The new album from Less Than Jake.
Anthem. Mane people were anticipating LTJ going back to the old sound, but signs werent good. None the less, ska driven less than jake has changed their sound, and it shows in Anthem
1. Welcome To The New South
This song is different from all the songs that started Less Than Jake albums in the past. Mostly because there's no ska in it, its alot longer than in the past, and it doesnt have as happy a tone. That doesnt mean its a bad song. There are no horns in the song, which disappointed me. Overall, its an ok song, but its gets old, really fast.
3/5
2. Ghosts of You And Me
This is one of the stand out tracks on the record. Roger has lead vocals on this one, as he does on alot of the record. Its a really good, fast track. Great pre-chorus and chorus. The verses are a little weak. Good song, verses could have been made better
4/5
3. Look What Happened (The Last Time)
This song was a remake of the song done on Borders and Boundaries. The original had so much more than this. They took out alot of the horns, and the bass is alot weaker, and simple. There is more energy in this new version though, but the original is still better.
2.5/5
4. The Science of Selling Yourself Short
Another stand out track. The band goes back to its ska roots, with a very reggae-esque song. Strong bass line, great vocals by Roger, his voice really suits the track. Lyrics were also done extremely well by Vinnie. Ive listened to the song a million times, still doesnt get old.
5/5
5. Short Fuse Burning
The first thing i noticed, the gutiar in the intro sounded alot like the Thunderstruck (AC/DC) riff. Very fast, sounds like Hello Rockview (Motto). Guitar was great in this song. The thing its lacking, like the rest of the record, is the horn section. Its a really good song though.
4/5
6. Motown Never Sounded So Good
There we go, this sounds like the old Less Than Jake *jumps*
Ska guitar in the intro, really cool. Roger and Chris share the vocals on this song. It sounds like a cross between Rockview and B&B, leaning more towards Rockview. There are horns in this one (not many though), which made it even better. Only thing stopping this from becoming a 5, is there are little amounts of horns on it.
4/5
7. The upwards war and Downwards spiral
I really did not like this song that much. Its like Chris just did vocals for another band, and put it on a LTJ disc. It really is more of a filler track.
2/5
8. Escape from the A-Bomb House
This is much like #7. I just didnt enjoy this song. Another filler song. The guitar is good, but the whole song is just really generic
2/5
9. Best Wishes To Your Black Lung
Finally, it gets good again. This song sounds more like Hello Rockview LTJ, ALOT like it. And i love it! Roger again, does lead with Chris. Roger's vocals are exceptional on this one, he really out did himself in my opinion. Some horns on this one, most horns anywhere on the cd.
4/5
10. She's Gonna Break Soon
........
At least on the album version there are some horns in the chorus
1/5
11. Thats why they call it a union
Another stand out track, sounds Rockview-esque again. But still, no ska. The guitar sounded really good on the verse, with the chorus/reverb. Great track.
4/5
12. Plastic Cup Politics
Best song on the record, period. Great horns, fast, upbeat, and the guitar was great. Roger does another great vocal track on this one. Every part of the song is great.
5/5
13. (2-part song) The Brightest Bulb Has Burned Out
The whole song is guitar, with chris singing. Good job on it. Has a sad tone at the start, but near the end it gets a little happier.
Screws Fall Out
The second half of the song. Right before it starts, you hear the firecrackers being lit. The whole song explodes. Has a Scott Farcas/Al's War lyrics feel. One thing i noticed, the lyrics say "So don't hold on to your past. No, it's never coming back, you gotta let it go", which kind of represents LTJ's style change. Overall, great 2-part.
4/5
14. Surrender
Last track on the standard edition. Great cover of Cheap Tricks song. I really enjoyed this. The bass was sweet sounding in this. They did the song justice
4/5
15. ASAOK
Last song on the Austrailian Version. Starts out with a slow bass piece. Then busts out the guitar, and goes into a full fledged punk song. There are some horns. This song is the only one that actually has cursing (says fuck twice), yet still the album gets a Parental Advisory. I liked this song, sounds like their old stuff, yet still sounds new.
4/5
52.5/75, or 3/5
The songs have alot more meaning, like Escape from the a-bomb house (leaving home), and Plastic Cup Politics, this is LTJ's greatest lyrical album
Based on the songs, the album got an ok rating, but as a whole, it really isnt that great a cd. If you really want it , or you're a new fan, go for it, but if you're a big fan, steer clear of this one, at all costs. A great album done by another band, but very mediocre by Less Than Jake, dissappointing really
Good review. People should go with Hello Rockview IMO
