I think Mr. Johnston very much fits into the aquired taste bracket. I've got a couple of his CD's and I still can't decide whether he's a genius or utter shite.

David Sylvian is another who i feel fits in that category. If you follow his solo career, buying every new release without fail, it's a bit of a journey to say the least. I personally love him but it's caused many an angry discussion between me and my brother (who absolutely detests him), the only music argument we regularly have.

that I've dragged the GLW to. She never quite forgave me for Peter Hammill or American Music Club and she bravely endured Sylvian live on his recent tour until I was the one who got pissed off and decided to leave early!
Anything "left-field" by and large will be favoured by males, but women will find difficult..esp. if it's slightly more abrasive.
Occasionally an artist just hoodwinks the critical community outright (explain the career of Oasis please) and they're even trying to push the sonic envelope..
The Joanna N. CD is a case in point. I've still not forgiven Jude Rogers (or the majority of the Word staff) for foisting this appalling artist upon us. I try to find something to like in everything I buy, but she outfoxed me. Terrible, twee lyrics and sub "Highway" arrangements (didn't Harry Seacombe always have a harp player with him?).

Come to think of it Miss Newsom sounds a bit like Neddie Seagoon.