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Less Than Jake
The band that would eventually become Less Than Jake “officially” came together in January of 1993, though core members Chris (guitar/vocals) and Vinnie (drums/lyrics) recorded a series of demos under the name as a three-piece power pop unit in 1992. When the “official” unit gathered in Gainesville, Florida, it was with a pop-influenced punk sound, rounded out by bassist/vocalist Roger. Before long, the band added a heavy ska flavor to the mix, becoming heavily influenced by bands like the Specials. Recruiting Jessica (tenor sax), Buddy (trombone), and Derron (baritone sax), the now six-piece unit flourished, drawing a phenomenal fanbase throughout Florida just as the third wave of ska exploded in popularity. By the release of 1994’s Pezcore, the fanbase had grown beyond Florida, and by the time 1995’s collection of 7” and compilation tracks, Losers, Kings, and Things We Don’t Understand was released, the band was regularly embarking on national tours, and was quickly becoming known for putting on incredible shows and showering their audience with free records, stickers, toys, candy, and more.

All the excitement around the band attracted the attention of Capitol Records, and in 1996, they signed an impressive 6-album deal commencing with that year’s Losing Streak. The nearly unprecedented deal allowed them to continue their extensive recording for various indie labels (the band has a whopping 76 releases to their credit, not including compilation tracks), and restricted the retail price of their CDs, ensuring that their albums would be sold commercially at well under the average retail price for a new CD. The new deal also increased Less Than Jake’s reach, as they received tour support and were able to make videos, but sadly, Jessica decided to take her leave of the band shortly thereafter, briefly being replaced by ex-Skankin’ Pickle saxophonist Lars before ex-Slapstick trombonist Pete joined the band.

More recent efforts have seen Less Than Jake all but abandon the ska influence that helped make them so popular, switching to a more punk-influenced rock n’ roll sound, but keeping the horns as an integral part of the mix. Their dedication to maintaining the horn section continues -- while Derron recently left the group, he was immediately replaced by former Spring Heeled Jack USA saxophonist (Re)Pete. While a second Capitol release, 1998’s Hello Rockview, was well-received, the band felt they were better off returning to their indie roots, and recently left for Fat Wreck Chords, which will release their latest album, Borders And Boundaries, in October 2000.


Less Than Jake	Look What Happened (The Last Time)	MP3	Punk
“Look What Happened” when Less Than Jake abandoned the ska -- they turned into just another punk influenced alt-rock band. Ho-hum.