The Essential Bowie Albums

On the anniversary of his ascension, here are the records that really matter. Don’t get lost in the late career, the rarities, the live albums, or the posthomous releases — listen to these.

David Bowie statue in Buckinghamshire, UK. © Copyright Des Blenkinsopp and licensed for reuse under a Creative Commons Licence.

When I think about my favorite musical artists of the 20th century, I think about Duke Ellington…