I agree - Purdell, who almost always works with partner Duan Barron (not this time?), is really good, as producers go nowadays.

Look - Mutt Lange is a mad genius and only works with million-sellers, Bruce Fairbairn is dead, Zito must be cost-prohibitive, Beau Hill is AWOL and they say his reputation with the labels is really damaged, Neil Kernon is doing these weird little groups in another style......The only other ones I can think of that are still around are David Prater, who is probably still engaged in the upcoming Diving for Pearls, and Keith Olsen - what the hell happened to him?

In fact, I'd probably pick Barron & Purdell over Shirley, who's definitely a good knob twiddler, but maybe Purdell could do a better job if he had those big budgets Shirley gets. I still think Shirley could have a more flair and has to develop his style a bit more, but we have yet to hear his latest opus so let's wait & see....

Barron & Purdell have also worked with Alice Cooper & Heart, doing a good job in those too. I think it's good that they have producers working on these things, because so much in the genre is self-produced. I understand that it's often done for budgetary reasons, but musically, it's usually not a good idea.

Cheers,
Jack.

PS - Hey, I just noticed that Mutt Lange looks just like that actor guy.....whatsisname....ah, yes William H. Macy. He's a reclusive William H. Macy with long hair........those of you who may not remember him, he was in Fargo, Air Force One, Boogie Nights, Mystery Men, Magnolia....