b o b

Rutherford's second solo album, this disc ranges from mediocre and forgettable to downright annoying. He seems to have gone out of his way to find the most grating keyboard and guitar tones known to man, and used them in service of some horrendously repetitive and dull pop songs. Then he topped 'em off with some annoying, nasal vocals. I really can't think of anything good to say about this disc. I guess the song "Couldn't Get Arrested" is slightly catchy in a moronic sort of way, but that's it. I bought this disc years ago when I found a cheap copy in a cut-out bin, forced myself to listen to it twice (the second time just to see if it had grown on me at all) and then shelved it. Out of all the Genesis-related albums I've heard, this is my least favorite (but then I haven't heard most of Phil Collins' solo albums). review by Bob Eichler — undated —

j o e

Never let it be said that we don't strive to be comprehensive on this site. Anyway, I know that if you're like me and were raised all proper-like, then you were told that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Well, for any covers you run across involving "Sumo All Star" cut-off sweatshirts: judge away, and with extreme prejudice at that. Rutherford's debut solo album, Smallcreep's Day, was actually a pretty decent prog-based effort in the style of late 70s Genesis. But merely three years down the road with this, one only senses a piss-poor and misguided attempt to emulate the recent pop success found by colleague Phil Collins. It's got that dinky, inoffensive, early-mid 80s Genesis pop sound that makes me instinctively bare my fangs. When he hits those high notes, Rutherford (the worst vocalist of Genesis' members past or present, nolo contendere) merely succeeds at approximating Collins' most abrasive singing. Highly sought after, but if you are in any doubt whatsoever: beware. This CD is a painful and pitiful listen, and I can state without flinching that I like not a single song on it. Features Stewart Copeland, obviously slummin' it in between albums with The Police. review by Joe McGlinchey — undated —