The Music Recommendation Quote from Avi Zahner-Isenberg of Avi Buffalo: “There are many many musicians and artists that move me and I have great love for, but one that has been on my mind a lot lately is Mike Watt. He’s one of the most unique, passionate, hardworking, humble, loving, awesome bass players/songwriters I’ve listened to/seen live. His first and most intense musical counterpart, a man named D. Boon with whom he started the incredible punk group The Minutemen died in a car accident and to this day Watt remembers and plays for his lost brother.”

The Source: RockTorch.com exclusive, 3/31/10

More on: Avi Buffalo

(Editor’s Note: Back when Avi Buffalo members were still in high school, they attracted the attention of engineer Aaron Embry (Elliott Smith). Then Sub Pop came a-knockin’. These super-kids are now 21 and just rocked SXSW. Click to their site , sample What’s It In For and find out what all the hype is about.)

More on: Mike Watt

New to Mike Watt? Start here:: “My favorite Watt record is Contemplating the Engine Room. It’s a rock opera with Nels Cline on guitar and Bob Lee on drums about Watt remembering D. Boon and the story of Watt’s father, intertwined and connected beautifully with music. The song The Boilerman brings tears to my eyes because Watt’s singing about his and D. Boon’s relationship as musicians and friends. As someone who’s just gone on their first real longish tour, I’m looking to Watt’s music to guide me in band brotherhood, and he reminds me of the love and beauty of collaboration, and not to take it for granted.”

Buy the album here:


Contemplating the Engine Room

Or listen to a track from the album: