Two words; Over Processed.
ABBA-ish on some tracks (not good).
Stanley Clark did a few LP's in the early 1980's which were over processed - unfortunate for him.
I'm sure your friend has talent, probably sounds great live with a simple set-up.
I can't listen to this stuff, makes me depressed just thinking about it.
FYI:
While I'm at it, there is a certified car-nut starting up his own recording studio in Northern Michigan. I've heard some of the stuff he's worked on - very progressive without being over processed.
Link:
http://www.lachinemachine.com/
Ultra has posted samples here too:
http://www.carnuts.ws/viewforum.php?f=10