(CNN) -- The nominations for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 have been released, and it's an interesting list.
First time nominees Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, Eric B. & Rakim, the Cure, and Heart will go up against returning nominees the Beastie Boys, Donovan and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The nominees are:
Beastie Boys
The Cure
Donovan
Eric B. & Rakim
Guns 'N Roses
Heart
Joan Jett and The Blackhearts
Freddie King
Laura Nyro
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Rufus with Chaka Khan
The Small Faces/The Faces
The Spinners
Donna Summer
War
"The 2012 Nominees embody the broad scope of what 'rock and roll' means," said Joel Peresman, President and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation.
According to the press release, to be eligible for nomination "an individual artist or band must have released its first single or album at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination." That means the 2012 nominees must have released their first recording no later than 1986. (Sorry, Justin Bieber, check back in 2034.)
Ballots will be sent out to over 500 voters, who will choose the artists to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Winners will be announced on April 14, 2012, at the 27th Annual Induction Ceremony, held in Cleveland, Ohio.
Visit rockhall.com for more details, and information about tickets for the ceremony.
Thoughts on the nominees?
Beastie Boys - one of my all time favorites. But they're hip-hop, not rock and roll so.....nope.
The Cure - I'm not sure how they made the list, but sometimes the best criteria for a HOF candidate is "ya know it when ya see it." No
Donovan - Yes
Eric B. & Rakim - S.hit rap, no idea why they were nominated. 0% chance.
Guns 'N Roses - if they had stayed together and cranked out 10-12 more records that were at least a tenth as good as Appetite, then probably yes. But, they didn't. No
Heart - borderline, but I think their 80's resurgence gives them enough resume to get in. Yes.
Joan Jett and The Blackhearts - No.
Freddie King - Since rock and roll has it's roots in blues, I think it's consistent to include great blues artists whose influence help to create and shape the genre. Yes.
Laura Nyro - I consider myself somewhat knowledgable about music, and I had to google her. No.
Red Hot Chili Peppers - I think so. Tons of hits, consistency of output over an extended period of time, cultural iconic status, still getting it done over 20 years later. Yes.
Rufus with Chaka Khan - Bwahahahaha. No.
The Small Faces/The Faces - Another hard one to judge. I think so, from an influence perspective. Yes.
The Spinners - Again, kinda hard to gauge, but they did have quite a few #1's. A little out of my wheelhouse, but yes.
Donna Summer - LOL
War - Yes