Rusted Root - 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 blasé 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 Amazon.com

Rusted Root S/T

I am listening to this right now. Certainly not my favorite RR album, but it is still quite enjoyable. It has a more light-hearted feel than most of their other stuff, which makes for enjoyable listening even if there isn't as much under the surface, musically. I love the duo of Airplane into Agbadza, which both also fit nicely with My Love earlier on (all three of which admittedly recall the group's older material). Of course the Stones cover is awesome. 4 stars. September 30, 2008

Great stuff

Wow. These guys are amazing. My brother likes them a lot, and he eventually got me into them, and now they're one of my favorite bands. This CD is amazing, it's got tribal aspects to it, originality, and is one of the best CD's I think I've heard in my entire life. December 9, 2005

greatest delight

this cd is so great. mine broke a year ago and i had to replace it! my cd collection was not complete without it! July 23, 2004

Wouldn't buy this based on the clips

I came here on a recommendation from a friend as a "must buy" and after listening to the clips, every song sounds more or less the same and the lead vocalist seems to sing in the same notes and key in each song. Sort of reminds me of an updated "hootie" sound. Not innovative sounding enough to make me want to spend money on this album. October 3, 2003

Brilliant album

I was dissapointed with this album at first. It's difficult to really understand and it doesn't have the same supeficial catchyness that "When I Woke" did. Once I got used to it, however, it has become one of my favorite albums. There's an old indian philosophy that claims that all things are composed of circles or cycles. This album is a musical expression of the emotional cycles we all go through woven together perfectly with intricate drumming and instramental coordination. Being a musician, I see this album as a testament to the power of music. March 15, 2002

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