Wild World

The song "Wild World" by Me First and the Gimme Gimmes from their 2001 album Blow in the Wind is a punk rock cover of the Cat Stevens classic, originally released in 1970. The band, known for their irreverent and energetic takes on popular songs, infuses "Wild World" with a fast-paced, gritty edge, transforming the gentle folk ballad into a raucous anthem. One piece of trivia about this track is its inclusion on an album that was originally dubbed “Cocaine On A Breezy Day,” a tongue-in-cheek title that reflects the band’s playful, rebellious spirit. The album, released on Fat Wreck Chords, features several tracks that pay homage to classic punk songs through musical mash-ups, with "Wild World" standing out for its faithful yet electrified rendition of Stevens’ heartfelt lyrics about love and loss.

Fans and reviewers have often highlighted the song’s ability to capture the essence of the 1960s pop era while delivering the raw energy of punk. A user on Amazon.ca praised the album, noting that “Wild World” is one of the standout tracks, perfectly blending nostalgia with the band’s signature humor and musicianship. The band’s choice to cover this song aligns with their mission to “butcher” hits of the 60s, as described on their Bandcamp page, where they encourage listeners to “turn on, tune in, and rock out.” The track’s fast tempo and tight harmonies have made it a fan favorite at live shows, where the band often dons quirky costumes, such as their iconic Hawaiian shirts or themed outfits like cowboys or drag characters from musicals.

Me First and the Gimme Gimmes formed in 1995 in California as a side project for musicians already established in the punk rock scene. The lineup includes Spike Slawson from Swingin’ Utters, Chris Shiflett from Foo Fighters and formerly No Use for a Name, Fat Mike from NOFX, and Joey Cape and Dave Raun from Lagwagon. Initially, the group came together to play cover songs for fun during downtime from their main bands, with no intention of releasing full albums. Their first live performance took place on April 20, 1996, at the Chameleon Club in San Francisco, marking the start of their journey as a punk cover supergroup. They began by releasing 7" singles named after the artists they covered, contributing tracks to compilation albums before their debut album, Have a Ball, dropped in 1997.

The band’s unique approach to covering songs across various genres—pop, Broadway, R&B, and country—stemmed from their desire to entertain themselves as much as their audience. Their name, inspired by a children’s book, reflects their lighthearted, mischievous ethos. Over the years, they’ve built a reputation for themed albums and theatrical live performances, often wearing matching costumes that tie into the genre they’re covering. For example, during the Blow in the Wind era, they embraced 60s-inspired looks, adding to the playful vibe of tracks like "Wild World." Their discography, detailed on Wikipedia, showcases their evolution from a casual side project to a beloved act in the punk scene, with Blow in the Wind celebrated for its creative reinterpretations of 60s hits.

You can follow Me First and the Gimme Gimmes on their official website or connect with them on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans, or “Zoo Freaks” in the spirit of THE ZOO radio station, can also join discussions on platforms like Reddit, where a 2018 post about "Wild World" garnered enthusiastic comments. While there aren’t specific fan websites or Facebook groups dedicated solely to the band, their music is celebrated across punk rock communities, with fan reviews on sites like Last.fm praising their ability to make oldies feel fresh and rebellious. Whether you’re spinning their records at THE ZOO or rocking out at a live show, the Gimme Gimmes’ take on "Wild World" is a testament to their enduring charm and punk rock flair.