I wouldn't say he's a genius, but compared to Top 40 radio he's a friggin savant. He's got an eclectic influence (everything from rock to folk to country to blues), the only problem is a slight disorganization in putting it all together in an accessible way. Stereopathic Soul Manure/Mellow Gold/Mutations were solid folk records. The Loser EP was excellent (Fume = perfect stoner song), as were Odelay and Midnite Vultures. His backing band are tight, they are scary good.