Audio Cassette review:
Mike Watt - Contemplating the Engine Room

Mike Watt - Contemplating the Engine Room

Band: Mike Watt Title: Contemplating the Engine Room Rating: Release Date: 07 October, 1997 Media: Audio Cassette Tracks: 1: In the Engine Room 2: Red Bluff 3: Bluejackets' Manual 4: Pedro Bound! 5: Boilerman 6: Black Gang Coffee 7: Topsiders 8: No One Says Old Man (To the Old Man) 9: Fireman Hurley 10: Liberty Calls! 11: In the Bunk Room/Navy Wife 12: Crossing the Equator 13: Breaking the Choke Hold 14: Wrapped Around the Screw 15: Shore Duty

Editoral Review Paying homage to his dad's life on the San Pedro, California, waterfront and to the late D. On former Minutemen and Firehose bassist Mike Watt's second "solo" outing (he's joined by guitarist Nil Cline and drummer Stephen Hedges), the idea of a punk-rock opera (his words) or concept album (critic's term) doesn't seem so outrageous. Boon, the now quasi-mythic Minutemen singer-guitarist, Watt covers as much musical ground as he does personal history. Solid tracks such as "Black Gang Coffee" and "The Blue Jackets Manual" are fine nods to the playful punk punch of the Minutemen, and chiming guitars with a sea-shanty feel permeate "In the Engine Room. " A churning psychedelic energy drives "Liberty Calls," while "Breaking the Choke Hold" serves as a contemplative and sad farewell. A pleasant, intimate listening experience, all told. --Lorry Fleming .. You can see a complete list of all Mike Watt discography, or go back to the Mike Watt tabs