Band with highest success/talent ratio?

Hmmm... some interesting choices. While Bowie isn't my cup of tea, he does seem out of place in Bill's list.

Rush is 3 mindless 3 chord juvenalia? Love them or hate them, they are monster musicians. They might not have a 3 chord song in their catalog.

The Beatles were obviously a misinterpretation of this thread's concept, as they likely are the measuring stick with which to compare everyone else.

The Stones really need to hang it up before they become complete embarassments? 15 years late on that call, Tomcy6. :)

My addition to this list would be The Cars.

Cheers.

Sure, I'm sick to death of Elton John, too. But no talent? That's just foolish. Remember, he wasn't always a 60-something noodling around with broadway shows.

And I continue to be surprised at the sheer number of people who mentioned the Grateful Dead. Sure, their style doesn't appeal to everyone (whose does?), but they were certainly the best in the style they chose to work in.

You've hit upon it, Achilles. Most just post their dislikes without questioning whether the artist was good at what they did. For instance, 2 artists that I really don't care for at all, but I surely acknowledge their great talent:

Steely Dan
Eric Clapton

I would never describe those 2 as low on talent, however much their music bores me.