More than six years after his lauded 2002 debut, SLEEPING ON ROADS, Mojave 3 frontman Neil Halstead finally unveiled another solo album, OH MIGHTY ENGINE. While fans of Mojave 3 and Halstead's earlier shoegaze act, Slowdive, may be somewhat baffled to see the record issued on Jack Johnson's Brushfire label rather than 4AD, the unlikely association makes sense on certain levels, particularly since Halstead's own outings are appropriately acoustic and mellow, and the British singer-songwriter shares Johnson's passion for surfing. Like ROADS, ENGINE is carried by Halstead's gentle vocals, thoughtful lyrics, and spare folk-tinged arrangements (see the lilting "Witless or Wise" and the pastoral "Little Twig"), making the album a fitting follow-up to the previous outing.
- Oh! Mighty Engine [4:29]
- Elevenses [2:17]
- Little Twig [3:36]
- Witless or Wise [3:01]
- Paint a Face [2:48]
- Always the Good [4:28]
- No Mercy for the Muse [4:23]
- Sometimes the Wheels [4:21]
- Queen Bee [2:52]
- Spinning for Spoonie [4:33]
- Gentle Heart [4:54]
- Baby, I Grew You a Beard [4:03]