RHETT MILLER

The Believer (Verve Forecast)

The Old 97's frontperson's dandy getup, on display on the cover of The Believer, hints that lush pop has triumphed over twang on this second solo effort. George Drakoulias's sha-la-la production sounds mighty purty, but it occasionally homogenizes Rhett Miller's trademark earnest vocals. Less generic: the T-Rex-ish "Ain't That Strange" and a duet with the smoky-voiced Rachel Yamagata, "Fireflies." (Cheryl Eddy)

RHETT MILLER March 27, 8 p.m., Independent, 628 Divisadero, SF. $20. (415) 771-1421.