Less Than Jake “Greetings and Salutations” Album Review
Skall of fame all timers Less Than Jake bring us another new release: Greetings and Salutations. Their latest release is a combined product of tour EP’s that Less Than Jake had released over the past couple years that were previously available only by mail order or on tour. There are two bonus tracks in addition to this juicy prize of an album, making it into “one cohesive record” so says the band. It is to be released on Rude Records for its U.K. And Europe releases, Disc Union will handle its debut in Japan, and Fat Wreck Chords will take care of the rest. Get ready to blast this baby at your next house party because once you pop this joint, the fun doesn’t stop. Make sure you move the furniture to skank accordingly, and have plenty of beer to take these jams to the next level.
Chris – Vocals/Guitar
Roger – Bassist/Guitar
JR – Saxophone
Buddy – Trombone
Vinnie – Drums
Available Now!
Track List:
1. Oldest Trick in The Book
2. Done and Dusted
3. Finer Points of Forgiveness
4.Life Led Out Loud
5. The New Auld Lang Syne
6.Younger Lungs
7. Goodbye, Mr Personality
8. A Return to Headphones
9. Harvey Wallbanger
10. Flag Holder’s Union
11. Can’t Yell Any Louder
12. View From The Middle
“Oldest Trick in The Book” kicks off the album with a relaxed, family friendly reggae groove. But there is no singing about good times, or love, here the band orchestrates their thoughts on life: “I wonder where I’ll be at the end of the world, I wonder how I’ll get home” Chris sings questioningly. Instead of hitting us over the head with the ska punk we’ve come to enjoy Less Than Jake invites us to jam with mid tempo beats and catchy melodies. As the song comes to an end, we are properly settled and ready to continue on. “Done and Dusted” picks up more pace, and we begin to enter skanking territory. The production on these past two songs are familiar, yet more raw and crispy then previous releases. Warm guitars surround the sonic mass, and the vocals have a grit and pop that sounds as if they are performed live right before you.
“Finer Points of Forgiveness” brings the punk out in full force, and has me wishing I was seeing them play in person. These kinds of songs are the stuff that made Less Than Jake so much fun to listen to, and remind us why we love punk rock in the first place. Simple and complex power chords with clever chord changes structure the song, and well placed horn bursts are scattered throughout.“Life Led Out Loud” begins with some bass playing that reminds us of very early blink 182. Moving even faster now, LTJ rock with a lot of Mark Hoppus inspired bass lines that make this song pop, and show off the skills that Roger (the bassist) has acquired over all these years.
As we fade out of the last track, “The New Auld Lang Syne” fades in. At predetermined punk rock speed, we carry on to introspective lyrics from aging punks that have refused to slow down. This song also features more typical ska progressions and traditional horn lines. By the end, we hear a clip of people singing the classic New Years Song, that makes for a subtle, sentimental touch on generally happy song. Both vocalists begin to trade lines and harmonize on “Younger Lungs”. It has fervent spirit much like their older material, and is reminiscent of older Zebrahead. If you don’t want to buy the record, download this track, because Its the best song on the album.
“Goodbye Personality” is definitively Ska. The guitar and horn work here is akin to what Reel Big Fish have perfected over the course of there career. The reggae riffs, and bouncy beats will no doubt get the Doobie passed and the beers flowing. I still wish I was seeing them live. Listening to them is like torture, I should be drunk and jumping up in down in a crowded room. “A Return to Head Phones” Is awesome. Again the familiar punk rock is with us, but it doesn’t matter because we like it-because it is good. Also, I’m listening to this song on head phones which has to be more than coincidence. I just feel it in my heart that there is a real moment happening between me and Less Than Jake right now.
“Harvey Wallbanger” Seems to blend into the previous track, continuing the energy from the last track but speaking on lyrical themes of celebrating your life and all the good times you’ve had. “Flag Holders Union” strikingly resembles blink 182’s dude ranch era to the finest detail. It isn’t until we hear horns, and get to the chorus that we remember that this is LTJ playing their songs not Blink 182 ya sillies! The bridge begins with a palm muted chord progression with a neat spoken word sample over it, and then the vocals enter as we explode into the actual bridge, and its all over before we know it.
“Can’t Yell Any Louder” sports ska chops and catchy guitar leads that rock with confidence that most bands lack. Who cares if it sounds emo or pop? Less Than Jake are in charge now, and you will shut your mouth.“View From The Middle” begins with a strange riff that ends in diminished and minor chords as opposed to the rest of the songs. The changes are interesting, and give a different spin on the structure of songs we’ve become used to on the album. Its an interesting choice for a closer, as most of the material I would’ve chose for a conclusion, can be found at the beginning of the album. Ending with a banger, and not a mellow close gives this album a total play through. Good choice fellas, you really did it this time.
Ska is something I’ve always held sacred, because its a staple of my punk rock childhood. If you were listening to punk and ska in the late 90’s early 00’s, chances are you were listening to Less Than Jake. Thats how important this band was to the scene. However it’s not the 90’s anymore, and sadly some listeners will point out that they’ve put out the same album again and again, or former fans will say that their personal tastes have “matured” and listening to LTJ is infantile. What do we expect of LTJ? To mature and make music that sounds like The Dirty Heads? No, The Dirty Heads are lame. Sure my musical tastes have changed over time too, but you don’t see me throwing out my old punk and Ska records so I can make room for whatever hipster crap is popular these days. The point is, cynicism aside, you are who you are, and Less Than Jake have accepted that. Albeit they have experimented over the years, but cliché as it is, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. I remember being 15 and looking at the cover of “Borders and Boundaries” thinking “Wow, this bands got a new album, and they’ve been around for awhile.” I literally thought the same thing when I got this one. This record in particular is nostalgic in sound, but mature in lyrical content-yes these are the same guys that rocked the shit 20 years ago, but they are grown men now. One listen to “Greetings”, and you’ll smile because this is the band you grew up with, and they are here to stay.
Band Links:
http://www.lessthanjake.com
http://www.twitter.com/LessThanJake
http://www.stickam.com/lessthanjake
http://www.ustream.com/lessthanjake
About the Author
Denise Borders 39, Los Angeles. Denise founded PWV in 2008 and remains the primary manager and photographer/videographer. She is not secretly obsessed with Joey Cape.
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