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/
The New Auld Lang Syne
Less Than Jake Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who-o-oah!
Who-oah!
Who-oah!
Who-o-oh!
Who-o-oh!
Who-oah!
Who-o-oh!
Who-o-oh!
Go!
Well I guess you could describe me by my fragile mental state
I've got one foot on the curb and one handhold in the brain
I've always been a dollar short, always a couple minutes late
Let me shake the hands of dreamers of this lucky liden state
And congratulate believers who all bet our twist of fate
On and on and on and on and on
And on and on and on
Do your worst; I'll survive another year
It goes on and on and on and on and on
And on and on and on
I live to tell the story of my last few years
This new year will be different but I'll end up sleeping in
Insignificant arrogance spawn out a realm of state
Let me shake the hands of dreamers of this lucky liden state
And congratulate believers who all bet our twist of fate
On and on and on and on and on
And on and on and on
Do your worst; I'll survive another year
It goes on and on and on and on and on
And on and on and on
I live to tell the story of my last few years
When I'm wasting away (is not good enough)
When there's one thing to say (I'm not giving up)
Starting over again I'm turning around
On and on and on and on and on
And on and on and on
Do your worst; I'll survive another year
On and on and on and on and on
And on and on and on
The story of what kind of was my last few years
On and on and on and on and on
And on and on and on
I live to tell the story of my last few years
On and on and on and on and on
And on and on and on
The story of what kind of was my last few years
My last few years
(Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And nae for auld lang syne?)
"The New Auld Lang Syne" by Less Than Jake is a song that reflects on the past and future, making a statement about surviving despite various obstacles. The opening chorus sets the tone for the song, with whoa-oh vocals bringing an energetic flair that carries throughout. The first verse describes a person with a "fragile mental state" who is always "a dollar short" and "a couple of minutes late." However, despite the challenges faced, the person is proud of the achievements and bet made along the way. The lyrics of the song are reflective and honest, depicting the struggles of everyday life while showcasing the determination to move forward despite setbacks.
The chorus of the song has the mantra that the singer can "live to tell the story of my last few years," referencing the challenges overcome in the past while relishing the opportunity to continue telling their story. The bridge adds more narrative, where the singer speaks of starting over again and turning things around, despite obstacles. Finally, the song ends with a reference to "auld lang syne," which is a nod to the Scottish poem of the same name. The poem is about remembering old friendships and times long past.
Line by Line Meaning
Who-o-oah!
The excitement and anticipation of a new year is so intense that it compels the singer to express this emotion through these sounds.
Well I guess you could describe me by my fragile mental state
The singer feels vulnerable and mentally unstable which defines his current state of mind.
I've got one foot on the curb and one handhold in the brain
The singer feels a sense of imbalance in his mental and physical state.
I've always been a dollar short, always a couple minutes late
The singer has been unable to keep up with time, money or his responsibilities.
Let me shake the hands of dreamers of this lucky liden state
The singer wants to meet and speak to people who are optimistic about the future, filled with hope and happiness.
And congratulate believers who all bet our twist of fate
The singer refers to people who have faith in destiny, people who believe that life will unfold according to a predetermined plan.
Do your worst; I'll survive another year
The singer is confident that he will be able to handle whatever difficulties this new year throws at him.
I live to tell the story of my last few years
The singer has overcome several obstacles and wants to share his journey with others.
When I'm wasting away (is not good enough)
The singer wants to be productive and make the most of his time.
When there's one thing to say (I'm not giving up)
The singer is determined to keep fighting even if he has to face challenges.
Starting over again I'm turning around
The singer wants to begin afresh by adopting a new outlook on life.
The story of what kind of was my last few years
The singer plans to document and share his experiences from the last few year.
(Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And nae for auld lang syne?)
The singer alludes to Robert Burns' Auld Lang Syne and suggests that he is willing to let go of the past, but not forget the people who have been a part of his journey.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
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