"I have seen LTJ at live shows, and this CD shows how energetic they are onstage and in there music. Sure a lot of people think "LTJ ARE SELLOUTS!" but actually LTJ are still pretty loyal to their fans. They still do all their shows, booking, still doing indie labels and merch is always run by them, not Capitol. And usually people ask me "who the fuck is LTJ?" See? But anyway, this CD is great. To the blaring horns to the roaring guitar. Chris (guitarist) does a pretty good job of keeping everything exciting. Roger (bass) keeps the funky sound and beat. Vinnie (drums) excellent drumming at great speeds. The horn section is great, now with two t-bones their sound is unique. Losing Streak is good too, but that's a different story. Are they sellouts? NO! The band is just expressing their thoughts in their own way and their own feelings. They're not sellouts, just plain ol' LESS THAN JAKE.*NOTE: Buy this CD. Listen to LIBERTY CITY, METALHEADS, BORING TOWN, CHEESE, and SCOTT FARCUS. I think these are the best tracks."
Hello Rock You and Your Mother
NYHC Jim | New York | 06/11/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A lot of these reviews compare this disc to Losing Streak. This comparison is fair, of course. Losing Streak was a great ska/punk album and definitely put LTJ on the map. It most definitely had more ska on it, which gave it a certain sound that many people liked a lot. The band probably could have made another record just like Losing Streak, but they didn't. they evolved, and combined the ska and punk elements of their music to make a truly special sound that wreaks of nostalgia and high school. Songs like "History of a Boring Town" and "Danny Says" and "Last one out of Liberty City" make me get goosebumps and think about good times and good friends. "Al's War" reminds me of my own growing up and trying to get away from my parents. Basically, every song hits some chord with my heart and reminds me of my own teenage life. That's why this CD is so good. The music is fun, not depressed about lost girls and good times. They lyrics are true, simple and tell it like it is. I can see myself listening to this CD as a parent and quietly smiling about my life and all the good times because the good really does outway the bad, and LTJ embody that philosophy very well."
A class album by Less Than Jake
NYHC Jim | 09/02/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've just recently gotten into this band and I have to say they are awesome! Hello Rockview is a great album that's fast, upbeat, and just overall really fun to listen to from beginning to end. Some standout tracks include "History of a Boring Town", "Scott Farcas Takes It on the Chin", and "All My Best Friends are Metalheads."
Being a ska fan, I really enjoyed the ska-punk sound of this album, and it's easily my favorite Less Than Jake album I've heard so far (my first cd was Anthem, which is also very good, but definitely lacking in ska). If you are new to LTJ, I would recommend buying this album first, along with Losing Streak, as it demonstrates the band at their best.
(Also, if you are a Less Than Jake fan and haven't seen them live, you definitely should! They are fun and energetic, and a whole lot better than most of these new bands around today.)"
Better Than Losing Streak
joethepunkrocker | At the Computer, USA | 03/02/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Most people right now are saying "Yeah, sure there is no ska-punk album that is better than Losing Streak". You are wrong, though this cd isn't all ska-punk, it blends in various types of ska. Some songs don't even have the good ol' horns, so? Perfect time to test the band's skills. Songs like "Last One Out Of Liberty City", "Danny Says", "Nervious In The Alley", "Big Crash", and "Theme From H Street" still keep the same old ska-punk feeling for you die-hard losing streak fans. But songs like "All My Best Friends Are Metalheads", "Five State Drive", "History Of A Boring Town", and "Scott Farcus Takes It On The Chin" makes you look back to those skankin' days of the checkered years(note:for ska purist not Two-Tone!!!and Not Reel Big Fish!!!). But songs also such "Help The Youth of America From Exploding", "Motto", "Great American Sharpshooter", and the classic "Al's War" DON'T EVEN HAVE HORNS AND THEY ROCK!!! If you now see how Less Than Jake did this cd it is ten times better, for all the classical styles of ska. For those who have listen to some songs off this album, your'e thinking what's up with the lyrics to this cd, it isn't all "Losing-Streak-down-to-earth-Jen-doesn't-like-me-any-more-PEZ"lyrics filled, while, a cool bonus to this cd is that it has comic book layout for the lyrics, cool huh? I don't hate Losing Streak, Losing Streak is awesome, but this cd is way better. Buy it, its all truth ska. Plus i don't like ska that mush and it got me talking about the genres of ska!"
Ska aa the top of its game
Matt | Chicago | 05/02/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hello Rockview may be the best Less than Jake cd they have ever released. All the songs are incredible especially Last One out of Liberty City, Help Save the Youth of America from Exploding, Al's War, and History of a Boring Town. The 'newer' sound that Less Than Jake brings to this cd with their updated horn section (now two bones and a bari)is much more refined than on their earlier releases like "Losing Streak." Overall one of the best ska cds that I own, and it never gets old and I listen to it all the time when Im cruisen in my car. GO AND GET IT!"