Chris Mess's Bowie recommendations

In Chris Mess, we play one David Bowie song, "Ziggy Stardust." I've never really been into Bowie, except for what I've heard on the radio. But playing "Ziggy" has given me a true appreciation of this man's genius (there's something about getting "inside" a song that really helps you understand it).

Last night, after Chris Mess played "The Mercury," Chris and my brother Erik had breakfast at The Hurricane Cafe. We got to talking about music, and Erik asked Chris what Bowie he should buy. Chris sent an e-mail that I thought others might appreciate, too.

"As for Bowie, for his 70's period I recommend first and foremost the album "Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars". Incredible from beginning to end--lots of songs you've never heard before on the radio, which are nonetheless amazing. "Hunky Dory" would be next. This cd is full of elaborate piano ballads which are masterfully done in Bowie's 70's style, and then the last track is the rocker "Queen B*tch". It's a mellow listen, "Hunky Dory", but a good one. For something on the edgy experimental side, try "Scary Monsters"--Robert Fripp plays on it throughout. This is the cd that contains the hit "Ashes to Ashes" which is an amazing song."