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.
Smothered In Hugs
Local H Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
there was something eating everyone
and the sunshine fun was low
we could elude you with a simple hello
and the watchers of the flood
were busy in the chambers
Making sure their was new blood
to sustain their dieing vain
But I believe you
no need for further questioning
I'm going to leave with you
you can teach me all you know
Which way do we go now
I've dreamept of where all the wind goes
I really don't know now
I really don't know
In the winter that you left
there was business as usual
with the same old tears and frustration
The word got out
it's really such a pity
the judges and the saints and the text book committee
decided you should be left out
not even mentioned
But I believe you
no need for further questioning
I'm going to leave with you
you can teach me all you know
Which way do we go now
I've dreamept of where all the wind goes
I really don't know now
I really don't know
The lyrics of Local H's song "Smothered in Hugs" offer an enigmatic and emotive reflection on the complexity of relationships and human interaction. It seems to describe the impact that the presence of another person can have, both positive and negative, as well as the difficulty of circumstances that can come between people, such as distance or societal pressures.
The first stanza appears to describe the arrival of this mysterious person in the summer and the effect they had on everyone around them. Despite the general feeling of malaise affecting people, the singer is drawn in by the enigmatic appeal of the newcomer. The references to the "watchers of the flood" and "sustaining their dying vain" suggest a society in decline, however, their introduction to this person appears to offer hope for something different.
The second stanza exposes the aftermath of this person leaving. We could interpret this section as the realization that their departure was not merely literal, but rather that they were ostracized by their society. The "judges and the saints and the text book committee" decided that the person, for whatever reason, was no longer worthy of attention or recognition. This implies that the preciousness of relationships and the impact they can have on a person's life is often neglected or dismissed, often replaced by bureaucracy or social conventions.
Ultimately, the chorus, "which way do we go now, I've dreamed of where all the wind goes, I really don't know now,” sums up the essence of the song. The singer appears to be at a crossroads, needing guidance from the person they have been drawn to, even though they are no longer there. They are lost and unsure of themselves, trying to make sense of the world.
Line by Line Meaning
In the summer that you came
At the time of your arrival during the summer season
there was something eating everyone
Everyone was preoccupied with something that was affecting them
and the sunshine fun was low
Despite the sunny weather, people were not enjoying themselves as much
we could elude you with a simple hello
We were able to avoid any confrontation or close interaction with you with a mere greeting
and the watchers of the flood
The people in charge or responsible for dealing with major problems or crises
were busy in the chambers
They were occupied with planning and strategizing for the current issue at hand
Making sure their was new blood
Ensuring that new people were being included to help with the situation
to sustain their dieing vain
To keep themselves going and maintain their power or influence
But I believe you
Despite others not taking you seriously, I have faith in what you have to say
no need for further questioning
I am convinced and do not require any more clarification
I'm going to leave with you
I trust you enough to follow you
you can teach me all you know
I am open to learning from you and your experiences
Which way do we go now
I am unsure of what direction to take moving forward
I've dreamt of where all the wind goes
I have had dreams of exploring new places and experiences
I really don't know now
I am still uncertain and confused
In the winter that you left
During the season after your departure
there was business as usual
Things continued on as if nothing had changed
with the same old tears and frustration
People were experiencing the same emotions and troubles as before
The word got out
News of something significant spread
it's really such a pity
It is regrettable and unfortunate
the judges and the saints and the text book committee
Those in positions of power or knowledge
decided you should be left out
They chose to exclude or ignore you
not even mentioned
You were not acknowledged or recognized at all
Contributed by Noah E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.