A few years ago, I turned on the radio and heard Blues Traveler's John Popper tearing through this funky, sarcastic blues number. Turned out it was "Miserable Bastard" from his solo disc, Zygote.

Well, as I was compiling my latest "random acts" burn disc, I had a major "feenin'" for that song and tracked down the disc at a cool, local "used/trades" music shop.

The thing is wonderful!!! For someone whose knowledge of JP was limited to BT's "Four," "Zygote" is a wonderful introduction to a great vocalist, writer, harp player and LEAD GUITARIST. Unless I misread the credits, that's John shredding like a beast on "Fledgling." Gosh, I'm listening to that song now.

Anybody else pick up this gem?

I'll ... er ... take that as a no.

Didn't know he had a solo album. I'd love to make a Blues Traveler Greatest Hits compilation with some of the good stuff from Zygote on it. I couldn't take whole albums from BT, but they had some good songs here and there.