Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Inevitable Maturity Record, 25 Jun 2006
With any punk band in recent years, maturity has hit everyone of them, it has made some (Green Day), broke some (Blink 182) and made stand-outs for others (Reel Big Fish). It seemed pretty inevitable that Less Than Jake would one day join that elite of groups.
After their major label debut 'Anthem', Less Than Jake appeared to disappear from the media, with only releasing a record of b-sides during their absence. When lyricist Vinnie Fiorelli claimed to Kerrang! the new album was much like what they've done before just slightly different, he was definately understating himself there.
In With The Out Crowd shows LTJ moving into much bigger rock territory, more guitars and less horns. To many people, this is what may cause the group to lose quite a few of their fanbase, but certainly this will attract a lot of new comers to the band.
Lyrically, LTJ have always had messages hidden beneath, and it always looks as if Vinnie has a jukebox of themes to write about. Songs like Hopeless Case and A Still Life Franchise give the impression of giving up in life, whilst Soundtrack of my Life and Overrated (Everything is) reads like a teenager growing up to learn things that are good and bad.
The most interesting song for me has got to be The Rest of My Life. The song is credited by LTJ and former Blink 182 bassist Mark Hoppus. Lyrically it feels as if it's an open letter of regret and sadness by Mark towards his relationship with AVA's Tom Delonge.
So basically those that are hoping this is just like the other LTJ albums then be prepared for a shock. Does that make it bad that its different? NO!! It's still a great record, it just depends on your take of the word 'mature'. I'm certainly not dissappointed in this one, the fact I've got my friend into this group by playing this album shows its good in its own right.
And in true Less Than Jake fashion, it is naturally bloody catchy as well. :-) Ignore the complainers and just give it a try!
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
they never fail!, 16 Jun 2006
With all bands, you wait with nerves wondering if the new album will be any good. Often you wonder to yourself if now is the time that the band might be getting a bit past it. But not LTJ! I'm amazed at some of the comments on here because i love the album, and can't seem to stop putting it into my stereo or car CD Player! Ok, a couple of the tracks might sound a little (and i do mean little) bit different from their earlier material, but it clearly shows that they can create a variety of sound.
Personal favourite tracks are "Overated (everything is)", "Landmines and Landslides", the Mark Hoppus written "The Rest of My Life" and "P.S Shock the World". (This also shows one previous commenter on here that the tracks and names are memorable!)
Perhaps not the best album, i'd say this is my third favourite album by LTJ. If you like them, buy it. If you're expecting an entire album of songs like "All My Best Friends Are Metalheads" like i'm sure most of the commenters on here are, don't bother. But i'd recommend you give this new variety a listen!
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The soundtrack of my life..., 22 May 2006
For almost five years now (it's a long time for me, alright?) Less Than Jake have had a very special place in my heart, as my favourite band. I fell in love with their catchy, up-beat music and as I got older, started to appreciate their incredible lyrics. So you can understand my excitement as this album fell through my letterbox this morning.
Having heard bits and pieces of this album as they were leaked on the internet I was incredibly excited to hear the rest of the album, and I was not disappointed. Less Than Jake can always be relied on for catchy pop-punk with great lyrics, and this album is no exception. However, the band has explored new sounds as well as continuing to serve up more "classic" sounding Less Than Jake. The bouncy, upbeat ska-punk of "Let Her Go" or "P.S. Shock The World" wouldn't sound out of place on an older Less Than Jake record, while "Fall Apart" seems to experiment with slightly metal-tinged guitar at the very beginning and in other places seems to be slightly reminiscent of 80s hair metal, and they even venture into power-ballad territory with "The Rest Of My Life".
"In With The Out Crowd" has unfortunately fallen victim to unfair criticism of the lack of horns, or lack of similarities to older, "classic" Less Than Jake. However, if you can overlook this and listen to this album with a clear head, you will hopefully find it to be a thoroughly enjoyable collection of catchy pop-punk done Less Than Jake style, just as I have. Vinnie's lyrics are as relevant and meaningful as they have ever been, possibly even moreso and musically Less Than Jake have not lost their knack for upbeat, hook-filled songs. Buy it, listen to it and above all, enjoy it.
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