Monday, 16 Jan 2012

Vinyl Find: Mike Watt – Ball-Hog Or Tugboat?

I bought this on CD back in 1995 after seeing a live performance of Mike Watt featuring Eddie Vedder and Dave Grohl performing “Big Train” on John Stewart’s late night show.  Remember that show?

Ball-Hog Or Tugboat? is anything but consistent as its detractors will undoubtedly raise as it’s main flaw.  Yes, it’s Mike Watt showcasing his incredible cast of musical friends.  But, you can’t argue with songs like Piss-Bottle Man (featuring vocals by Evan Dando),  Chinese Firedrill (featuring vocals by Frank Black), and the jazzed out “E-Ticket Ride” (featuring Mike D. and Flea).

I finally stumbled upon a vinyl copy over the weekend and it’s been money well spent.  Other guests include: Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth, Henry Rollins, Nels Cline, and Chris and Curt Kirkwood of the Meat Puppets.  Plus, you need to hear J. Mascis shred it up on Funkadelic’s “Maggot Brain.”

Buy: Mike Watt – Ball-Hog Or Tugboat?


One Response to “Vinyl Find: Mike Watt – Ball-Hog Or Tugboat?”

  1. DJ Renton Says:
    February 6th, 2012 at 12:15 pm

    I picked this up on vinyl back when it was released. It really is a beautiful set. The blue vinyl is striking and the music is……well…..I feel it is some of Watt’s best “solo” material. I didn’t have a chance to catch his tour, despite the fact Watt, Vedder and Grohl played WI on that tour, but I’m not sure it would have captured the magic contained on this release – part of the beauty is the laundry list of collaborators he was able to secure – a veritable who’s who of the unfortunately-named alternative scene of the early 90s.

    Thanks for giving this the attention it deserves.

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