Buncha pals and I were sitting around last night trying to think of artists who have had long recording careers (say > 12 albums) who haven’t ever recorded an absolute stinker - e.g. guys like, say Joni Mitchell or John Prine or Miles Davis. Can anyone offer some artists who have been around for a while who don’t have a really embarassing “skeleton in the closet” album, or at least one that all their fans seem to agree sucks?
mm
Tom Waits has been recording sublime album after album since Closing Time in 1972. Personally, I like his '70s-'80s output best, but he released *Real Gone * in 2004, and he’s still “got it.”
The first artist that comes to my mind with a long, and extremely eclectic, career would be Elvis Costello who has covered every genre known to pop music and made a positive contribution.
I can’t think of a James Taylor record that I don’t like. And he’s been going at it steadily since his first record with The Original Flying Machine (“Sweet dreams and flying machines, in pieces on the ground” Fire and Rain), back in 1967.
StG
Elton John
Uh!!
…Blue Moves in '76 was acrually recorded by a Elvis John! :dubious:
David Bowie has had quite a good run of things
66 (!) years and counting. They have a raft of Grammys under their belt, including a couple in “popular music” categories. As far as I know, they have never released a stinker.
Willie Nelson, and a lot of other country people.
Tom Paxton, and a lot of other folk people.
I toured their website - quite a history and what an incredible range of artists that they have and are currently working with!
Is it true that there are three original founding members still with the group?
Also to echo **Annie-Xmas’s ** post - how about the recent success of one of the “old guard” of country music Loretta Lynn.
Just bought Johnny Mathis’ brand new “Isn’t It Romantic”. Still have his “Wonderful, Wonderful” etc., 45 vinyls that I bought in 1954+. He’s pushing 70 and still sounds like 20 (though seems to be some electronic enhancements in the new one).
Yep. Pretty amazing, huh? And they tour!
**Greetings From Asbury Park ** came out in 1972. **Devils and Dust ** came out this week. In between, Bruce Spingsteen has created some of the most original and moving music ever.
“It ain’t no sin to be glad you’re alive”. 
Niel Young. Although some people may take issue with that thing with “The Shocking Pinks”, I thought it was somewhat interesting at the time . . . 
Alberta Hunter recorded in the twenties through the eighties. She rocked.