The first time I heard Eric Johnson, back in the late 80's, he blew me away.  I have seen him in concert several times, but over the years I have really tired of him.  He is, clearly an amazing guitarist, and probably one of the most versatile guitarists on the planet.  He can play, literally anything from straight, blazing rock, blues, jazz/fusion and even new age type acoustic guitar (a la Windham Hill etc..).   But..he has one "problem", which I think interferes with his musicality.  He plays TOO MUCH.  I have heard him literally ruin an otherwise amazing guitar groove with way too many notes.  He seems to have this compulsion to throw everything in, but the kitchen sink, on each and every solo.  He does NOT appreciate the need/potential for using space and laying back.  I find some of his overdrive guitar tones somewhat annoying, and prefer his rythymn overdrive channels.

Now, that being said, I suppose my overall favorite EJ CD is Ah Via Musicom, because he combined restraint with his adolescent fondness for guitar masturbation and the sound was very balanced. 

Tones, is actually a musically more satisfying experience, because although the "sound" is not as great, the musicality, including the acoustic numbers, are more laid back and sparing, without the congestion of notes, he is so fond of.

Now a real gem is Seven Worlds, which is re-release of his early work, some of which he played with Electromagnets (his earlier band).  On that recording you can hear first renditions of Zap etc...Thank god, you don't hear that obsessive Hendrix-style overdrive on EVERY cut.  I'd highly recommend this one, if you love Eric Johnson.

Now..Venus Isle (Penis Idol) is classic for his obsession with his guitar neck as an "extension" of his body.  He ruins just about every song with the crowded note syndrome.  Terribly disappointing recording, from one so talented.  I think this was his last CD before forming his new band, Alien Love Child.   I hesitate to buy any more of his recordings, unless he changes format.

For those interested, I have a video of Eric live done in late 80's early 90's in which he does a starkly beautiful acoustic version of Kathy's song (old Simon and Garfunkel).    It is VHS.  I don't have another machine, but if you'd like to copy...have at it.  The quality is...so-so..some image skipping etc.   Lemme know.

I saw him once at a Blues fest in Charlotte, NC where he was very mis- matched with some of the blues greats..but he played a version of Stevie Wonder's "Uptight, Everything is Allright", that just knocked my socks off.  

Aside from his guitar work..I really do love his voice.

Gene