{This is the fourth in an occasional series documenting some of the horrendous CD choices that I've made over the years with attempts to put into context/explain the rationale behind such purchases.
I have nearly 500 CDs, which is by no means massive, and although I've weeded my collection down over the years, there still lurks many albums that have survived for various reasons - little of which involves actual musical talent.}
Artist: Kid Rock
Album: The History of Rock
Times Played Since 2000: 4
At one point in time, Kid Rock's "Devil Without A Cause" was a fairly decent party album, and it was because of that project that I chose to purchase "The History of Rock" many years ago. 
This was a classic mistake. Buying a hastily-released, follow-up album is the bread and butter of used CD stores. These albums are typically brutal efforts by artists and record labels to milk money from the public while supplying inferior products.
"History of Rock" certainly falls into this category, and although the bar was set pretty low from the outset, it still managed to exceed those expectations. Most tracks felt like studio outtakes that should never have seen the light of day. Others were just lazy boasting with slow rhythms backing the vocals. 
At the very least, I figured that my purchase would yield several tracks to provide solid workout music for my Ipod, however, even the best song on the album, "American Badass," made me laugh out loud towards the end. It was entirely due to the lyrics as I found it impossible to sing along with:
Who knew I'd blow up like Oklahoma
Said fuck high school, pissed on my diploma
Smell the aroma, Check my hits
I know it stinks in here, cause I'm the Shit
"I know it stinks in here, cause I'm the Shit" - that is hilarious except I'm not sure that Rock is in on the joke.
In the case of the album, however, the joke was entirely on me and it's still a mystery as to why it remains in my collection as there is a plethora of used CD stores in Austin.
-BDS
I don't like Kid Rock. Can't stand his style, and I'm not too big a fan of his music. That quote's pretty damn funny though :D
Music purchase rule to live by : If a "artist" samples or otherwise uses tunes from another artist for his or her own material, there's a slim to none chance the whole album will be good, and a pretty good chance NONE of it will be worth a damn. I hope "Rid Kock" has invested well over the years, because it's probably over for him.
Grace - I can't say I'm a big fan either, but that quote cracks me up every single time. Ha.
Heff - Agreed. That's a fine rule, and from an article I've read here or there about Rock, he seems to live well - the question is for how long. You'd think that at least some part would be OK as the law of averages kicks in at some point. But as you noted, there's a good chance that you'd still be wrong in that assumption.
I've not been to Austin, but if used CD stores in Austin are anything like used CD stores in Toronto, they've got their share of Kid Rcok CDs and won't offer you a penny for yours.
I like American Badass *hangs head in shame* .... and "cowboy"
WhatIgot - Dammit. I haven't been to one in awhile, but I'm going to check the next time I go to see if anything is different between Canada and Austin. I'm hoping for $1.50. We'll see.
Miss Ash - In general, I do too - especially Cowboy. That's why Badass irritates me for that line because I like it fine otherwise (and have it on my Ipod for working out).
The best thing Kid Rock did was a bit part in "Joe Dirt" haha
I actually like "Cowboy" as well, but can't think of anything else worth listening to.
First time I heard "Cowboy" was at a peeler bar. I musta heard it half a dozen times that night. It gets pretty tired pretty fast.
He's a musician? I had no idea. Seriously, I thought he was a celeb only because he was married to Pamela Anderson.
OK, OK, I knew... but he b l o w s.
Jlee - You're right as I almost forgot about Joe Dirt, which was nothing to write home about either. Ha. I do like Cowboy on occassion.
WhatIgot - I can imagine as I like to hear Cowboy about once every 2 years, but I like those lyrics about "rap like _____, ball like Lakers, they told us to leave . . . " shit, I can't remember the rest.
Anonymous Boxer - The staggering thing is that he's sold something like 15 million albums. Seriously. It's somewhat staggering, but then again, nothing much surprises me these days. Ha.
Devil Without A Cause is one of my guilty pleasure CDs. I rarely listen to it, but I don't regret buying it either. That said, it's plenty of Kid Rock for my CD collection. I won't be adding more.
And possibly the one exception to Heff's rule is the Beastie Boys album Paul's Boutique. The album that almost buried the band b/c they got sued so much over copywright issues.
I always say - If your own original music isn't good enough to use, you shouldn't be in the business. Sampling should be outlawed !
(climbing off soapbox)
Native Minnow - Guilty pleasure is exactly where 'Devil' fits in my book. But it is perversly (sp?) listenable every so often. Ha.
Also, 'Boutique' is a good example, but even that one took some time after its initial release before it was given some due. At least I think so - it was awhile ago and I'm trying to remember.
Heff - I figured you'd have some passionate views on the subject. Ha. I agree with no sampling as a general rule, but there's been some instances (not a ton) where I think it's OK or I simply don't recognize the sample.