I saw Bowie at the Montreal Forum in July of 1983, the Serious Moonlight Tour, and was struck by the number of huge hits the guy had at his disposal. And they're not just hits either, but really great and lasting songs, rock and roll art. All this to say that the task that I've set for myself (a top ten of favourite Bowie songs) is going to be a tough one. But, here we go:

10. "Lady Grinning Soul" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvieJsPcUbk): Although I think Aladdin Sane is great, I've always felt that the first side is much stronger than the second (I'm referring to the LP version, of course), but this astonishing closing number elevates not only the side but the entire album.

9. "Always Crashing in the Same Car" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2vEtfyveeY): "Every chance, every chance that I take/ I take it on the road..." What an opening line. The best song on Low, and that's saying something.

8. "Ashes to Ashes" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-IkC3isMoc): Imagine someone writing a sequel to their most important song, the one that made them famous, revered - and surpassing it.

7. "Sweet Thing/Candidate/Sweet Thing (Reprise)" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBezS7ElQJU&feature=related): A beautiful melody that stands out even on an album full of them, and a lovesong to a cityscape, worthy of comparison with early Eliot.

6. "Andy Warhol" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoPPiDkXO3Y): One of three great homages on Hunky Dory, his first great album, with the others to Dylan and the Velvets. Bowie's taste was impeccable, obviously, and now he provides that opportunity for others.

Tomorrow: the top five.