3.17.24

One of the most important aspects of music that I don’t focus on enough here (because I am a writer and like to imagine that I have IMPORTANT THINGS to say) is that music should be fun.

If just farting around isn’t part of one’s musical diet, one gets navel gazey and self-serious. And at that point, you may as well just start writing music reviews for Pitchfork.

One of my go-to’s for injecting a little levity into my ear canals is listening to Me First and the Gimme Gimmes. The band is a punk rock supergroup that only does punk covers of mainstream hits. Members include Fat Mike from NOFX, Joey Cape and Dave Raun of Lagwagon, and Spike Slawson of Swingin’ Utters and Filthy Thievin’ Bastards. Chris Shiflett from Foo Fighters is a former member. There’s also a long list of punk luminaries who have joined the band for various gigs.

I picked their cover of the Simon & Garfunkel classic I Am a Rock simply because it’s the first Me First and the Gimme Gimmes track I ever heard. I could have easily gone with Rainbow Connection, My Heart Will Go On, Nothing Compares 2 U, or other covers that are just fun and incredible.

It’s Sunday evening. A new work week approaches. I hope you press play on the link below. Fit a little more fun into your weekend.