Mike Watt is a titanic figure in American music.
As stunning (self-taught) bass player, he was one third of legendary group The Minutemen. Named as an influence by everyone from Lovvers to Red Hit Chilli Peppers, the band's output continues to inspire.
Tragically, The Minutemen would split in 1985 following the death of singer D Boon. Devastated, Mike Watt would temporarily leave music behind before being persuaded to form fIREHOSE.
Later embarking on a solo career, Mike Watt now matches bass duties in The Stooges with his own projects. Entering the grey period known as 'middle age' the bass player began dwelling on his life.
Inspired by the painting of Hieronymous Bosch, the songwriter decided to complete several small pictures which would add up to one large portrait. Reaching back to the little songs format of The Minutemen, Mike Watt even used D Boon's own Telecaster to write some of the album.
The third in his series of operas, the results pay tribute to The Minutemen without seeming like an empty homage. 'Hyphenated Man' is a typically ambitious, provocative statement from someone who regards punk as a mindset, a way of life.
As a special preview, ClashMusic has grabbed the frenetic yet surreal punk-funk of 'Arrow Pierced Egg Man'.
Listen to it now... Grab it HERE.