Less Than Jake is a huge influence in the Ska-punk scene. The band formed in the early 90's with a punk trio in mind. Of course that wasn't the future for the band, so the horn section was added to make their signature sound. Evidentially, the band is classified under being a member of the third wave Ska generation. This generation of Ska is not based on the smooth groove of the upbeat music. This generation is mainly based on an upbeat happy-go-lucky beat that most of the lyrics have no real depth to them. The aim is to dance and have a good time. Any Less Than Jake listening experience is a good time, just not by the standards of a typical third wave Ska band. Everything about this band is unique and against the norm. Most Ska bands throughout history have been in a separate place in the music world. It's not very common for a Ska band to be on the top 100 charts. However, if or when a band does receive the media's attention, in most cases the band will be held under the title as a "sellout" according to fan base. In some fans opinions, Less Than Jake have fallen under than category. Although, ever since the pop-punk scene has practically taken over the Alternative scene today, a lot of Ska-punk bands have joined their sister genre and have fallen in to the category themselves. I guess it all depends on how a person views the process of a band "Selling out." Less Than Jake reaches out to more than just a thin line of Ska-punk fans. Their music has traveled far and wide. The lyrics hit close to home to a lot of different people. "By now you think I've found that things change, and look rearranged to me.
It never used to look that way to me, " Vinnie, Less Than Jake. A teenager may listen to that lyric and think about how consistent their life may seem at that present moment and still have hope that life can evolve. Or the 23 year old who used to be that lost 16 year old may have returned to a familiar point in their life. All the songs are about life and real situations. People relate to reality since they live in it everyday. People appreciate how not only can the sound of a song be moving, but also how the lyrics can also be influential."You don't want to say that you're giving up right nowso hold your ground don't give up in what you believe," Vinnie, Less Than Jake. The power of a song can be the biggest turn around in someone's life. Just by word of mouth, can a band become popular. Just by reading that lyric, I guarantee someone can relate to giving up. The power of song is subliminal. A listener is automatically lured inside of it. It can be an euphoric experience where the musicians are almost a higher being. The song is speaking to the listener and only to the listener in most cases. Some people may consider this to be selling out. Like I said, I guess it all depends on a fans view of a sell out.