B is for B-Sides

Less Than Jake | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 20, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sire / London/Rhino
• ASIN: B0002IQC6G
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #158,405 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

With Less Than Jake on one of the summer's major tours, Projekt Revolution 2004, the pop/punk heroes have collected a disc of tracks recorded for 2003's Anthem - the highest-charting album in the band's career - but never released domestically. In fact, nearly all of the tracks on B Is For B Side have never been released anywhere. After selling more than 1 million records over the past decade and with live shows that continue to expand a hardcore global fan base, Less Than Jake earns an A for B Is For B Sides.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Better than the reviews indicate., August 8, 2004

By 

Colin (Easton, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: B is for B-Sides (Audio CD)

Like another reviewer of this CD, I have never written an Amazon review, but felt compelled to since, frankly, there are too many negative reviews for what is, in my opinion, a quality album.

First of all, YES, this CD is like Anthem in that it shys away from the horn-driven ska sound that LTJ popularized in years past. Yes, they're still there and yes, they sound great, but they aren't featured on as many songs or as often. So if the only reason you ever listened to Less Than Jake was to hear horns, this or Anthem will not appeal to you.

However, those who simply seek good music could do much worse than B Is For B-Sides. The songs are all well-written, and I'm sure most listeners can relate to at least some of the things the boys from Gainsville sing about. On that note, it's worth saying that on this album, Roger sings quite a few of the songs, which provides what is in my opinion a varied sound. LTJ's horn section, as always, is tight and sounds great, but even I would like to see them featured more on future releases.

Like all albums, though, B Is for B-Sides is not without its flaws, however small. First and foremost, it's too damn short. It clocks in at a few minutes short of a half an hour, and for such a quality album, the ride ends too soon. Also, I know it's been said a hundred times before, but I really wish LTJ would put more emphasis on the horns. JR and Buddy are really talented players and I think they deserve to be featured more on the albums.

To be short, if you liked the direction Anthem went in, you'll love B Is for B-Sides. If you like LTJ only for the ska element, be wary. Those who find themselves in the middle should definatley give this one a try.

PS: Anyone who says Less Than Jake "isn't ska" anymore should go see them live. Any such thoughts will probably be extinguished upon doing so.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What else were you expecting?, June 30, 2005

By 

C. Schmura "The Alt Guru" (Godforsaken Mohnton, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: B is for B-Sides (Audio CD)

People are complaining that this CD is less than they expected, or its too ska-ish. Well, duh! LTJ is a ska band! is that surprising? If you've been reading these reviews and you're confused on what to do, listen to the samples. They speak for themselves. Portrait, ASAOK, 9-1-1, and showbiz are my faves.

You will love this CD. Cross my heart.

B-sides, the artwork is cool too.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars it's short, but their best cd, June 1, 2005

By 

Brady M Bean "2tone 89" - See all my reviews

This review is from: B is for B-Sides (Audio CD)

the reason why this is their best cd is it combines the meaningful lyrics that were in "anthem" with the ska sounds from "losing streak". a bunch of people liked anthem but hated the fact that there wasnt enough ska in it. well these are songs they recorded when making anthem and theyve got plenty of ska and meaningful lyrics.
if you havent bought an LTJ cd before, then i suggest buying "losing streak" or "hello rockview"(which i think is their 2nd best cd).
dont listen to this and expect to hear much stuff like old catch 22 or planet smashers. less than jake isnt all that ska.....but they still kick ass.