SeanGeek and FastFret Podcast

We're diving straight into Me First and the Gimme Gimmes' album Have a Ball — one of my all-time favorite records and the focal point of this episode. I dedicate this one to my old buddy Shane O' Mac (miss you, man), and we hang out, play tracks, and gush like goofy fans about how these 60s classics sound when punk flips them upside down. For anyone who doesn't know, Me First are basically a punk rock supergroup that only does covers — no originals — and each of their albums is a cheeky theme (show tunes, country, 60s hits, you name it); Have a Ball came out in 1997 on Fat Wreck Chords and yes, we rate it E for Extremely Good. We play and react to songs like Danny's Song, Mandy, Seasons in the Sun, Nobody Does It Better and Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard, chatting about the goofy band name (yep, from a kids' book) and their bowling-shirt stage vibes that make everything feel delightfully juvenile. I also nerd out about the rotating punk rock A-team who showed up over the years — Spike Slawson, Joey Cape, Fat Mike, Chris Shiflett, CJ Ramone and the rest — and explain how they take familiar melodies and rework them into high-energy punk bops that somehow feel both nostalgic and mischievously new. So kick back, maybe grab a late-night coffee like I did, and come laugh with us as we celebrate an album that bonded Shane and me — it's equal parts reverence, ridiculousness, and pure sing-along fun.Linktree: https://linktr.ee/seangeekpodcastPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/seangeekpodcastWe are a part of the Boneless Podcast Network: https://bonelesspodcasting.com/ Merch:Tee Public: https://www.teepublic.com/seangeekpodcastRed Bubble: https://www.redbubble.com/people/seangeekpodcast/shop@seangeekpodcast on Twitter, Instagram and FacebookI stayed up late, had a coffee, and decided to finally do something I’d been promising for ages — a geeky, loving deep dive into Me First and the Gimme Gimmes’ Have a Ball, dedicated to my old buddy Shane O’Mac. We’re laughing, crying a little, and absolutely geeking out over how a punk rock supergroup can lovingly blow up 60s classics into high-energy singalongs. I talk about why this record hooked me — the production is clean, the vocals are tight, and the whole thing feels like a jukebox rewired with skate-punk springs. We play tracks like “Danny’s Song,” “Mandy,” “Seasons in the Sun,” and the Paul Simon classic “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard,” and I keep marveling at how these familiar songs suddenly snap into a new shape without losing their heart. I also explain basic stuff for folks who might not know: a ‘supergroup’ is basically a punk rock all-star team-up (think Fat Mike, Joey Cape, Spike Slawson, CJ Ramone — yes, CJ’s in there), and a covers band means no originals — they rework other people’s songs in their style. There’s a playful, juvenile vibe — they even named themselves after a children’s book and wore matching bowling shirts for Have a Ball — but that juvenile energy is the point: it’s pure, unapologetic fun, and I talk about why that mattered to Shane and me. If you like nostalgia wrapped in pogo beats and cheeky charm, this is the episode you’ll hum for days.Takeaways:We dedicated this episode to my late buddy Shane o' Mac, and I share how Me First and the Gimme Gimmes' album Have a Ball bonded us over 70s radio classics.I explain that Me First and the Gimme Gimmes are a punk-rock supergroup that only does covers—no originals—which feels gloriously juvenile, cheeky, and intentionally fun.We dug into the band's name origin (yep, it comes from a children's book) and laughed about their matching bowling shirts—punk Lanes, anyone?—as part of their whole playful aesthetic.I gush about the album production and the nostalgia-heavy song choices like "Danny's Song," "Mandy," and "Seasons in the Sun," which turn my childhood AM-radio memories into raucous, sing-along punk covers.We also mapped out the rotating all-star lineup—Spike Slawson and Joey Cape as anchors, CJ Ramone on bass, plus guest legends like Fat Mike and Chris Shiflett—making the project a hilarious who's-who of punk royalty.

Sean and Todd are back in the studio, and the gear is already misbehaving. There’s a mystery mic problem, a shed with a brand new roof, and a topic board that has reached number 70 and gone straight over their heads.Then it’s time for Pass or Go, with listener picks that neither host has heard before. There are surprises from across the pond, a few songs that get a hard pass, and one track that has both hosts grinning.Press play, find out who takes the cake, and see if Todd ever finishes that door.Linktree: https://linktr.ee/seangeekpodcastPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/seangeekpodcastWe are a part of the Boneless Podcast Network: https://bonelesspodcasting.com/ Merch:Tee Public: https://www.teepublic.com/seangeekpodcastRed Bubble: https://www.redbubble.com/people/seangeekpodcast/shop@seangeekpodcast on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Todd is still away, so the Fretless party keeps rolling. Sean is joined again by Duane and Dan from Mixtapes From Hell and by Tracy, the voice behind Voicesbytracy.Sean has a mystery track for the panel that you won’t find anywhere else. There’s more Pass or Go, with songs from far across the ocean and a band from much closer to home. One of the songs has a Montreal connection with a story behind it, and the band’s lineup has everybody’s attention. Plus, a few news items from the music world and the friends who keep the show going.Press play, see who gets the last laugh, and find out whether Todd is ever going to hear the end of it.Visit our guests:Mixtapes From Hell: https://shows.acast.com/mixtapes-from-hellVoicesbytracy: https://www.voicesbytracy.com/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/seangeekpodcastPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/seangeekpodcastWe are a part of the Boneless Podcast Network: https://bonelesspodcasting.com/ Merch:Tee Public: https://www.teepublic.com/seangeekpodcastRed Bubble: https://www.redbubble.com/people/seangeekpodcast/shop@seangeekpodcast on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Todd is out this week, so Sean goes “fretless” for a night of music, movies and mayhem. Joining him are Duane and Dan from Mixtapes From Hell, plus returning guest Tracy, the voice behind Voicesbytracy.There’s a game of Pass or Go, a movie soundtrack moment nobody saw coming, and a voice-acting challenge that gets out of hand fast. Plus, one band from Winnipeg that you really should be hearing.Press play and find out why Todd is going to hear about this for a long time.Visit our guests:Mixtapes From Hell: https://shows.acast.com/mixtapes-from-hellVoicesbytracy: https://www.voicesbytracy.com/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/seangeekpodcastPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/seangeekpodcastWe are a part of the Boneless Podcast Network: https://bonelesspodcasting.com/ Merch:Tee Public: https://www.teepublic.com/seangeekpodcastRed Bubble: https://www.redbubble.com/people/seangeekpodcast/shop@seangeekpodcast on Twitter, Instagram and FacebookTakeaways:We kick off Part One with Dan and Duane from Mixtapes From Hell and Tracy joining us, setting a playful, music-first vibe that mixes jokes, banter, and genuine friendship.I explain the show's 'Pass or Go' game where we play obscure tracks and decide whether to celebrate them or mercilessly roast them.We dive into voice acting with Tracy sharing practical advice about authenticity, script reads, and treating each line like an acting choice, not just audio.I highlight how we champion under-the-radar music — from Winnipeg's Moontan to other indie bands — and why finding new music now requires proactive searching.We have a hilarious live improv bit where everyone says 'let's get it on' in different characters, demonstrating how voice, intent, and timing change meaning.I reflect on career inspiration: Tracy went full-time into voice acting later in life, showing there's no fixed timeline for creative success.We also geek out over movie and music culture — from High Fidelity quotes and Jack Black's covers to discussions about discovering music without MTV or radio help.Companies mentioned in this episode:92 Citi FMAmazonDisneyNASASiriAlexaBandcampYouTubeMTVVH1Spotify

Part Two of the sit-down with Darryl Barr picks up right where things left off — more music, more stories, and a lot more getting to know the man before his book officially hits shelves.What's Coming UpAn update from the family — A quick, lighthearted check-in on a running storyline listeners have been asking about. Let's just say it involves a cast and a very tough mom.A mentor, a trailer, and a music education — Sean tells the story of the guy who completely changed how he listens to music, and a chance reunion two decades in the making at a recent show.How Darryl found the drums — From painting a band's backdrop as a kid to ending up behind the kit himself, Darryl walks through exactly how it all started — including the song that got him there.High school flashbacks — Mullets, talent shows, and a side-by-side photo comparison that has the guys cracking up. You'll want to see this one for yourselves.A mystery track — The guys play something that lands in their inbox and challenge each other to guess what — or who — they're listening to. Let's just say the answer is a surprise.Wrapping up with the book — One last reminder on where to find Darryl's debut book and how to grab a copy before it's officially out.Find the ShowSupport the show on Patreon — tiers available for early access, Discord perks, and a say in future topics and music picks. Thanks to this episode's supporters for keeping the lights on.Catch Part One if you missed it, and keep an eye out for Darryl's book, officially landing soon.Linktree: https://linktr.ee/seangeekpodcastPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/seangeekpodcastWe are a part of the Boneless Podcast Network: https://bonelesspodcasting.com/ Merch:Tee Public: https://www.teepublic.com/seangeekpodcastRed Bubble: https://www.redbubble.com/people/seangeekpodcast/shop@seangeekpodcast on Twitter, Instagram and FacebookWe tear into Part Two with Darryl Barr by nerding out about the little things that make creative life delicious — like the single best comic-book how-to book one of us hoards like a dragon hoards comics. I gab about learning to write comics from oddball script examples, clipping newspaper strips like a cartoon archaeologist, and how writing for comics is its own slippery beast (think screenplay meets haiku with capes). Darryl chimes in with stories and the vibe stays warm and jokey — like buddies riffing in a garage, except with fewer oil stains and more plot beats. Then we slide into music school: the tale of Jeff, the unassuming metal evangelist who turned my musical palate inside-out. I tell how he brought in a subwoofer and educated me on riffs, classical nods inside metal, and how tastes evolve (first beer, then full appreciation — hop pun intended). We relive Revocation’s 20th-anniversary set, play a chunk of "Dismantle the Dictator," and nerd out over doubled solos, triple vocal trade-offs, and a bassist who sounds like Primus on steroids. It’s loud, affectionate, and full of the kind of detail that makes musicians grin — and non-musicians suspiciously curious.Takeaways:We nerded out about comic-book writing versus movie scripts — I explained panel pacing, economical dialogue, and how visual storytelling changes everything compared to a screenplay.I gave an update on Mom's Fight Club mishap: she broke two bones, she's got a cast, and we're all convinced she's more pissed-off than injured.I told the story of Jeff teaching me metal: he broke songs down like tasting hops, pointing out classical roots, riffs, and drum nuances so I learned to appreciate complexity.We talked about live-show culture at heavy concerts — despite moshing and pits, I observed people helping fallen fans, returning glasses, and looking after one another like a bizarre but caring family.I raved about Revocation's 20th anniversary set: complex harmonized guitars, three vocalists trading harsh and melodic parts, and why bands that lift up smaller acts deserve our applause.We shared hilarious backstage and touring anecdotes — from Anne Murray's surprisingly wild crew to mom doing surprisingly well in Fight Club — proving real life beats expectations.I explained how punk scenes evolved into metal lineups, using Suicidal Tendencies and Robert Trujillo as examples of how bands retool personnel to change sound and reach new audiences.We pitched the Patreon perks with a wink: early episodes, unedited video, Discord influence, and the chance to suggest songs or topics so listeners can literally shape the show.Companies mentioned in this episode:PepsiPepsi Power HourMuchMusicHeadbangers BallMTVAmazon.caAmazon.comPatreonDiscordYouTubeJack Daniel'sRiot FestRock and Roll Hall of Fame