BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE

With each passing year, the analysis intensifies with regard to how "rock" the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees are.

Let the debate begin over the potential class of 2008. The diverse list of nominees includes Madonna, John Mellencamp, The Beastie Boys, Donna Summer, The Dave Clark Five, The Ventures, Afrika Bambaataa, Leonard Cohen and Chic.

Mellencamp, the DC5 and The Ventures arguably are the most rock of the bunch, but they are anything but no-brainers for induction. For one thing, all three have been eligible for years, so there must be reasons why the voters have passed on them before.

It’s not hard to read between the lines. Mellencamp (above), despite several great albums and a boatload of hits, simply isn't held in the same regard by critics as his peers Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty and Bob Seger.

That's unfortunate and unfair, and the DC5 holds a similar place in the pantheon of 1960s British Invasion artists.

As far as great instrumental bands go, The Ventures are right up there with Booker T. and the MG's, but outside of that group, the Rock Hall hasn't exactly welcomed nonvocal acts with open arms (sidemen and early influence distinctions excluded).

All of the '08 nominees have reached the masses and influenced other artists, rockers included. That justifies them making the list, but being voted in -- well, that's the hardest part.