CONTEMPLATING THE ENGINE ROOM is an Enhanced CD and contains both a full audio program as well as multimedia computer files. Personnel: Mike Watt (vocals, bass); Nels Cline (guitar); Stephen Hodges (drums). Recorded at Front Page Recorders, Burbank, California from May 5-27, 1997. Mike Watt's CONTEMPLATING THE ENGINE ROOM succeeds as a concept album by treating its subject as a means to a musical end, rather than falling into the self-indulgent trap of bending the music to fit the theme. Delving into the mysterious lives of the ordinary men servicing a U.S. Navy ship, Watt creates an accurate literary perspective, rendering his tale as believable as the midshipman's diary it purports to be. However, there's no mistaking Watt's personality within the music. His clever lyrics, pounding bass, and distinctive song structure are tattooed to the album's muscle-bound form. With Nels Cline handling guitar chores and Stephen Hodges manning the drums, CONTEMPLATING THE ENGINE ROOM sets sail for a musical experience that will renew Minutemen and fIREHOSE fans' belief in Watt's power.

• Genre: Spoken / Comedy / Radio Shows
• Format: Vinyl
• Released: 11/24/2017