In the first few years of the new Millenium, Starsailor was a major player in the post Brit-Pop musical landscape in the United Kingdom.  The critics loved them, they put on a decent live show, and they had a series of hits.  The problem for this discussion, and my God, we are getting tired of typing this; they did not make it in the United States, which like it or not, has to occur for a serious Hall of Fame run.

From Toronto, the very difficult to categorize band, “Stars” may have found a way to blend the retro Soul of Marvin Gaye, with the Post Punk of New Order.  The result was a surprisingly beautiful sound that though did not sell a lot of records, pleased all of those who bought it.  It is not exactly a Hall of Fame resume, but they did leave a mark in a thriving musical community.

A critically acclaimed Hip Hop artist, RJD2 embraced Electronica more than many of his peers and indirectly had quite the Indie and Alt Hip Hop feel.  It didn’t always translate into album sales though, and a Hall of Fame induction seems a far away at this point, though he has evolved into an excellent producer.

A very respected Punk Rock band from the Second City, Rise Against was a little more structured than they got credit for, especially lyrically.  The band would become known for political stances, human rights and well, “Rising Against” the inequalities they saw in the world.  This may actually be one of the more accurately named bands in recent memory.