Less Than Jake's New Album, "In With the Out Crowd" Released!

... Or if you were like me and, in anticipation of the new release, pre-ordered the album, you probably got "In With the Out Crowd" in the mail yesterday. At any rate, I've had a chance to soak in the new songs twice and I'd like to give my first impressions. The album has about 5 really good songs. The opening track, "Soundtrack of my Life" sets the whole album up. It takes off with a slight unfamiliarity but soon the interjected harmonies step in and of course the "Woahs". Finally a surprise cameo of a "Gainesville Rock City" riff prepares you for a retrospective of the Less Than Jake anthology.
If you have already heard the tracks on "Absolution for Idiots and Addicts" you are probably already familiar with two of the hottest tracks they laid down on this album, "Rest of My Life" and "Overrated". "The Rest of My Life" was my favorite of these with it's somehow familiar tune and poignant lyrics. Despite the fact that "Overrated" has caught the most attention for this release, I think the song is great (don't get me wrong) but, well, overrated. Another favorite on the album is "Mostly Memories" for its tight, quick and bouncy horn parts. "Don't Fall Asleep on the Subway" reminds me of the songs on Hello Rockview or Borders and Boundaries. This happens a lot throughout the album. For instance "Let Her Go" seems a lot like a long lost track from Pezcore. It starts a little on the heavy side and breaks out into a two-tone-esque ska beat.
In With the Out Crowd captures the best aspects of trademark Less Than Jake: the catchy melodies, bouncy horn line, familiar harmonies, etc. While the album pays tribute to LTJ's past there's still that sense of innovation and evolution that comes with almost every album. This was definately a sigh of relief after Anthem.