Traffic Vs. Van Morrison – Ultimate Classic Rock Hall of Fame Round One

The first round of the May 2013 Ultimate Classic Rock Hall of Fame includes two '60s acts that have left an indelible influence on subsequent generations of musicians. The winner of round one will face other iconic artists to determine who'll be the third act immortalized in the Ultimate Classic Rock Hall of Fame.

This round pits one of the most influential -- though relatively short-lived -- groups of the '60s against a solo performer, as Traffic and Van Morrison go head-to-head in a battle of epic rock and roll proportions. Long before Steve Winwood became a solo superstar, Traffic served as a musical laboratory for almost any musical idea imaginable; our list of the Top 10 Traffic Songs showcases an ensemble that essayed pop, rock, jazz, psychedelic, R&B, folk, blues and world music with equal aplomb.

Although the group may have Van Morrison outnumbered, you can't discount the perpetually angry Irish rocker, whose inimitable vocal chops are matched only by his seemingly permanently dour disposition. Morrison may well be the rocker you'd least like to have coming at you in a dark alley late at night, and on top of that, his talent and influence are undeniable, as our list of the Top 10 Van Morrison Songs can attest.

"Why Isn't My Favorite Band Nominated for the UCR Hall of Fame?"

So which artist will make it through this first round? It's group vs. individual, hippy-trippy musical experiments vs. street-smart rock, R&B and soul. Readers can vote once a day from now until 11:59PM ET on May 12. You can read the Hall of Fame’s official rules right here. Be sure to mark your calendars for June 1, when the third inductee into the Ultimate Classic Rock Hall of Fame will be revealed.