Me First And The Gimme Gimmes

Love Their Country

[4/5] Since 1995, we’ve known what to expect from these guys: driving pop-punk renditions of well-known songs, compiled by theme and densely packed with sarcasm and humor. And though it’s unlikely that a Me First record could ever be considered groundbreaking or brilliant, that’s okay. They’re a cover band, and probably not the biggest priority for its members; after all, they’ve got to worry about stuff like Foo Fighters, The Swingin’ Utters, Lagwagon, NOFX, Fat Wreck Chords, and, apparently, drugs. But does that mean a Me First record can’t be introspective, deliberate, and rich? This country-themed release takes on Hank Williams, Dixie Chicks, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and more, with most selections reflecting country music’s darkest and most vulnerable tendencies. The result is surprisingly serious and sentimental-well, as serious as a Me First record can be. Oh, it’s still fun of course, just more poignant. No, really… (FAT WRECK CHORDS) Ronen Kauffman