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.
Lead Pipe Cinch
Local H Lyrics
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Won't let my heart and head and mouth connect
And something in my mind won't let my
Heart out of the darkness yet
That something in my mind, its locked away
Its not over
I'm not sober anymore
The song "Lead Pipe Cinch" by Local H appears to be about the struggles and conflicts within oneself. The opening lines "It's something in my mind, won't let my heart and head and mouth connect" suggests that there is a dissonance between what the person thinks, feels, and says. The subsequent lines "something in my mind won't let my heart out of the darkness yet" implies that the person may be feeling trapped or unable to fully express their emotions. This could be seen as a metaphor for their internal struggles, maybe a mental or emotional health issue that they are dealing with.
The repetition of the phrase "something in my mind" further emphasizes the feeling of being stuck and unable to move forward. It's also clear from the lyrics that the person has gone through some sort of experience that has affected them deeply, as indicated by the line "it's not over." However, there is a sense of defiance in the final line "I'm not sober anymore" which could suggest that the person is trying to take control of the situation, perhaps through unconventional means such as substance abuse.
Overall, "Lead Pipe Cinch" seems to be a raw and introspective song that portrays the complexities and inner turmoil of human emotion. The lyrics offer a glimpse into the mind of someone who is struggling to come to terms with something, and is trying to find a way forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Its something in my mind
There's a thought or idea that I can't shake off in my head.
Won't let my heart and head and mouth connect
I can't seem to align my emotions, thoughts, and words properly.
And something in my mind won't let my Heart out of the darkness yet
There's a mental blockage or obstacle preventing my heart from experiencing happiness or lightness.
That something in my mind, its locked away
Whatever it is that's holding me back mentally is extremely difficult to access or overcome.
Its not over
Despite the challenges I'm facing in overcoming my mental roadblocks, I'm still determined to keep going.
I'm not sober anymore
Perhaps I've turned to unhealthy coping mechanisms or vices to help me overcome my mental obstacles.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind