Pissing off Scenesters Since 1995
Less Than Jake
“Pezcore”
“Goodbye Blue & White”
“Losers, Kings, and Things…”
Sleep It Off Records
Growing up, I was never a big fan of Less Than Jake. Part of it was my hatred towards ska and the huge ska resurgence that took place in the mid-’90s. Part of it was my disdain for horns. Either way, I never took much interest in the band of Floridians and they kinda fell off my radar for a long time.
About four years ago, I caught the band opening up for Bad Religion at The Roseland Ballroom, a cavernous concert hall that looks more like an airforce hanger than a ballroom. The band was up before Bad Religion, but it was hard to argue that they weren’t the headliner. From the moment their banner dropped, 3,000 adoring fans screamed in unison like it was The Rolling Stones returning to England. The place went nuts for 45 minutes. Bad Religion hit stage an hour later to half the reception and most of the kids cleared out.
Turns out, I really did miss something special.
A few weeks ago, I got an e-mail from the band’s press guy. He’s handling the LTJ’s new record label, Sleep it Off Records, and informed me that the band was planning to re-release three of their early records in March. A few weeks later, I get them in the mail, and have been spinning them since.
From the looks of it, these are pretty much a straight repressing of the original releases with new artwork. Allmusic is down, so I can’t figure out if there is anything new on them. The records are supposed to come with additional bonus footage, which should appeal to new die hard fans.
After a few listens, I realize that I’ve pretty much been a fool for thinking these guys were a ska band. The style is pretty much punk with horns. The group is fun in a Green Day way without getting too corny. The music is fast and crazy, and the singer is actually a pretty cool sounding dude. All the classic covers are on here, including their version of “We’re Not Going To Take It” and “867-5309.”
If you don’t own these already, pick them up now. You’ll look way cooler than the kid with the Good Charlotte shirt.