A List Of Things Thrown Five Minutes Ago

INDUCTION JUNCTION: It's time again for the blogosphere's favorite (and only, to my knowledge) look at all things Hall of Fame. With the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony coming up on Monday, news from that institution seems to be dominating the Hall news this week. I have a bunch of other nuggets from other Halls that I will try to add tomorrow, but for now, let's rock.

• Still it wouldn't be an Induction Junction without news from the Van Halen camp. Earlier this week I reported that all five main members of the band would be in attendance Monday at the Waldorf, but now it looks like only Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony will be in attendance. Eddie Van Halen checked himself into rehab today, which confirms the rumors that it was Eddie's drinking and not Diamond Dave's grating personality that torpedoed this summer's reunion tour. Alex is expected to skip the ceremony out of loyalty to Eddie and David Lee Roth is making noise about not attending because he is not being allowed to perform (organizers probably saw this or maybe this).
  
• Meanwhile, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and some music retailers, in an effort to boost album sales, but together a list of the 200 greatest albums of all time they are calling the Definitive 200. The usual suspects dominate the top 20 (Beatles, Dylan, Floyd, etc.), but things get very odd after that with Shania Twain, Alanis Morissette, Norah Jones among the notables placing albums above The Beatles' White Album (No. 39) and Revolver (42).
  
• The Ronnettes also are being inducted on Monday (deservedly so just for "Be My Baby," which is to singles what Joe DiMaggio's hit streak is to baseball records). They wouldn't be, though, if waiting-for-trial Phil Spector had his way.
  
• Here's a reminder that with the induction of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, rap and hip-hop have finally made their way to the Hall. It will be interesting to see which rappers and bands will get the nod over the years. Some like Public Enemy, Run-DMC, The Beastie Boys, and Outkast would seem to be slam-dunks, but what about NWA, Snoop Dog, LL Cool J, Tribe Called Quest, etc.? Feel free to speculate in the comments.
  
• The performance by all four original members of REM is sure to be a highlight Monday (don't forget the ceremony airs live on VH1 Classic). Michael Stipe says the band is excited to be inducted on the same night as one of its influences, Patti Smith. And Mike Mills, REM's bassist, diplomatically says he is, in fact, a big fan of all the performers being inducted Monday.
  
• And as for Smith, she says the honor would have made her parents very happy.