Less Than Jake

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Less Than Jake

Less Than Jake is an American ska punk band from Gainesville, Florida. Originally formed in 1992 as a power pop trio, the band evolved into a hybrid of third-wave ska and punk rock, with added elements of modern rock and even metal. To date, the group has released seven original full-length albums, and countless more singles and compilations. The current lineup is comprised of guitarist/vocalist Chris Demakes, bassist/vocalist Roger Manganelli, drummer/lyricist Vinnie Fiorello, trombonist Buddy Schaub, and saxophonist JR.

History

Origins

Less Than Jake formed at the University of Florida in 1992.[1] Chris and Vinnie lead a group in their hometown by the name "Needless Guilt", which was spray painted on the backs of billboards and the local water treatment plant in Pt. Charlotte, Florida. They metamorphosed into a ska-inspired punk-pop band with the addition of several members from 1993 to 1995.

Vocalist and guitarist Chris Demakes, bassist Shaun Grief and drummer Vinnie Fiorello were the first incarnation of the group. However, Grief later became the group's roadie, and was eventually replaced by Roger Manganelli, who played guitar, but learned bass just to join the band. During the years 1993-1994, the group added their first horn player, Jessica Mills, and soon after came trombone player Buddy Schaub. Right before their first tour, however, Schaub went to Europe with friends, so saxophonist Derron Nuhfer filled in for shows during his absence.

With various 7" releases under their belt, Less than Jake debuted in 1994 with the album Pezcore, on Dill Records. In 1995, Losers, Kings and Things We Don't Understand and Greased followed on No Idea Records, the latter being an 8-song album of cover songs from the movie Grease.

Commercial Growth

1996's Losing Streak, released on Capitol Records, was Less Than Jake's major label debut. The album was full of the band's wry, fast-paced brand of ska-punk anthems, producing such fan favorites as "Johnny Quest Thinks We're Sellouts" and "Jen Doesn't Like Me Anymore, and "Automatic". Upon the album's completion, saxophonist Jessica Mills left to pursue teaching, and was replaced by ex-Slapstick trombonist Pete Anna. Around this time, Vinnie Fiorello also started his own record label, Fueled by Ramen, with friend John Janick as a means to find and promote up-and-coming bands that he himself would want to hear.

Hello Rockview followed in 1998, and included such staple songs as "All My Best Friends Are Metalheads" and "Help Save the Youth of America from Exploding". The band even spawned a minor college radio hit with "History of a Boring Town."

In the fall of 2000, the band released Borders & Boundaries on Fat Wreck Chords, as well as landing the opening spot on Bon Jovi's North American tour. While neither as commercially successful or musically appreciated as previous releases, the album was a display of significant growth for the band, showcasing much more mature music than the band had ever shown before. Still, the album provided fans with two instant hits in "Look What Happened (The Last Time)" and their hometown anthem, "Gainesville Rock City." Shortly after the album's release, Derron Nuhfer left the band (going on to join Gunmoll and later on Escape Grace), and Less Than Jake found a replacement in the ashes of another ska band, this time ex-Spring Heeled Jack U.S.A. trombonist Pete Wasilewski. To avoid the confusion provided by having two Peters within the band, the second Pete Wasilewski was dubbed JR (as in 'Peter Junior'). He still goes by JR even following the departure of the first Pete after the 2001 Warped Tour.

In 2002, Less Than Jake released Goodbye Blue and White. Having issued more 7" and limited-edition vinyl releases than most people can keep track of, the band compiled some of their favorite tracks on one record, and named in honor of their original tour van.

Anthem followed in 2003 for Sire. It featured hit singles in both the US and the UK, with "She's Gonna Break Soon" (TRL), "The Science Of Selling Yourself Short" (#36 Modern Rock Tracks), and "The Brightest Bulb Has Burned Out" featuring Billy Bragg (UK Top 40). B Is for B-sides was released the following year, and was comprised of tracks that did not make it to Anthem's final cut. The DVD retrospective People's History of Less Than Jake appeared a month later.

Recent Activity

In April 2006, the band released its four-song Absolution for Idiots and Addicts (EP), with their next full-length, In with the Out Crowd, following a month later on Warner Bros. Records. The album was also issued in a limited edition that came in a leather-bound case complete with bonus multimedia discs that contained a plethora of music videos, bonus tracks and an elaborate photo gallery.

In February 2007, Less Than Jake played six shows in Florida that each featured the band playing one of their albums in its entirety, plus b-sides and rarities. They played at three venues with each venue featuring two shows to be recorded for a future DVD release. The records performed were Borders and Boundaries, Pezcore, Losing Streak, Anthem, Hello Rockview, and In with the Out Crowd. They plan to do the same in London, United Kingdom, in September 2007, playing at the Mean Fiddler for 6 nights in a row.

In Summer 2007, Less Than Jake embarked on a North American tour with Reel Big Fish, featuring support from Streetlight Manifesto and Against All Authority. Reel Big Fish was not included on the final leg of the tour.

On the 21st of May after much speculation, Vinnie Fiorello announced on his blog that the band has been released from their contract with Sire Records and Warner Brothers. Following this split, the band has begun releasing high quality (MP3, 320kbit/s), DRM-free, unedited recordings of their live shows, taken directly of the mixing console at each show. These recordings are being released for sale on the band's website via Snocap.

Side Projects

Vinnie and his friend John Janick started up the independent record label Fueled by Ramen.

Vinnie also owns a toy company called Wünderland War, originally called Monkey VS Robot. The name was changed due to legal issues. Vinnie has also started a second toy company with a friend called Symptoms. Many of these toys have featured in art books and shows.

Roger has a side-project called Rehasher, who have recorded an album Off Key Melodies on Gainesville based record label No Idea Records. He plays guitar (not bass) for Rehasher, and is also their lead singer. JR was featured playing saxophone in the last track from the album.

JR composes his own solo music on top of working with a promoting company called the CT Mafia. He contributed one track to the Drive-Thru Records tribute to Bob Dylan, under the name "The Stay at Home Joneses" which also featured secondary vocals by Roger. He was also in the prominent Connecticut Ska Band, Spring Heeled Jack.

The members of Less Than Jake also served as backup musicians for Asian Man Records owner Mike Park in the Bruce Lee Band.

Buddy is involved in a side band called PB&J; in which he provides the bass, vocals and occasional trombone.

Misconceptions and Rumours

Contrary to popular belief, Less Than Jake have never covered The Proclaimers' iconic hit "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)". Drummer, lyricist and band spokesman Vinnie has joked that it is the band's 'most downloaded song', despite the fact that they have never recorded their own version of it. The version fans are downloading could be by the British ska punk group Spunge. It also may have been mistaken for a cover by Down By Law.

Another popular but untrue myth is "Liquor Store" was not written by them, but by Reel Big Fish. This originated from a show in Milwaukee (which was later played in its entirety on the band's website), in which Chris declared they couldn't play the song, untruthfully adding that they didn't write it, Reel Big Fish did. This was most likely a reference to Reel Big Fish having a hit song titled "Beer."

According to Chris, the second barrier at the Reading and Leeds Festivals were put in place to stop circle pits such as the one caused by Less Than Jake at the 2001 Leeds festival. In fact, the second barrier was requested by Pearl Jam as a condition they would headline the Festival.

It has been reported that Less Than Jake have a long running feud with ska punk band Goldfinger though they have never commented. Members of Goldfinger gave their side of the story in an interview published in UK zine More Noise and Other Disturbances.

In 2006, with the release of In With the Out Crowd, many fans thought that New Found Glory's lead singer was a guest vocalist on the song Mostly Memories, however this was not true.

Personnel

Current members

Past members

  • Shaun Grief - bass
  • Jessica Mills - alto saxophone
  • Derron Nuhfer - tenor and baritone saxophones
  • Pete Anna - trombone
  • Chris Campisi - bass

Guest musicians

  • Lars Nylander - valve trombone
  • Vinny Nobile - trombone
  • Chris Rhodes - trombone
  • Cut Chemist- Turntables
  • Kel Mitchell - Lead singer
  • Billy Bragg - Lead Singer
  • Aston Martin - trombone

Interviews

Interview with Roger at Warped Tour on The Brittany Equation Show: http://simplybentertained.com/NewInterviews.html

Discography

Studio albums

Singles

Year Title US Modern Rock chart UK Chart
1998 "History of a Boring Town" 39 -
2000 "All My Best Friends Are Metalheads" - 51[1]
2001 "Gainesville Rock City" - 57[2]
2003 "She's Gonna Break Soon" - 39[3]
2003 "The Science Of Selling Yourself Short" 36 78[citation needed]
2006 "Overrated (Everything Is) / A Still Life Franchise" (double A-side) - 61[4]
2006 "The Rest of My Life / Don't Fall Asleep On The Subway (double A-Side)" - 77[citation needed]
2006 "P. S. Shock The World" - 96[citation needed]

Other

Compilations, live records, miscellaneous releases

Year Title Label
1997 Bootleg a Bootleg, You Cut Out the Middleman Self-Released
1998 Liverache - Tales from the Liver's Edge Very Small Records
1999 Pesto Very Small Records
1999 Live from Uranus EMI
2000 The Pez Collection Moon Ska Europe and Rapido
2001 IM a fucking asshole Golf Records and Plastic Head
2002 Goodbye Blue and White (#36 Billboard Independent) Fueled By Ramen
2004 B is for B-sides Sire
2004 Live in Minneapolis (download only)
2005 B is for B-sides (Remixed) Fueled By Ramen
2006 Absolution for Idiots and Addicts (EP) Sire

Self-Released Live Shows

Year Title Label
2007 Bizarre Festival - 08.19.2001 Self-Released via Snocap
2007 Glastonbury Festival - 06.29.2002 Self-Released via Snocap
2007 Tokyo, Japan - 10.22.2002 Self-Released via Snocap
2007 Hollywood, CA - 06.14.2003 Self-Released via Snocap
2007 London, England - 04.20.2004 Self-Released via Snocap

DVD

Year Title Label
2004 The People's History of Less Than Jake Fueled By Ramen

VHS

Year Title Label
2002 Avant Tarde Fueled By Ramen

Songs contributed to compilations and soundtracks for films and video games

Title Contributed to Label, Year
Liquor Store Songs About Drinking Very Small Records, 1995
My Very Own Flag Closer Than You, Vol. 1: Florida Ska Moon Ska Records, 1996
The Summer Of '69 Wood Panel Pacer Wagon With Mags Very Small Records, 1996
Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer It's a Punk and Ska Christmas Gone Wrong Drive Thru Records, 1997
Cheese Liverache': Tales From The Livers' Edge Very Small Records, 1997
We're All Dudes (Feat. Kel Mitchell) Good Burger 1997
I Think I Love You (The Partridge Family Cover) Scream 2 1997
All My Best Friends Are Metalheads Street Sk8er EA Sports, 1998
Digimon: The Movie 2000
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 2002
Sugar in Your Gas Tank Street Sk8er EA Sports, 1998
Help Save the Youth of America From Exploding Drive Me Crazy 1999
Anchor Short Music for Short People Fat Wreck Chords, 1999
Surrender (Cheap Trick Cover) ATV Offroad Fury Sony, 2001
Motown Never Sounded So Good ATV Offroad Fury Sony, 2001
Faction Uncontrollable Fatulence Fat Wreck Chords, 2002
Look What Happened Grind 2003
The Ghosts Of Me and You NHL 2004 EA Sports, 2003
Scooby Doo
Short Fuse Burning Gran Turismo 4 Sony, 2004
That's Why They Call It A Union Tony Hawk's Underground 2 2004
The Brightest Bulb Has Burned Out (Feat. Billy Bragg) Rock Against Bush, Vol. 1 Fat Wreck Chords, 2004
Bridge and Tunnel Authority Project Gotham Racing 3
A Still Life Franchise Madden 07 EA Sports, 2006

Trivia

  • The name 'Less Than Jake's came from Vinnie's dog, Jake. Jake was a huge bulldog and 'owned' the house, thus everything in Vinnie's house was 'less than Jake'.[citation needed]
  • Roger and Vinnie have an unexplained fondness for Pez candy. They reportedly have sizeable Pez dispenser collections. This love for Pez is so intense that they named one of their albums Pezcore (parodying 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. Vinnie will appear on the Pez documentary titled PEZheads - The Movie.
  • Roger's employment history includes working at a smoke shop in the band's hometown Gainesville, Florida known as Knuckleheads which has since been transformed into a similar establishment named Smoke, which is now out of business. Band member haunts have included Eddie C's (now The Backstage Lounge), 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).
  • They are largely responsible for, though unaffiliated with, the Florida Ska Revival Movement in their home state of Florida, which is a movement started by a group of Florida bands to bring ska music back into the mainstream.
  • Actress Alexis Bledel, known more for her role as Rory Gilmore on Gilmore Girls, is a fan of the band and appeared in the video for She's Gonna Break Soon, where she played a girl who destroyed her bedroom during the song.The bedroom in the video features a poster of rock band The Used on the wall.
  • Many of the band members are known to enjoy heavy metal music (hence the song All My Best Friends Are Metalheads). Roger lists the legendary British heavy metal band Iron Maiden as a favorite, and Chris has frequently been sighted wearing metal band t-shirts.
  • During Less Than Jake's set at the Orlando Warped Tour on 6 June 2006, JR, whose hair had been long for years, had Fat Mike come on stage and cut it short, apparently due to losing a bet.
  • The bassist/vocalist for the band The Goo Goo Dolls, Robby Takac, has been said to have a deep, harsh voice similar to Chris Demakes. Takac is also a huge fan of Pez, and lives with around 2000 Pez dispensers[2].
  • Chris has been known to dress up in costumes from show to show, though this was mostly done during the earlier years. Some examples include a baseball player, a college professor and more recently, Bob Barker from the Price Is Right.

See also

References

  1. ^ http://www.polyhex.com/music/chartruns/chartruns.php
  2. ^ http://www.polyhex.com/music/chartruns/chartruns.php
  3. ^ http://www.polyhex.com/music/chartruns/chartruns.php
  4. ^ http://www.polyhex.com/music/chartruns/chartruns.php

External links

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