I tend to agree with Greg on this.  I like Eugene's disk.  He's obviously talented as a guitarist, songwriter and singer, but I found I did not love the disk nearly as much as I thought I would and I think it is for the same reasons stated by Greg.  
I also hear too much direct EC influences in the songs for me to feel that this disk is something completely fresh or totally original (or is not something I have heard before).  
I still plan on seeing Eugene and Cliff play in Lancaster, PA this fall.  I would like to check out his guitar work in a live setting.
Mark E.

:) 
> 
> 
> OK, I'll bite. Well played, well produced, catchy songs and a nice disc to 
> drop in the #1 slot on Mr. Edwards resume. Also, much admiration and 
> respect to those list members involved in bringing this product to market 
> and spreading the word through tours, etc. 
> 
> Having said that (and I DO like the disc), I don't think this will make my 
> Top 10 this year. To my ears, the Costello influence (circa My Aim is True, 
> This Years Model, Armed Forces) just bubbles too near the surface and 
> becomes distracting at times. Granted, that's a pretty nice starting point, 
> but I hope he distills those influences down some in the future. 
> 
> I wonder if some of this attitude comes from my age. Born in 1959, I was 
> too young to be interested in the Beatles during their run. So today, if I 
> hear something that is heavily Beatles influenced, I tend to find "new" 
> things in it to capture my interest. But I was a full-fledged punk in 
> 77-79, and devoured all the Costello LP's. When I hear someone attempting 
> to update the early Elvis sound, I tend to think "been there, done that". 
> And I'm probably too quick to dismiss. 
> 
> My problem, your mileage will vary. I like the disc, as will 90+% of 
> Auditees. I hope Anna and all the others will continue to support Gene and 
> provide the infrastructure necessary so we can enjoy his growth. 
> 
> greg 
> 
>