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/
Harvey Wallbanger
Less Than Jake Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who-o-o-o-oah!
Ye-e-e-eah!
Who-o-o-o-oah!
Who-o-o-o-oah!
Ye-e-e-eah!
Who-o-o-o-oah!
Who-o-o-o-oah!
Who-o-o-o-oah!
Who-o-o-o-oah!
Ye-e-e-eah!
We are recession royalty
taking Adderall to stay awake
and alcohol to fall alseep
where bankrupt brothers charge a fee
your bank account meets gravity
falling backwards
here's our last words
Blowing up all the bars, everybody drinks for free
hello Harvey Wallbanger
St. Jameson's right next to me
blowing up all the bars, everybody drinks for free
thank you Harvey Wallbanger
St. Jameson keeps helping me
Who-o-o-o-oah!
Who-o-o-o-oah!
Ye-e-e-eah!
Who-o-o-o-oah!
Who-o-o-o-oah!
Ye-e-e-eah!
Your family tree is falling down
the future calls, you lose your house
three cheers for the down and out
let's have a toast for living now
fly the flag for the proud
falling backwards
here's our last words
Blowing up all the bars, everybody drinks for free
hello Harvey Wallbanger
St. Jameson's right next to me
blowing up all the bars, everybody drinks for free
thank you Harvey Wallbanger
St. Jameson keeps helping me
We always keep free-falling backwards
tongue tied, red eyed
here's our last words
Blowing up all the bars, everybody drinks for free
hello Harvey Wallbanger
St. Jameson's right next to me
blowing up all the bars, everyone drinks for free
just keep yourself numb constantly
blowing up all the bars, everybody drinks for free
blowing up all the bars, everybody drinks for free yeah
blowing up all the bars, everybody drinks for free on me
hello Harvey Wallbanger
St. Jameson's right next to me
thank you Harvey Wallbanger
St. Jameson keeps helping me
thank you stalled economy
for all of my uncertainty
The song "Harvey Wallbanger" by Less Than Jake is a commentary on the economic recession that hit the United States around the time the song was released. The lyrics describe the lifestyle of what the band calls "recession royalty," people who are struggling financially but still manage to indulge in drugs and alcohol. The name "Harvey Wallbanger" is a reference to a cocktail from the 1950s, which is mentioned in the chorus as a way to symbolize escapism and forgetfulness. The chorus repeats the phrase "Blowing up all the bars, everybody drinks for free," painting a picture of chaos and debauchery.
The first verse talks about taking Adderall to stay awake and alcohol to fall asleep, implying that people are just trying to get through the day without feeling too much. The second verse references the collapse of the housing market and the loss of people's homes. The bridge of the song talks about falling backwards and having red eyes, further emphasizing the idea of being in a constantly unstable state.
Overall, "Harvey Wallbanger" is a cynical take on the recession and its effects on people's lives. The lyrics highlight the desperation and hopelessness that many felt during that time, as well as the need to escape from those feelings through substances and alcohol.
Line by Line Meaning
Who-o-o-o-oah!
The start of the song that sets the energetic and lively tone.
Ye-e-e-eah!
An addition to the vocalization expressing excitement and enthusiasm.
We are recession royalty
Despite struggling financially, the singer identifies with a sense of pride in persevering through tough times.
taking Adderall to stay awake
The artist describes using a prescription stimulant to combat fatigue.
and alcohol to fall asleep
The artist further describes using a depressant substance to aid in sleep.
where bankrupt brothers charge a fee
This line highlights the irony in a collapsed economy, where those who are already lacking wealth or resources try to capitalize on the weak financial state of others.
your bank account meets gravity
A metaphorical way of expressing that the singer is running out of money and falling deeper into debt.
here's our last words
Contextually, this line is suggesting that the artist is taking a risk, reaching the end of their funds and may not survive.
Blowing up all the bars, everybody drinks for free
The artist is describing a wild scenario where they are able to gain access to all bar services at no cost.
hello Harvey Wallbanger
A possible reference to a well-known alcoholic drink, this line is used to signify the artist's celebratory and indulgent behavior.
St. Jameson's right next to me
Another reference to a brand of alcohol, this line is used to signify the singer's direct and continuous use of the substance.
Your family tree is falling down
A metaphor for the artist's family tree (a representation of their familial relations) falling apart, likely in financial hardship.
the future calls, you lose your house
This line indicates that an uncertain financial future has led to the singer losing the home they reside in.
three cheers for the down and out
This slightly sarcastic line involves stating a celebratory quip for those struggling financially.
let's have a toast for living now
The singer is making the most out of their current situation despite financial hardship and is proposing a 'toast' to life and living in the moment.
fly the flag for the proud
This line may be interpreted as a call to be proud and unapologetic in the face of financial struggles.
We always keep free-falling backwards
This line emphasizes that the artist is constantly falling deeper into financial turmoil without the ability to reverse their predicament.
tongue tied, red eyed
The singer is possibly describing themselves in a state of disorientation brought on by substance use.
just keep yourself numb constantly
This line is advising the listener to stay emotionally detached and physically numbed with substances, as a coping mechanism to dealing with financial troubles.
blowing up all the bars, everybody drinks for free yeah
The artist reiterates the concept of having free access to all bars and alcohol resources.
blowing up all the bars, everybody drinks for free on me
This line suggests that the artist is treating others to free drinks still going ahead with celebrating their predicament despite everything.
thank you stalled economy
An ironic note of gratitude is expressed towards the state of the economy that in fact, led to their difficulties.
for all of my uncertainty
The singer once again alludes to their struggle in the current financial climate that has left them uncertain about their future.
Contributed by Adam D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.