Amen to you, Gene...I can think of very few better examples of an artist crawling entirely up his own ass. Venus Isle still ranks among the most disappointing recordings I've ever heard in my life. I should have known what to expect after reading interviews where EJ bragged about being able to tell which brand of batteries was being used by the tone of his guitar.

That having been said, he's capable of greatness, and a class act by all accounts...he's still friends with fellow Austinite (and notorious bastard) Christopher Cross 20+ years on, which is no small accomplishment...