By Ken Barnes

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame released nine nominees for potential 2007 induction, which is always good for a spot of controversy. The names: Chic, the Dave Clark Five, Grandmaster (spelled "Grandmaser" in the release) Flash & the Furious Five, R.E.M., The Ronettes, Patti Smith, The Stooges, Joe Tex, and Van Halen.

> Chic: Slam-dunk. If anyone from the disco era should be included (and certainly, given its pop-scene-dominance for at least half a decade, someone should), this is the act -- the one with the instrumental chops, the catchy hits that endure, and the sheer musical innovations. I can (and will, if prompted), go on for hours about Chic, but will shut up now.