ron Townson. Formed: 1966. What P&P says: Ah, c'mon, you let the Mamas and Papas in. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: We already let the Mamas and Papas in. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 4 ... keep workin' on that groovy thing. Best song: "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" (Soul City, 1969); best album: "The 5th Dimension/Greatest Hits" (1970).
GENESIS - The group: Peter Gabriel, Anthony Phillips, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford and several replacements thereafter, including Phil Collins and Steve Hackett. Formed: 1967. What P&P says: Forget about the '80s; honor them for their progressive-rock advances in the '70s, with the brilliant Gabriel out front. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: We're going to let it slide from "Invisible Touch" and beyond and give them a long, hard look. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 7 ... they have their own special way. Best song: "Squonk" (Atco, 1976); best album: "Selling England By the Pound" (Charisma, 1973).
THE GUESS WHO - The group: Burton Cummings, Randy Bachman, Jim Kale, Garry Peterson and numerous replacements. Formed: 1966. What P&P says: They're considered the premier Canadian singles band, but they also were adept at albums, such as "American Woman," "Share the Land" and "So Long, Bannatyne," but Bachman's bitter departure in 1970 may have sealed their fate. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: A pop/rock influence? Maybe in Canada. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 3 ... guess not. Best song: "American Woman/No Sugar Tonight" (RCA, 1970); best album: "The Best of The Guess Who" (1971).
DARYL HALL & JOHN OATES - Formed: 1972. What P&P says: They're the most successful duo of the rock era - 34 chart hits, six No. 1s, 17 albums (all but four at least gold or platinum). What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: "Adult Education" and "Method of Modern Love" are a far cry from the blue-eyed soul of "She's Gone" and "Sara Smile." They lost their muse. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 5 ... some things are better left unsaid. Best song: "She's Gone" (Atlantic, 1974); best album: "Abandoned Luncheonette" (1974).
THE HOLLIES - The group: Allan Clarke, Graham Nash, Tony Hicks, Eric Haydock, Don Rathbone, with several changes. Formed: 1962 What P&P says: It's a crying shame this British pop-rock group, known for its grasp of melody and harmony, has been overlooked so long. What Rock Hall voters probably are thinking: Maybe in a few years. On a scale of 1 to 10, the probability of getting in? 7 ... your day will come. Best song: "Bus Stop" (Imperial, 1966); best album: "The Hollies' Greatest Hits" (1967).
