Me First & Gimme Gimmes - Blow in the Wind

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Music reviews of Blow in the Wind

Music Review: Return of the Son of the Gardener of Me First Cover Coolness
Rating: 5 Stars

Blowin' in the Wind = B+ (easy to be fond of if you already love this song from earlier recordings)

Sloop John B = A- (they infuse it with more emotion than the Beach Boys did; this is one of the few that's better than the original, which itself was pretty good)

Wild World = A- (I don't think I've ever heard the song on which this is based, so, because the essence of this album seemed to be enjoying remakes of quality original material, at first I wasn't impressed by this one; repeat listenings, however, have changed my mind; the chorus grabs you hard, such that, even as its own song and not a cover, this is one of my favorite tracks on the album)

Who Put the Bomp = A- (they sound so damn wacky at the beginning of the song, like at any time they're gonna break from the note they're on and start screwing around. Adds some kookiness. Another song that you'll really like if you know and appreciate the original, which I believe was by Barry Mann)

Elenor = B (like "Wild World", I don't how this sounded before by its native artist, but it's catchy with the constant drum beat. "Elenor, gee I think you're swell/And you really do me well..." - the chorus is what to look forward to)

My Boyfriend's Back = B (much better than another punk cover of this song, by Less Than Jake or someone. I could swear that at the end of the song they change the lyrics to "my boyfriend's black", which, if true, could lend the song an altogether greater, different relevance)

All My Lovin' = B (the middle song that you can't think of anything to say about. It's catchy and fun, like the others. Sorry I have no deeper insight or technical wisdom to share)

Stand By Your Man = B ("Sometimes it's hard to be a woman"...pretty hard to sing about being one when you're a guy, too. But hard in a wacky way. Then they switch gears and start talking about themselves. "Sometimes it's hard to be a Gimme" This one has the most personal touch, and on a side note, Me First never fails to keep your attention with their perfectly-organized instruments and vocals. Great job, guys)

San Francisco = B+ (the base solos during the "all across the nation/such a strange vibration" parts really stand out; this one is even better as a punk song than as a soft ballad, like the Scott McKenzie version)

I Only Want to Be With You = B+ (who better to update than Dusty Springfield, with her friendly beats and rhythmic song stylings? Replacing it with heavy drums and power chords somehow keeps the magic alive)

Runaway = B+ (they cover Del Shannon beautifully)

WILL YOU STILL LOVE ME TOMORROW = A- (best song on the album; from my experiences with this song, in all its reincarnations, I have reason to believe there's absolutely no way that it could NOT sound great; no exception here. Talented band + terrific source music = a memorable cover song, with all the sentiment, nostalgia, and late-night wonder of this song's essence intact)

Different Drum = B (the right choice for a closing song; it's a farewell to conformity)

This is shaping up to be a glorious year for new albums by established artists. Score another ace in the hole with Me First and the Gimme Gimmes as they Blow in the Wind

Description of Blow in the Wind

On their third full-length, Blow in the Wind, Me First continue with a lineup that's like the top pick of the underground scene: vocalist "Spike" (Swinging Utters), bassist Fat Mike (NOFX), guitarist "Jackson" (a.k.a. Chris Shifflet of the Foo Fighters), along with drummer Dave Raun and guitarist Joey Cape (both of Lagwagon). The goofy, talented musicians travel back four decades this time, picking up 13 classic songs of the '60s and racing through them at lightening speed (the whole disc clocks in at a little over 27 minutes). From the raucous "Who Put the Bomp" and "Sloop John B." to the heartsick "I Only Want to Be With You," Me First put the pop back in pop punk as they bounce their way through the years. The two standouts on the disc, though, are "My Boyfriend's Back" (on which the tough rockers show their sensitive side) and "Stand by Your Man" (whose words Me First twist around to implore listeners to "stand by your band"). With their high-spirited attitude toward music and their healthy dose of humor, Me First prove once again that there still is a party raging in the world of rock & roll. --Jennifer Maerz

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