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•	Anthem
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•	Borders & Boundaries

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Album Description
Punk-pop stalwarts Less Than Jake return with the adored band's first original album in three years, In With the Out Crowd, produced by Howard Benson. The punk 'n' horns group has sold more than 1 million records over the past decade, thanks to incessant touring, including on the Warped Tour, where it has been the #1 merchandise seller. Less Than Jake gets out the crowds once more with In With the Out Crowd.

Customer Reviews: Read 62 more reviews...

3 out of 5 stars

The self-proclaimed "true fans" are overrating this album... we're now "In With the Pop Crowd", a.k.a. the 14 to 16-year-olds. September 2, 2006
13 out of 16 found this review helpful

I don't know, guys. On track number three, I think something burst in my head and forced my arm to spasm towards the eject button. I put it on my shelf for a while, and now it's been a few months, and I listened to it again. I still think it's their worst album yet. I don't hate them for wanting to change their sound, but they didn't have to go to this extreme. Read on, though, I promise to not totally snub the album. There are a few decent songs on here. I'm not giving up on them yet, but I am a little annoyed with LTJ right now.

See, I'm 23 years old (as of September 2006). Ever since it started being cool to be "punk" (a.k.a. what MTV and Hot Topic want kids to think punk is), and Good Charlotte came around, I just had to cringe at the merger of the pop and punk genres. It's closer than ever before now, and it's really pretty sickening to listen to it. Back when I started listening to ska and punk in 2000, when the whole ska/swing craze was starting to go away for the most part, the whole pop-punk and emo scene didn't seem quite as prevalent. But now it's just out of control when it starts to invade my favorite bands. I know that's a bit selfish to say, but it's just how I feel.

It seems Warner Brothers has its tentacles around their testicles, getting them to sing things like "na-na na-na, na-na na-na" over and over again. I know Less Than Jake didn't choose to do this to us consciously. Additionally, I respect their decision to go in a different direction musically, but, Less Than Jake, come on, guys... make sure to look around yourself before you go in the WRONG direction next time, okay? No more hanging out with Good Charlotte, Fall Out Boy, Augustana, Coheed, and all those other wussy bands, okay?? No more hanging "out with the pop crowd." Got it? Good. The tours you did with Dropkick Murphys, however, may help your sound. I hope their sound rubbed off on you for the next album. Then I'll throw a party. Try hanging out with the Casualties as well, and the Unseen. I think I'd like Less Than Jake as a ska/street punk band. That'd be really cool to see.

That being said, I'll review each track right now for you and give it my personal rating as I listen to the CD. Your mileage may vary.

Soundtrack of my Life - 5/10 - This is a decent opener, but the "woah-ohhhhhhhhhh" things are REALLY annoying. Insert just about anything else and this song gets a 6/10. I like it a little bit. Nothing like what I expected, though. I really didn't expect this level of bubblegum pop to find its way into the band.

A Still Life Franchise - 7/10 - This sounds like it really could have been on Anthem. I wouldn't have complained too much. It's a decent song, with ska guitar. Could use some more verses instead of the choruses in the lyrics (this nets at least a -2 from me, it's SO repetitive), but the "woah-ohs" don't sound as forced as on the first track; they sound good like the old ones.

Overrated - 1/10 - This automatically gets an automatic skip in my CD player. If you ever hear it, you'll know why. It sounds like some horrible Good Charlotte song or something you can find on MTV. It gets a 1 because it's not actual pop.. or is it? Damn, I can't tell now.

Fall Apart - 3/10 - This one isn't much better as an antidote to Overrated. I almost want to skip it. It kind of sounds like whiny emo music until the bridge to the chorus and the quasi-guitar-solo kinda thing. Sounds a bit too clunky and slow for my liking. I just don't like this kind of pop/indie/emo/rock/whatever vocals. I don't even know what that singing style is supposed to be called anymore, and I don't think this song will grow on me in the least.

In-Dependence Day - 5/10 - At least this one is pretty fast, but the lyrics are just too "la-la-la" for me. At this point in the album, I really start to get annoyed at the background vocals sounding so polished and childlike. I'd prefer no background vocals at all, and just horn lines written over them.

Don't Fall Asleep on the Subway - 5/10 - I really want to like this song, because at least it has horns in it, and a nice catchy guitar riff, save for the "Dun dun, da-dun, da dun dun, da-dun" over and over, a.k.a. the pop-punk band guitar riff in a lot of these songs. You know which one it is... The one that plays when the filtered background vocals are saying "Hey! Hey! Hey! (which sucks by the way, bad place for it.)" Anyway, that guitar riff needs to not be on the next album. At all. I've noticed it in three songs so far. At least. And I know Anthem never had it, because I would have been pissed off had it been there.

Landmines and Landslides - 5/10 - I gave this an extra point for being truthful. They're destined for disaster if they keep putting songs out like this, non-energetic tunes that use a whimpy "Woah-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh" as a verse in between the last two choruses. Be ska/punk or be pop. Choose one or the other. A lot of the songs on this album so far have sounded like something 14-year-old kids would listen to. My brother said that the first time he heard this album after I bought it, and I really couldn't agree more.

Rest of My Life - 7/10 - I kind of like this track. I think if I had to listen to another pop-punk song in this song's place, I'd have thrown the CD out the window. In all seriousness, though, this is a nice-sounding song. The instrumentation is nice (is this the only acoustic LTJ song besides "The Brightest Bulb Has Burned Out", not counting the Screws Fall Out part?).

As for the lyrics, they seem to work here somehow. This song sounds like they're lamenting joining up with a major label and doing this to themselves and their fans. ("Doing this", meaning, slowing down their songs, turning them into polished MTV pop-punk, and therefore, by and large, alienating their 20+ age fans at the expense of gaining younger fans and getting their parents to buy lots of LTJ merchandise for them.) Seriously... this song may be in the place it's in on the CD kind of like how an "aside" works in a play. It's like LTJ is turning to us and saying "Oh my God, I'm sorry for doing this. Our record label is making us do this." Just as an apology to the older group of fans.

Mostly Memories - 5/10 - If they wrote a new chorus, I'd like this song. But the whimpy little kid sound isn't working. How many times do I have to say it? Where's the screaming and straining of voices I know and love? Not in this song. I love the horn lines in this song though, so it gets +2 just for that. Still horrible though. I can't, in good conscience, give it more than a 5. They should have deleted this song, Overrated, and Fall Apart, and put in the two songs from the "Absolutions for Idiots and Addicts" EP, and that rockin' bonus track that's floating around, the Trophy Boys and Girls song or whatever. Then I'd like this CD.

Let Her Go - 9/10 - This loses a point for the obligatory pop-punk "na-na na-na, na-na na-na". Other than that, perfect song. Fast, energetic, ska-punk. Maybe I've "overrated" this song, because it doesn't have too much in the way of verses either, but at least it has a great beat and it seems to fit in with the rest of their older songs.

Hopeless Case - 9/10 - This is probably one of my favorite "new LTJ" songs. It's not too bubblegum poppy; it's kind of like a mix of old and new. This is one of the only times Roger screams in the album. Still too slow for my liking, but I guess I'd better get used to it for the next album, if there is a next one.

P.S. Shock the World - 9.5/10 - I really like this song. Much use of the horns, which I favor greatly, and -- holy crap on a stick -- a TROMBONE SOLO! God knows we need more of those in music these days. It's like everyone used horns for a couple albums in the 90s and now no one wants to use them for some reason. They're awesome! Throw 'em in! :-D Also, this gives great insight to what the band might be feeling. The song has a nice feel to it, and it doesn't get annoyingly repetitive until the very end. I had to give this a 9.5 because it was better than anything else on this album. Just in comparison, though. A 9.5 here is about a 7 on Hello, Borders or even Anthem.

And that's it. I wrote this while I listened to the whole thing. Take it for what it's worth. Probably nothing, but maybe you'll share my views, who knows?

2 out of 5 stars

Far Too In With the In Crowd For My Tastes May 24, 2006
6 out of 8 found this review helpful

Less Than Jake is a band that has inspired many a musique-garagiste with its original style and ska-punk-pop hybrid genre of music. Not only did 2000's Anthem help bring ska to the forefront of the minority music industry for a short time, it was also the first time many even HEARD any sort of ska. This is not to say it was their best album- certainly not. While many hitch their hopes on a revival of Losing Streak and Hello Rockview, just as many others have begun to accept the inter-genre experimentations the band has participated in during their past few releases. Despite their ever-increasing usage of the mainstream formula of repetitive yet catchy choruses, which were still veritably enjoyable, LTJ had always seemed to have held on to at least a redeeming shred of what attracted so many to them; so different from the afore mentioned duo of masterpiece albums, and bordering on what most would call "selling out", but retaining just enough of that garage sound to fend off most criticisms.
In With the Out Crowd, however, finally tips the group into that dangerous precipice. When played back-to-back with any of their previous albums, one immediately notices the complete lack of vivality in their songs, the flat feeling even the most raucous of their tracks have when in comparison to almost any previous work. There is an undeniably bubble gum pop/punk-over-ska influence here, a dark, mainstream undertone that bores one more than anything else. After one has given it a few good plays, and tried one's hardest to convince oneself that one is simply not in the right mood, or has the speakers plugged in backward, one is forced to resign thyself to the idea that LTJ is not only Out with the Out Crowd, they're now In With the In Crowd. For the few songs where a horn section is evident, they seem so out of place as to seem grating, such as "Don't Fall Asleep on the Subway." LTJ hits an even more detestable chord with "Rest of My Life", an obnoxiously uncharacteristic pseudo-emo attempt. While they did "Shock the World", they did it in a manner that repulses the ever-diminishing crowds of fans that stayed at their side for so many years. How unfortunate that such their wonderful beginning efforts should be executed with such brilliance only to fade and smolder in a convoluted, amateurishly overcooked attempt such as In With the Out Crowd.

3 out of 5 stars

Still Listening to it Nonstop June 28, 2006
6 out of 7 found this review helpful

I believe the thing that hurt this album from the start was the hype that surrounded it for the last year. As a Less Than Jake fan I witnessed the excitement and hopes of a "rebirth" of the old Less Than Jake. This was a false hope, and honetly a waste of time. You can't expect a band to keep releasing the same songs over and over. That would just be boring for us, and for them as well.

Now that the initial hype of over a new LTJ album is over, I feel that I can give it a fair review...so here it goes.

Soundtrack of My Life: 7/10
At first I did not like this song too much, to me it didn't have much to it. Now after a month of listening I find that this song has the meaningful lyrics on the entire album. As far as openers go this was a bad choice. I also like the Gainesville Rock City "Easter Egg" hidden in there.

A Still Life Franchise: 9/10
Probably the strongest song on the entire album. It has great lyrics, an awesome horn part, and it is just there musically. It is one of the best ska songs LTJ has written in a long time. There has been better ska from them, but this really is not bad at all, and a definite standout track.

Overrated: 7/10
This song, as many know, is the first single off IWTOC. It was obviously written to be a radio hit, and it does serve its purpose. The lyrics and the music is simplistic, even by LTJ standards. However, it is with great humility that I admit that I like this song. It is the perfect song to just throw on in the car and sing along to.

Fall Apart: 7/10
For some reason, this was one of my initial favorites. This song is total power pop-punk. It takes a somewhat depressing subject and presents it in a much more happy, sing-songy kind of way.

In-Dependence Day: 6/10
The lyrics aren't that bad and there is some energy, but it it really isn't a standout track for me. However, Roger's voice sounds really good on this track, expecially in their first lines of it.

Don't Fall Asleep on the Subway: 9/10
Lately this one has been getting a lot of play on my iPod. It has energy and a powerful horn part. This song are the best vocals we here from Chris on the entire album. This song became a graduation song for me, as I was one of those who felt lucky to be getting out of my school. This song is much like the material we heard on B is for B Sides.

Landmines and Landslides: 4/10
This is my least favorite song on the entire album. It seems to blend in with everything else and there isn't much to make it stand out. This song should have been replaced by either We, the Uninspired or Negative Sides of Optimistic Eyes from the Absolution for Idiots and Addicts EP.

Rest of My Life: 8/10
I was a huge Blink 182 fan and I like Mark Hoppus' work. While this is a great departure from the usual LTJ sound, I actually like it. I never thought that a LTJ would give me goosebumps, but this one did. Lyrically and musically it is much more mature. The organ in the background has a very haunting sound, as well as the sax.

Mostly Memories: 8/10
This song has a strong opener and I like the keyboard behind the horns...really different sounding. This is another song that is more in the direction of Anthem and B is for B Sides. This is one of the fastest songs on the album and a nice contrast with the slow, haunting, Rest of My Life.

Let Her Go: 8/10
All fans of the old LTJ love this song, as it is the closest thing to a song off Losing Streak that we have heard in a long time. Finally a fast, repetitive ska song from LTJ. This is the LTJ we're all used to. I like the lyrics and gang vocals in the background. This is another standout track. Let Her Go mixes the fast paced ska of old LTJ with their new pop/punk style.

Hopeless Case: 8/10
This song didn't really impress me at first, however it has begun to grow on me. The chorus is really mature sounding and really shows you where LTJ is at. In a way this song says to me musically, "you've heard what we can do before, but look at us now!" This song trully shows how musically talented LTJ is.

P.S. Shock the World: 10/10
This is my favorite song for this album. Roger's vocals are great, probably the best his voice has ever sounded. This song also has the strongest horns. This song is much like The Science of Selling Yourself Short, however I feel it is much better as it has more energy and a better horn part. For the first time in I don't know how long Buddy actually has a trombone solo. I have had the final horn part stuck in my head for the last month. This is a great finale for IWTOC.

The PROS of In With the Out Crowd:

-Some of the most mature lyrics that Vinnie has written to date.

-There is a better balance between the horns and the guitar. They were drowned out too much on Anthem.

-There are some real standout tracks on this album.

-It is a move in a new direction and it seems Less Than Jake is pulling it off.

-It mixes some of the sounds from older albums with much newer sounds.

CONS of the In With the Out Crowd:

-Some time sit seems this album is too short.

-This album had a lot of hype surrounding it, a lot of hype that it could never live up to.

-Less Than Jake rocked harder and louder on Anthem, this is much more mellow.

If you have yet to buy this CD I suggest you do. Also, buy it off iTunes as you get a bonus track, Even Trophy Boys and Girls Sing the Blues. This song is incredibly catchy and is the definition of pop/punk/ska.

Overall In With the Out Crowd isn't a disaster, as some would make it out to be. There is some really great stuff on this album. The big downside for me is that the album is so short.
I suggest you give this album a listen and form your own opinion. The days of Pezcore and Losing Streak are over. You can't keep living in the Less Than Jake Glory Days. There are many who have to come to grips with that they've grown up and they have changed their style a bit. Think back where you were 10 years ago, do you have the same mindset, the same interests, the same clothing style that you do now? Why do you think Less Than Jake is any different?

2 out of 5 stars

It;'s Finally Happened... August 18, 2006
6 out of 8 found this review helpful

Well, it finally happened, what has been brewing since Borders and Boundaries - the pop punk machine has had its way with LTJ. It chewed them up, spit them out, and what we're left with is In with the Out Crowd, their weakest release to date.

To start with, their sound is drastically different. Whereas LTJ never turned their back on ska and axed the horn section (*cough* goldfinger *cough*), they just about nullified them on this release by mixing the horns too low to hear. Granted there are songs that do have an actual horn melody, but they are few are too far between for my taste, and on many it will appear that they aren't even present.

The sound in general now is much more manufactured and generic. Everything from the numerous "Hey! Hey!" background vocals and "na-na-na-na" choruses to the vocals run through filters and guitar riffs that sound straight out of New Found Glory's playbook smells of compromise. There's even the obligatory acoustic song that seems to pop up on these kinds of releases (and happens to be one of the worst tracks). It's not just the sound, though, the songwriting has fallen way off. Lyrically this album is nothing special, and at times seems as though very little effort was put in as choruses are repeated ad nauseum instead of more verses or variety. There is a way to make a well produced album that still stays true to your roots. Borders and Boundaries was slick and sounded produced, but it was still Less Than Jake. In with the Out Crowd, on the other hand, has certainly lost it.

I will also say that I have nothing against bands changing their sound - sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. What I do have a problem with is bands changing their sound to some generic form of pop music that is already oversaturating the airwaves. Goldfinger did it, the Aquabats did it, and now it seems LTJ have followed (but God bless the RBF for sticking tough). This sounds interchangeably like Fall Out Boy or the Starting Line, something I could do without - especially from a band like LTJ who I used to greatly enjoy.

I picked this up for ten dollars in the hope that it might at least be on the level of Anthem, but it wasn't even worth that. At least Anthem had a few stand out tracks. The same can't be said here. If you're looking for another face in the generic pop-punk crowd, then pick this up, but if you're a fan looking for a LTJ release you'll actually listen to, you should definitely pass.

2 out of 5 stars

Sugar-free PEZ May 29, 2006
5 out of 7 found this review helpful

"When I stop and think about where I'll be ten years from now I wonder if the me of now would call myself washed up or watered down or part of the crowd" --LTJ, Last One Out of Liberty City (1998)

To those of you who think LTJ aren't what they used to be, keep in mind that the band is well aware that they are washed up, watered down, and part of the crowd. The question is, why? It seems that Less Than Jake chose to become a mediocre pop band, rather than remaining a great punk band. None of the songs on this CD are very good even though LTJ are still talented musicians. I liked a few of them, namely Let Her Go, but I liked them right away and they wore out quickly. In comparison, it took three days before I started to like Losing Streak, but after two years, I can still listen to it over and over. I wonder if the band even likes this new stuff that the record company is pressuring them to churn out.

If you are new to the band, I'd reccommend Borders and Boundries, Pezcore, Hello Rockview, and Losing Streak, in that order (save the best for last).

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