I see Mr. Lanois as kind of the Stanley Kubrick of record producers--but in a good way. I was never too fond of mr. kubrick, but you could say this about his work: there was never any doubt as to whose film it was. He had an inimicable style that was all his own--love it or hate it.
I am very fond of Mr. Lanois' work. He has produced a wide variety of artists, but each recording has a style that just screams "Lanois!". An earlier post said that he had an "organic" approach to producing a record, and I would have to agree with that.
As far as his own records go, I am just smitten with Acadie. It's one of the finest recordings I have ever heard. Well-performed, well-recorded, well-produced, well-written. My only problem with it is that it doesn't have a lyrics sheet. For the Beauty of Wynona still leaves me a little cold. But I haven't given up on it yet. It is a challenging listen.
Just my $.02
BeauD