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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The spirit shines through, June 19, 2003
I've been a fan of Less Than Jake for almost two years, and they have steadily become my favorite band. I first got Hello Rockview, then Losing Streak, then Borders and Boundaries, then Pezcore, and just recently I picked up Anthem. I have never in my life bought an album without first hearing at least one song from it, but there is no other band that I trust more completely with my money than LTJ. I put it in the CD player and let it run all the way through. The first thing that struck me as different from their other albums is that the songs really do each sound like "anthems". They don't seem to sing the lyrics as much as they "proclaim" them...if that makes sense. The songs are (mostly) all heavy with guitars, fast, and energetic. There are a few exceptions, such as The Science of Selling Yourself Short and The Brightest Bulb. The most obvious difference with this album and the others is the lack of horns and ska. A few songs, like Motown and Plastic Cup Politics, have some decent ska riffs inbetween choruses. If you only liked LTJ for the ska part of their "ska punk" sound, you will be disappointed. They have definitely strayed from their old sound in this way. BUT, if you just thrive off their infectious energy and spirit, you'll be satisfied with the album as a whole, especially with songs like Welcome to the New South and Plastic Cup Politics, which are clearly classic LTJ material. I would consider New South one of their best works to date. The "single", She's Gonna Break Soon, is mediocre in LTJ standards. It's very similiar to the pop punk songs on radio and I'm sad that they are even considering trying to fit in by lowering their standards to that level. This is not to say that it's a bad song, because I still enjoy it, but it's not my beloved Less Than Jake at all. They can do better. All in all, it's a good effort, and it has it's moments. The funky LTJ spirit still shines through all the heavy guitar and polished pop punk: There's a reason I haven't taken it off repeat in my CD player yet.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I can't let this happen..., January 13, 2006
Anyone hear who rated this album poorly because of how much the music has changed is an idiot and doesn't deserve to listen to any of Less Than Jake's work. People are overlooking the fact that this is an amazing album because it doesn't have as much ska on it. Those people are the real morons. Every song on this CD is great-- some more than others. Such as Science of Selling Yourself Short. That song is probably one of the top three most amazing ska songs I've ever heard. Sure, this album has a little less ska, and a little more pop-punk, but that doesn't lessen the fact that they poured their hearts into this album, and put out a damn fine album. Definitely pick this one up. Trust me, you'll grow to love it unless you're a close-minded ass who refuses to even accept a great CD if it sounds different from the rest of a band's work.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Coming of age, October 1, 2004
Less Than Jake has grown up. Never thought I'd hear that. In fact, I'm sure a few people even dreaded this day. I am definitely a fan of the old LTJ albums and style, so when I first heard "Anthem", I was a little surprised. But not disappointed. Anthem is definitely one of their best offerings to date.
1. "Welcome to the New South" - This song really sums up everything. After hearing this, it's not a question of whether thay have matured or not; it's an obvious statement they have.
2. "Ghost of Me and You" - Very "poppy" song, but still an enjoyable one. Easy to hum along to.
3. "Look What Happened" - Now, many other people have said how good this song is. I, personally, do not care for it. It's not really a bad song, just not one of my favorites. Again, kind of poppy.
4. "The Science of Selling Yourself Short" - Slow groover about self-deprication. I absolutely love this one. The tune is catchy and the lyrics are excellent.
5. "Short-Fuse Burning" - Quick guitar work on this one. Faster than the previous few songs. Not a bad offering.
6. "Motown Never Sounded So Good" - I had actually heard this song before I got the CD, and I must say I enjoy it. Again, a little more pop-like than a lot of their other classics, but a good song nonetheless.
7. "The Upwards War and Down Turned Cycle" - Another song that really shows you LTJ has grown up. Hell, the song is ABOUT growing up.
8. "Escape From the A-Bomb House" - Didn't like this one at first, but it really grew on me. Solemn number about getting in arguments with your parents and leaving home.
9. "Best Wishes to Your Black Lung" - More lke what you've come to expect from the guys. A faster, horn-laden song that is very catchy.
10. "She's Gonna Break Soon" - Actually released as a single and a video. It even got played on MTV, I'm pretty sure. I really didn't like this one as it was very repetitive. It didn't really live up to the better songs of the album
11. "That's Why They Call It a Union" - Another song close to the classic style. Not bad, but not one of my favorites either.
12. "Plastic-Cup Politics" - Fun little song about drinking. Definitely one of my favorties. Very good lyrics and a catchy tune.
13. "The Brightest Bulb Has Burned/Screws Fall Out" - Wow...I LOVE this one. Actually, it's one of my favorite songs of all time. It's really two songs connected together, which is blatantly obvious when you listen to it. Starts out almost ballad-like with a slower tempo, quieter volume, and almost acoustic sound. The song continues until you come to the bridge between the two; then BAM! A full kick in to a fast, raucous blast of a song. I've actually seen people jump from the change in sheer volume. Absolutely AWESOME song.
14. "Surrender" - Finishing out the disc is a cover, a thing LTJ fans are used to. This one is a little different, though, as it seems more of a tribute-like take on it rather than their normal cover offerings. Excellent song to begin with by Cheap Trick, and the LTJ is a near-perfect covering. Strong ending to the disc.
All-in-all, a fun, but reflective disc. It actually makes you think a little, no matter what age you are. I thought I'd dread the day LTJ matured, but after hearing this, I'm almost glad it came.
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