datdude said:

and the world would arguably be better w/o madge and her decades late wannabe. knowing "musical history" doesn't make one like an artist. and those two artists could easily be inserted into my OP. they're more style and substance too and nor do THEY occupy space on my shelves and shelves of music. i'm at least willing to give Bowie a shot cause of the damn near universal acclaim (there has to be something as haunting as say Sting's Fragile)

Some of Madonna's albums such as Like A Prayer and Ray of Light have had universal acclaim from music critics. So why not give her the same chance as David, but instead say the world would be better without her ? But I don't see why someone should like something or be forced to listen to some artist because the critics tell you they are great. Why not think for yourself? Music is so individual and personal that just because a lot of people like something doesn't mean you will like the same thing. I get the concept of David Bowie, but for me the main problem is I really don't like the tone of his voice. Prince who has the same concept and prolific quality as someone mentioned for me is much easier to get into because I enjoy his voice. Whether you like the tone of someone's voice is very personal and individual.

i'll concede that my phrasing re: about the world being better off without madge and gaga was a bit unnecessary or harsh. i was just alluding to the fact that i don't think they've added much of note to the musical canon. but like bowie, they're great conceptual and visual "eye candy". you make a great point about Bowie's voice (and voices in general) I'm NOT fan of his!! The songs I like by him are more about the production and I like them IN SPITE of his voice. i think that may be the prohibiting factor.

The only two periods that I don't dig his music are the pre Ziggy days and the 89-94 era where I feel he kinda fell off a little bit. Everything post Outside I love..