10.23.10 | Me First and the Gimme Gimmes | Music Hall of Williamsburg

Saturday night marked the last night of this year's CMJ and I closed it off with a throwback to my punk rock days at the Fat Wreck Chords showcase. To prepare myself for the long night of music ahead, I remembered last night's mistake and ate way too much Thai food (which was possibly the other mistake one could make, especially before a punk show).

The first five bands all sounded the same and I'm not just saying that because I'm a jaded old fart now. Punk rock today isn't the same as it was 10 years ago. In fact, it was 10 years ago that I went to my first concert, Pulley and Millencolin at the now defunct Graceland. Now listening to the bands on Fat Wreck's roster I'm disappointed with the lack of originality. So thank god for Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, a hodge-podge of punk purveyors from Lagwagon, Swinging Utters, No Use for a Name, and of course, NoFX. They took to the stage with charismatic indifference in their Hawaiian shirts. Fat Mike had a drink holder on his microphone and spent more of the show talking than playing. Their set was probably equal parts music and banter. But being who they were, the performance was only fitting.

Photos courtesy of md

Fat Mike

Chris Shiflett

Spike Slawson


The band takes a break