Not every retro-flower-power outfit taps into the ponderous dullness that mars the genre. There are a few bands out there that rise above their peace-'n'-love trappings to produce some

Rusted Root

Not every retro-flower-power outfit taps into the ponderous dullness that mars the genre. There are a few bands out there that rise above their peace-'n'-love trappings to produce some memorable music. Rusted Root, for one. Fronted by Michael Hutchence sound-alike Mike Glabicki, the quietly compelling little combo has been mixing rock, reggae, and Far Eastern filigrees for several likable albums, molding a melange that's as unique as it is crowd-pleasing. Maybe a sense of humor is their secret. Glabicki seems to have a good deal of fun with the hippie concept, as on the blues-guitar-based "Live a Long Time" (which morphs into a goofy psychedelic rap-romp) or the hillbilly hoedown "Kill You Dead" (which would fit nicely on any early Violent Femmes folk fest). And when he tunes his cultural radar to higher frequencies--like on the bongo-hammered "Agbadza"--the results are every bit as intriguing as a Ry Cooder experiment. This isn't even the group's best work--the Rootsters veer toward too many blasÃ© ballads to maintain a keen interest. Even so, RR is miles ahead of Phish, and 10 times more sincere. Tie-dyed pop, your time has come. --Tom Lanham

Rusted Root