The band's name derives from a bird Vinnie had while growing up, which was treated better than the rest of the family. It's also a reference to the phrase "everything is jake," which is an old phrase meaning everything is cool.
Less Than Jake released their debut album, Pezcore, in 1995, following a series of independent seven-inch single releases. The band's subsequent two studio albums, Losing Streak (1996) and Hello Rockview (1998), were released on major label, Capitol Records, leading to increased exposure. The band's fifth studio album Anthem (2003) was their most commercially successful to date, featuring the singles, "She's Gonna Break Soon" and "The Science of Selling Yourself Short".
In 2008 the band founded its own label, Sleep It Off Records, and released its seventh full-length album, GNV FLA. The band has recently stated its preference for EP releases, and independently issued Greetings from Less Than Jake (2011) and its counterpart, Seasons Greetings from Less Than Jake (2012). In late 2012, the band combined the two to create the compilation album, Greetings and Salutations (2012) Their eighth studio album, See the Light, was released on November 12, 2013.
Miscellaneous Info:
Vinnie was previously the owner of the independent record label Fueled by Ramen, as well as a toy company called Wünderland War (formerly Monkey Vs. Robot). This label has signed bands such as Fall Out Boy, Punchline, The AKAs, Gym Class Heroes, Panic! At The Disco and Days Away. Roger, meanwhile, is in a second band, called Rehasher, for whom he composes lyrics and plays guitar. JR played sax on the last track of Off Key Melodies. JR works with a promoting company called the CT Mafia, as well as composing solo music. He contributed one track to the Drive-Thru compilation tribute to Bob Dylan, using the band name The Stay At Home Joneses (Roger sang backup for this track).
Roger and Vinnie have an unexplained fetish for Pez candy and they reportedly have sizeable dispenser collections. This love for Pez goes so far as to name one of their albums, Pezcore (parodying of the way in which many bands are described as [something]-core, starting with hardcore) and Pez dispenser motifs are a common feature of their merchandise.
Roger's employment history includes a smoke shop in the band's hometown Gainesville, Florida known as Knuckleheads which has since been transformed into a similar establishment named Smoke. Band member haunts have included Eddie C's, the Hardback (which was transformed into the Lyric), and Insomnia (which used to be the Covered Dish, and is now the new location of Common Grounds).
The members of Less Than Jake also served as backup musicians for Asian Man Records owner Mike Park in the B.Lee Band (once called "the Bruce Lee Band", changed for legal reasons).
The track "Look What Happened" appeared on two of their albums, "Borders & Boundaries" (2000) and "Anthem." (2003) The "Anthem" version is completely re-recorded, and has eschewed the brass at the beginning of the song that was featured in the previous recording. The re-recording features guest vocals from Teen Idols/Bullets To Broadway's Heather.
They have also re-recorded many other songs, including "Johnny Quest Thinks We're Sellouts," "Jen Doesn't Like Me Anymore" and "Shotgun".
They recorded the main theme song "We're all Dudes" for the 1997 film "Goodburger" based on the sketch from the Nikelodeon TV show "All That." The song features Kel Mitchell (main character, Ed, in the movie). The song is based off of the jingle "Ed" would always sing while waiting for the next situation to come up in the Goodburger sketches. At the end of the song Mitchell says "Ah, Ed and Less than Jake, oh, uh... no?"
In 2004, Less Than Jake appeared on the Projekt Revolution Tour, joining such artists as The Used, Snoop Dogg, Korn, and the headlining band: Linkin Park.
Lineups:
Chris DeMakes - vocals and guitar (1992–present)
Roger Lima - vocals and bass (1993–present)
Buddy ''Goldfinger'' Schaub - tenor trombone and backing vocals (1993–present)
Peter ''JR'' Wasilewski - tenor saxophone and backing vocals (2000–present)
Matt Yonker - Drums (2018–present)
Past members:
Jessica Mills - alto saxophone (1993–1998)
Derron Nuhfer - tenor and baritone saxophone (1995–2000)
Pete Anna - tenor and alto trombone (1998–2001)
Vinnie Fiorello - drums (1992–2018)
Website: http://www.lessthanjake.com/
Anchor
Less Than Jake Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Out to the kids who drove six hours in a stolen car
Then missed the show
This one goes out to never losin' sight of all the
“How it's been” and “How it was,” yeah
Here's to just sinkin' the ship and not givin' a shit
Here's to sinking fast with everyone else
Crimpshrine records and Gainesville streets
This one goes out to Mike, Var, Mike and Tony
All, Snuff, Jon, Jerry, Terri, Shaun, and Andre
Here's to just sinkin' the ship and not givin' a shit
Here's to sinking fast with everyone else
Thank you
The lyrics to Less Than Jake's song "Anchor" speak to a sense of camaraderie and community among a group of misfits who have come together through their love of music and shared experiences. The opening lines refer to a specific group of kids who have gone to great lengths to attend a concert, even stealing a car to get there. Despite missing the show, the lyrics suggest that their dedication and willingness to take risks is something to be celebrated.
The rest of the song is a tribute to the DIY punk scene, with references to Crimpshrine records and Gainesville streets. The line "Here's to just sinkin' the ship and not givin' a shit" can be interpreted as a call to reject conventional norms and embrace the freedom and rebellion of punk culture. The final line, "Here's to sinking fast with everyone else," reinforces the idea that the punk community is a place for those who may not fit in elsewhere, but can find belonging among like-minded individuals.
Overall, "Anchor" is a song that celebrates the punk community, its values, and the sense of belonging that comes with being a part of it.
Line by Line Meaning
This one goes
The start of the song, addressing the audience.
Out to the kids who drove six hours in a stolen car
Recognizing the extreme measures some fans will go to see their shows.
Then missed the show
Acknowledging the disappointing feeling of missing out on the event despite the effort.
This one goes out to never losin' sight of all the “How it's been” and “How it was,” yeah
Encouraging nostalgia and appreciation of the past while still living in the present.
Here's to just sinkin' the ship and not givin' a shit
Embracing reckless behavior and not caring about the consequences.
Here's to sinking fast with everyone else
Experiencing the downfall with everyone else and embracing it.
This one goes out to another night with no sleep
Recognizing the hard work and dedication required to pursue their passion.
Crimpshrine records and Gainesville streets
Nostalgia for the music and the place where they started.
This one goes out to Mike, Var, Mike and Tony
Acknowledging and thanking specific people who have been part of their journey.
All, Snuff, Jon, Jerry, Terri, Shaun, and Andre
Naming and recognizing others who have been a part of their community.
Here's to just sinkin' the ship and not givin' a shit
Reiteration of the theme of not caring and embracing reckless behavior.
Here's to sinking fast with everyone else
Reiteration of the theme of experiencing the downfall with everyone else and embracing it.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Ross Jacob Golan, Steve Diamond, Leah Pringle, Dan James
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sephirothxxxxxxxxxxx
my jam when i was in high school
ShOscar
It may be hard when it's just me and you
Tré
Reminds me of Blink 182
Vahalo
Toryumon Japan flashbacks baybee
ItsMeStevieC
Only know of LTJ because of Japanese wrestling.