Ryan says:
The story starts earlier this week when I get a hankering to hear the '84 Genesis album. A lunchtime trip to a local Tower & Best Buy shoots blanks (BB did have the non-remastered CD version ... no thank ya). Heavy city traffic this evening finds me rerouted kinda close to an old favorite record haunt, so I figure I'll get a cheap vinyl copy. An hour and $2X wasted later ...
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Genesis/Genesis (1984) $1.99
A very pleasing listen, though I did start the needle at 'That's All'. Even the prog purists who dissed this at the time have to admit 'Home By the Sea' is pretty good.
verdict: worth it, I think.
 
Phil Collins/No Jacket Required (1985) $1.99
Emailing Eric earlier in the day, I mention the inexplicable Genesis jones, at which he states he's been meaning to pick up a cheap copy of NJR. He's welcome to borrow this when I'm done. AllMusic Guide should have a genre called 'Mid-80's Phil Collins' 'cause comparing this music to anything else is a toughy. Maybe a 42-year old Phil Collins fan recording in his basement? Again, none of this is really a slam, although Side 2's Who Said I Would is terrible Sussidio.
verdict: hmm, wasn't really ready for this one again.
 
Michael Franks/One Bad Habit (1980) $1.99
Why in the holy hell do I keep picking up these $1 Michael Franks albums? Maybe because that's eerily how I'd look if I lost the beard & kept the moustache? *sigh* The song 'Lotus Blossom' is mix CD worthy.
verdict: Ship an alternate universe Ryan off & have him bring back a Michael Franks mix CD from Japan and be done with it.
 
Stories/Stories (1972) $7.99
1972 Kama Sutra! Harpsichord and piano and moog!
False alarm, 'cause this album is pure shite. How about some songwriting, fellas? I can write better stuff bouncing basketballs off of the vibraphone. Once again, proves that music is good when a) from LMP b) theoretical c) combination of a+b.
verdict: How quickly can I sell this claptrap back?
 
Donovan/Lady Of The Stars (1983) $1.99
Donovan comeback in '83 where he redoes Sunshine Superman & Season Of The Witch. Not even a 'so bad it's good' scenario. Disappointed, but what the hell was I expecting? Will probably have to go find those 2 albums post the 'Hurdy Gurdy Man' LP to cleanse the Leitch palette.
verdict: I don't learn lessons very well.
 
Mojo Nixon/'Girlfriend In A Coma' (1995) $.99
Bought purely to give to a friend. Popped it in the CD and popped it out. Mojo should've taken note that the original is 2 mins long, and great because of it.
verdict: *blank stare*
 
Pole/R (Dim release 1998) $.99
Snagging a Pole release for a buck is cool. Me no listen yet - will probably do so when it's time to code.
verdict: slight vindication for most of the above
 
Half-Handed Cloud/Learning About Your Scale (2001) $2.99
I love the Danielson Famile & Pedro the Lion, and I love when Christian musicians just do their own thing. This album just kinda tested my patience though. I do respect it, especially since all the songs clock in around the 1:15 mark. However, until I grow old & die I just wanna hear songs ala Wichita Lineman & S.O.S. John Ringhofer and his Half-Handed Cloud is like lo-fi Christian Beefheart. Some people'll eat it up and take a Beefheart comparison as a complement - me & my brain can't take it. Keep the faith, brother.
verdict: anyone want to give this one a shot?
 

 
overall verdict: stop buying music & start making more music.