Well, it is that time of year again, the announcement of the 2008 nominees for the Hall. I personally wait for this day, in hope of being surprised and thrilled. But lately, dear committee, I certainly have been surprised, with horror that is.

It appears you are scrapping the bottom of the deep musical barrel. After twenty-one years of existence, who knew you'd get there so fast? Clearly you couldn't wait to get to the synth, hairspray sounds of the '80's.

I do not doubt Madonna's material mark on music. But what I do question is why she is nominated on her first year of eligibility when there are bands/musicians who have been eligible for years and yet have gotten a nomination. Does she have a new album dropping soon and needs publicity? Oh wait, yes, yes she is. Funny that.

The Dave Clark Five? Seriously? Pray tell what contribution to music did they make besides having a single that knocked the Beatles off the top of the charts ("Glad All Over" knocked the Beatles out of the #1 position on the UK Singles Chart in January 1964)? Oh I know, it is due to their record 18 appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show- more than any other UK group. Gotcha. While you are at it, maybe Gary Lewis and the Playboys should be considered.

There are so many people more worthy than a majority of this year's crowd. Without further ado, here are some of the most gleaming omissions:

Lesley Gore: Yes, its her party and she'll cry if she wants to, but she has given music more than a Karaoke standard. Gore is one of the most successful vocalists of the Girl Group era. Listening to her catalogue is a great study of feminist views in music. Her songs became anthems for the emerging feminist movement and provided inspiration for young Baby Boomer women. Released in 1964, "You Don't Own Me" is one, if not the first, pro-feminist pop songs, establishing the voice for future female singers.

Carole King: I realize Carole has already been inducted as part of the Goffin-King songwriting team, but if Eric Clapton can be inducted for every band he stepped foot in, then Carole King's solo career should be recognized. Remember that time she released that little album called Tapestry? If Lesley Gore introduced feminist thought to pop music, Carole King brought the triumphs and tragedies of the modern woman to the forefront in 1971. As one of the landmark albums of the singer-songwriter era, Tapestry would be on the charts for nearly six years, selling more than 10 million copies

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