Description
Less Than Jake – B Is For B-Sides – Yellow and Clear Vinyl Record
Less Than Jake’s B Is for B-Sides (2004) is a compilation album featuring songs recorded during the sessions for their 2003 album Anthem, but which did not make the final cut. Known for their energetic blend of ska punk, pop punk, and third-wave ska, the Gainesville, Florida-based band used this release to showcase additional material that, while considered B-sides, still captured their signature sound: fast tempos, catchy melodies, and brass-driven arrangements.
The album features a collection of fun, high-energy tracks that maintain the band’s playful attitude, with lyrical themes often revolving around growing up, self-reflection, and navigating relationships—all delivered with Less Than Jake’s irreverent, upbeat style.
As with their best-known work, B Is for B-Sides features Less Than Jake’s signature mix of ska and punk rock, with a strong presence of horns (saxophone, trumpet, and trombone) accompanying fast-paced, distorted guitars and driving rhythms. The blend of catchy, upbeat ska rhythms and punk’s frenetic energy keeps the album lively and engaging. Despite being a compilation of B-sides, the album is packed with hooks and infectious choruses. Songs on B Is for B-Sides stick closely to the pop-punk formula that made the band successful in the early 2000s, with polished production and accessible, sing-along melodies.
One of the standout features of the band’s sound, the brass section plays a significant role on this album, elevating the ska influences. The horns add a celebratory, playful feel to the fast-paced tracks and give the music a distinct energy.
Key Tracks
“Portrait of a Cigarette Smoker at 19”: This track highlights the band’s ability to blend introspective, personal lyrics with upbeat, ska-driven music. The contrast between the heavy theme of self-doubt and the high-energy musical arrangement is a hallmark of Less Than Jake’s style.
“Sleep It Off”: A more straightforward punk song with catchy hooks and an anthemic chorus. The track has a strong pop-punk influence, with tight guitar riffs and energetic vocals, making it one of the album’s standout moments.
“National Anthem”: This song features a driving beat and prominent horn lines, perfectly capturing the blend of ska and punk that defines Less Than Jake’s sound. Lyrically, the song addresses themes of identity and the pressures of conformity, delivered with a mix of humor and seriousness.
“Jay Frenzal”: A faster, more aggressive track with heavy punk influences, this song showcases the band’s harder edge while still maintaining their characteristic sense of fun. The song’s title is a tribute to Jay Whalley of the Australian punk band Frenzal Rhomb, reflecting Less Than Jake’s ties to the international punk community.
“Showbiz? Science? Who Cares?”: A bouncy, horn-heavy track that dives into themes of disillusionment with the music industry. The song’s playful ska-punk rhythm contrasts with the cynical lyrics, making it a memorable entry on the album.
ike much of Less Than Jake’s work, B Is for B-Sides touches on themes of growing up, self-doubt, and reflecting on the transition to adulthood. Songs like “Portrait of a Cigarette Smoker at 19” explore these ideas with a mix of humor and sincerity. Several tracks, such as “Showbiz? Science? Who Cares?” and “National Anthem,” deal with feelings of frustration and disillusionment, particularly with societal norms and the music industry. Less Than Jake’s lyrics often convey a sense of skepticism about the world, wrapped in a fun, upbeat musical package.
Relationships—both romantic and platonic—are a recurring theme, with songs addressing the challenges of communication, trust, and navigating interpersonal dynamics. The band’s lyrics are often witty and self-aware, capturing the highs and lows of everyday life.
The horn section (consisting of saxophone, trombone, and trumpet) is a defining feature of Less Than Jake’s sound, and on B Is for B-Sides, it remains front and center. The brass arrangements add energy and texture to the fast-paced punk songs, contributing to the band’s distinct blend of ska and punk. The album is full of quick, tightly played punk riffs and rapid-fire drumming. The guitar and drums provide a solid foundation for the brass melodies and contribute to the album’s overall upbeat, energetic sound.
Vocalist and guitarist Chris DeMakes and bassist Roger Lima trade off on lead vocals throughout the album, with the band’s signature vocal harmonies adding depth to the choruses. The catchy, sing-along nature of the songs is a key part of the album’s appeal, even though it’s made up of B-sides.
B Is for B-Sides was seen as a treat for diehard fans, giving them a deeper glimpse into the Anthem sessions. Despite being a collection of tracks that didn’t make the cut for the main album, the quality of the songs shows that Less Than Jake had an abundance of strong material during this era.
Less Than Jake remains one of the most prominent bands in the third-wave ska movement, and B Is for B-Sides is a testament to their consistency in delivering fun, energetic music. The album showcases the band’s ability to craft memorable songs that balance punk aggression with the joyful bounce of ska, further solidifying their place in the punk and ska scenes of the 2000s.
B Is for B-Sides by Less Than Jake is a collection of energetic, fun tracks that demonstrate the band’s mastery of blending ska, punk, and pop elements into a cohesive and entertaining package. Even though the album consists of B-sides, it holds up as a solid release in the band’s discography, offering fans an exciting glimpse into the creative process behind the Anthem sessions. The infectious melodies, upbeat ska-punk rhythms, and witty lyrics make B Is for B-Sides an enjoyable listen for both long-time fans and newcomers to the genre, further cementing Less Than Jake’s legacy as one of the key players in the third-wave ska movement.
Second Pressing Indie Store Smartpunk Exclusive: Limited to 1000
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Portrait Of A Cigarette Smoker At 19
Sleep It Off
Last Rites to Sleepless Nights
Bridge And Tunnel Authority
Goodbye In Gasoline
A.S.A.O.K.
Jay Frenzal
Showbiz? Science? Who cares?
Sobriety Is A Serious Business And Business Isn’t So Good
Nine-One-One To Anyone
Robots One, Humans Zero
National Anthem
