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.
That’s What They All Say
Local H Lyrics
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Lost our lease to the liquor store
We'll be back to fight another day
Yeah, uh-huh, that's what they all say
Going out of style in a paper bag
Sniffing chloroform out of burning flags
Going down in flames and it feels okay
Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's a pleasure to burn
I keep fucking up and I never learn
It's alright, it's okay, we're gonna beat 'em anyway
Yeah, uh-huh, that's what they all say
Yeah, uh-huh, that's what they all say
Take it easy, take it easy
You won't like me when I'm angry
Mashed potatoes, nice and easy
It didn't have to be this way but
That's what they all say
The devil's in the details, the devil's in the details
Sucking on the third, I said, "The devil's in the details"
It's alright, it's okay, we're gonna beat 'em anyway
Yeah, uh-huh, that's what they all say
Yeah, uh-huh, that's what they all say
I want to go down in flames, I want the guilty to hang
The empire falls, it's a pleasure to burn
A pleasure to burn the conquering worm
Yeah, uh-huh, that's what they all say
The song "That's What They All Say" by Local H tells the story of a struggling and rebellious individual or group who have lost their lease to a liquor store and are going out of business. They express their desire to go down in flames and take everyone with them, insisting that they will be back to fight another day. The lyrics suggest a sense of defiance and a desire to make a statement, even if it means self-destruction. The song highlights the idea that people often make similar promises or assurances when facing difficult situations or challenges, even if those promises are not always fulfilled.
The lyrics in the second verse suggest a connection between rebellion and self-destructive behavior, with the singer describing their desire to go out "sniffing chloroform out of burning flags." The lines "It's alright, it's okay, we're gonna beat 'em anyway / Yeah, uh-huh, that's what they all say" suggest a certain degree of sarcastic nihilism, as though the singer doesn't really believe that they will succeed, but are still determined to fight nonetheless.
The theme of rebellion and destruction continues in the final verse, with the singer expressing a desire to see the "empire fall" and to take down those who they see as guilty. The repeated line "It's alright, it's okay, we're gonna beat 'em anyway / Yeah, uh-huh, that's what they all say" suggests a kind of stubborn determination, a refusal to back down even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Overall, the lyrics to "That's What They All Say" suggest a sense of defiance and nihilism, tinged with a desire for self-destruction and a rejection of the status quo. The song seems to be a kind of anthem for those who feel marginalized or oppressed, expressing a desire to fight back against the forces that are holding them down.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, no, no, everything must go
We're out of options and have to get rid of everything.
Lost our lease to the liquor store
We no longer have a place to operate from.
We'll be back to fight another day
We will keep trying even after defeat.
Yeah, uh-huh, that's what they all say
We've heard empty promises like this before.
Going out of style in a paper bag
Our reputation and popularity are diminishing rapidly.
Sniffing chloroform out of burning flags
Desperate and destructive actions due to the dire circumstances.
Going down in flames and it feels okay
The situation is hopeless and we're willing to accept the outcome.
Yeah, uh-huh, that's what they all say
We've heard empty promises like this before.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's a pleasure to burn
Embracing the destruction and chaos that comes with defeat.
I keep fucking up and I never learn
Lack of self-awareness and repeated mistakes.
It's alright, it's okay, we're gonna beat 'em anyway
Overconfidence and unrealistic expectations despite previous failures.
Yeah, uh-huh, that's what they all say
We've heard empty promises like this before.
Take it easy, take it easy
Trying to suppress the fear and anxiety caused by the situation.
You won't like me when I'm angry
Warning others of the consequences of provoking us.
Mashed potatoes, nice and easy
Seeking comfort and simplicity in a chaotic situation.
It didn't have to be this way but
Reflecting on what could have been done differently to avoid this outcome.
That's what they all say
We've heard empty promises like this before.
The devil's in the details, the devil's in the details
The small things can have a significant impact.
Sucking on the third, I said, "The devil's in the details"
Trying to stay focused on the important details despite distractions.
It's alright, it's okay, we're gonna beat 'em anyway
Overconfidence and unrealistic expectations despite previous failures.
Yeah, uh-huh, that's what they all say
We've heard empty promises like this before.
I want to go down in flames, I want the guilty to hang
A desire for revenge and chaos, even if it means our own destruction.
The empire falls, it's a pleasure to burn
Enjoying the destruction of the establishment and the status quo.
A pleasure to burn the conquering worm
Celebrating the downfall of those in power.
Yeah, uh-huh, that's what they all say
We've heard empty promises like this before.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BRIAN ST. CLAIR, DAVID SCOTT LUCAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alex Willougby
One of the best live acts out there.