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/
Channel 8
Less Than Jake Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
we've got some work to do now
Scooby Dooby Doo where are you
we need some help from you now
Come on Scooby Doo, I see you
pretending you've got a sliver
you're not fooling me, cause I can see
the way you shake and shiver
You know we've got a mystery to solve so Scooby Doo get ready for your act
don't hold back
and Scooby Doo if you come through you're gonna have yourself a Scooby Snack
that's a fact
Scooby Dooby Doo where are you
you're ready and you're willing
if we can count on you, Scooby Doo
I know you'll catch that villain
Less Than Jake's song "Channel 8" is an exhilarating track that is full of energy and showcases the band's signature punk/ska sound. The song starts with a few lines from the popular cartoon series "Scooby-Doo," with the band asking the fictional character for his help in solving a mystery. The lyrics are cleverly incorporated into the song, and the band uses them to convey the message that they need someone's help to solve a problem they are facing.
The lyrics also express the band's admiration for the cartoon character and his ability to solve mysteries. Less Than Jake uses Scooby-Doo as a metaphor for someone who is skilled at uncovering the truth and solving problems. The chorus encourages Scooby-Doo to come forward and help out, providing him with a motivation to solve the mystery.
In conclusion, "Channel 8" is a lively and upbeat song that combines the signature punk and ska sound of Less Than Jake with the popular cartoon character Scooby-Doo. The lyrics use Scooby-Doo as a metaphor for someone who is skilled at solving problems and encourage him to come through and help out. The song is an excellent example of the band's sound and style and is sure to be a hit with both long-time fans and new listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
Scooby Dooby Doo where are you
Asking the whereabouts of Scooby, the fictional dog character
we've got some work to do now
Telling Scooby that they have a mission to accomplish
we need some help from you now
Stressing upon the significance of Scooby's assistance
Come on Scooby Doo, I see you
Encouraging Scooby to take on the challenge
pretending you've got a sliver
Questioning the genuineness of Scooby's sickness
you're not fooling me, cause I can see
Being confident in detecting Scooby's pretense
the way you shake and shiver
Observing the body language of Scooby
You know we've got a mystery to solve so Scooby Doo get ready for your act
Letting Scooby know the nature of the mission and urging him to prepare
don't hold back
Encouraging Scooby to give his best effort
and Scooby Doo if you come through you're gonna have yourself a Scooby Snack
Offering Scooby a reward if he contributes to the mission's success
that's a fact
Emphasizing that the previous statement is valid
you're ready and you're willing
Complimenting Scooby on his eagerness to help
if we can count on you, Scooby Doo
Stating that Scooby's contributions will be relied upon
I know you'll catch that villain
Expressing confidence in Scooby's investigative abilities
Contributed by Eliana T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.