Less Than Jake/Reel Big Fish/Authority Zero

Still riding the ska punk wave that crested in the late 1990s (Less Than Jake having been formed in 1992), this band is primed for another album release this week. A glance across Less Than Jake’s progression over the years reveals moves toward fuller playing. To be sure, they’ve maintained their heaviness, but the songwriting and compositional structure seems full-bodied on later albums. Check out the duality of modern-era tunes like “Younger Lungs” and “Goodbye, Mr. Personality” for some perspective on the band’s ability to keep the ska movement going strong over the years. Oh, and a final tip for the uninitiated: The band’s name comes from a pet the drummer had growing up, which was always treated better than every other member of the family. (Sandy)