Appeal of Savvy One Hit Wonder Hangs in Its Balance : One Hit Wonder: “Cluster----astuff” Lethal (****)

It’s a definite stumper why One Hit Wonder, after more than three years of almost peerlessly melding punk-rock megatonnage with pop-rock song-crafting savvy, still hasn’t joined the derby of local bands getting national exposure.

Well, the music business moves mysteriously, and ours is not to wonder why. For now, it’s enough to enjoy the wonder in our midst.

This 17-track CD compiles seven songs previously available only on vinyl singles, seven not previously available anywhere and a slice of a live performance at Linda’s Doll Hut in Anaheim.

Actually, it’s surprising that the little red shack is still standing after OHW’s volcanic performance of “Therapy Lounge,” Dan Root’s hilarious and chilling reminiscence of L.A.’s Rodney King riot. The song’s colliding, clanging guitars and tense, frenzied, run-for-your-life motion vividly evoke how it felt to be watching that riveting horror unfold on TV.

Root writes with telegraphic economy, barbed wit and a sure sense of how to take a stand without sounding strident. Usually his songs mix sardonic humor with anguish. Subjects include the violence in society, the dirty tricks of the heart, the stupefaction of celebrity worship and the arid state of the American family. If any of this sounds ponderous, Root’s light touch, melodic knack and hearty, rasping bark make it anything but.

The band from O.C. / Long Beach, in all the incarnations represented here (only Root and mighty drummer Chris Webb have been in from the start), strikes a perfect balance between pop’s structural coherence and the punk inclination to take wild flights of hammering rhythm and slashing riffage.

Previously unreleased surprises include “I’m Not Sick,” a dusty, country-tinged lament a la Wilco, and “At the Edge,” which plays a nice joke by setting an anthem chorus carrying a typical punk-pride sentiment to a melodic hook nicked from that major punk dude, Meat Loaf.

Hanging tough while the career brokers come to their senses is no easy lot for a band. But the quality and sheer exuberance running through this collection make it obvious why it’s worth rooting for OHW to keep hanging in there.

(Available from Lethal Records, P.O. Box 5481, Fullerton, CA 92635.)

* One Hit Wonder, Rule 62, Curb and Remy Zero play tonight at Linda’s Doll Hut, 107 S. Adams St., Anaheim. 9 p.m. $5. (714) 533-1286.

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Ratings range from * (poor) to **** (excellent). Three stars denote a solid recommendation.