Local H is an alternative rock band which formed in 1987 in Zion, Illinois,… Read Full Bio ↴Local H is an alternative rock band which formed in 1987 in Zion, Illinois, United States. The band originally consisted of Scott Lucas (vocals, guitar, bass) and Joe Daniels (drums). Daniels left in 1999 and was replaced by Brian St. Clair who was the band's drummer until he left in late 2013. Ryan Harding would replace him, and is the current drummer for the duo. They are perhaps best known for their 1996 hit single "Bound for the Floor".

Each year, critics at the Chicago Tribune name a "Chicagoan of the Year." The 2008 winner for music was Local H.

Local H started as hard-rock duo formed by Scott Lucas (vocals/guitar/bass) and Joe Daniels (drums). The two began in 1987 at their mainline high school in Zion. After failed attempts at recruiting a bassist, Lucas added bass pickups to his electric guitar.

Local H's 1995 debut Ham Fisted was released to lukewarm reception, but their 1996 follow-up As Good as Dead was certified gold and contained the hits "Bound for the Floor" and "Eddie Vedder." It was better received by critics, as was 1998's Pack Up the Cats, which spawned the single "All the Kids Are Right." Unfortunately, their label Polygram merged with Universal, and the album was all but forgotten in transition.

Daniels left in 1999. Lucas recruited recent Triplefastaction drummer Brian St. Clair later that year. St. Clair was a drum tech for Bun E. Carlos of Cheap Trick. Lucas and St. Clair released their first album together, Here Comes the Zoo, in 2002 on Palm Pictures. The No Fun EP came next in 2003, and Whatever Happened to P.J. Soles? followed in 2004 to favorable reviews, with the track "Everyone Alive" being featured in the 2004 video game Burnout 3. The break-up concept album 12 Angry Months followed in 2008, and to coincide with the 2012 presidential election the group issued Hallelujah! I'm a Bum that year, both albums receiving critical praise.

Brian St. Clair would amicably leave the band, playing his last show in November 2013, before Ryan Harding joined to fill in his spot. In 2015, the duo would issue their ninth studio album Hey, Killer through G&P Records, an independent label they operate that has also been utilized for smaller releases for the band in the past. In 2020, the duo iussued Lifers through AntiFragile Music.

Local H garnered good publicity for a cover of the Britney Spears hit "Toxic". The cover was available on the band's web site and is the last track on the otherwise live album Alive '05, issued in 2005. "Toxic" has been performed at recent concerts.

Local H is known for creativity in concerts. In 2003, the band auctioned off a concert on eBay, and in 2004, performed at Fritz's Corner in Zion. In 2005, the duo performed a series of set-list request shows, where the audience got to vote on what they wanted the band to play. Gabe Rodriguez often accompanied the band on tour and provided back-up vocals or kazoo playing.

Every Halloween, Local H plays in Ardmore, masquerading as a certain group. They have performed as Nirvana, Tom Petty, Oasis, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, and Sex Pistols.

I Just Want Something to Do
Local H Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Hangin' out on 2nd Avenue
Eating chicken vindaloo
I just want to be with you
I just wanna have something to do

tonight
well alright

Wait-now
Wait-now

Handing out all by myself
I don't want to be with anybody else
I just want to be with you
I just want to have something to do

tonight
well alright

Wait-now
Wait-now

Handing out all by myself
I don't want to be with anybody else
I just want to be with you
I just want to have something to do

tonight
well alright

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Local H's song "I Just Want Something to Do" portray a sense of longing for companionship and connection on an otherwise mundane night. The singer of the song finds himself hanging out on 2nd Avenue and eating chicken vindaloo, all the while yearning for someone to be with. The repetition of the lines "I just want to be with you" and "I just want to have something to do" emphasize the singer's desire for some kind of human interaction, as they feel isolated and alone. The lines "Wait-now, Wait-now" might suggest a sense of impatience, further highlighting the singer's frustration with their current situation.

The song conjures up images of city life and the struggles of finding human connection in a bustling metropolis. The lyrics capture the feeling of wanting to break free from the monotony and embrace the possibilities of life. However, the singer's efforts seem to be futile as they remain by themselves throughout the night, ending the song with the same line they started with.

Overall, the song's lyrics evoke a sense of loneliness and isolation in the midst of the city's hustle and bustle, emphasizing the human need for companionship and meaningful interaction.

Line by Line Meaning

Hangin' out on 2nd Avenue
I am chilling on 2nd Avenue

Eating chicken vindaloo
I am enjoying some spicy chicken vindaloo

I just want to be with you
I only desire to be with you

I just wanna have something to do
I desire something to occupy my time

tonight
this evening

well alright
that's great

Wait-now
Hold on a moment

Handing out all by myself
I am alone and feeling lonely

I don't want to be with anybody else
I only want to be with you

tonight
this evening

well alright
that's great