The first time I heard Old Man Markley was on BYO Records’ Let Them Know compilation. They pulled off a country cover of Youth Brigade’s “We’re In!” that stood out among the other punk covers. The combination of fast-paced fiddle and banjo, male-female duet vocals, and a subtle punk rock attitude made me realize that this band had something special. For every punk record junkie, Old Man Markley singles are a must-have. Not only does it have an original rockin’ bluegrass tune on one side, but it features a punk cover on the B-side, which I suppose is their way of showing that they’re staying true to their roots. The “Blood On My Hands” single features a cover of Dillinger Four’s “Folk Song” on the B-side, and I’m telling you, Old Man Markley are experts at taking a well-known punk song and making it their own. I can definitely see why Fat Mike has given these country-punkers his seal of approval.

(Fat Wreck Chords, 2196 Palou Ave., San Francisco, CA 94124)