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.
What Can I Tell You
Local H Lyrics
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Whatever turns you on
Whatever you want
To fix whatever's wrong
I want to go to where the parties are
Where all my friends are tending bar
Oh yeah
Whatever turns you on
What can I tell you?
Whatever you want
Whatever turns you on
Whatever you want
Coming right along
Shaking hands and all things lame
Kissin' ass and taking names
Oh yeah
Whatever turns you on
I know a thing about a thing or two
But what can I tell you?
A thing or two about a thing or two
But what can I tell you?
Easily fooled and everything's cool
What can I tell you?
Caught between now and never
What can I tell you?
What can I say that you can't say better?
What can I tell you?
The lyrics of Local H's "What Can I Tell You" convey a sense of ambiguous resignation tinged with a hint of frustration. The chorus repeats the lines "Whatever you want, whatever turns you on" in a way that suggests the singer may be going along with someone or something that he doesn't wholly believe in. Lines like "Shaking hands and all things lame/Kissin' ass and taking names" suggest a sense of being disingenuous or putting on a front to get ahead in the world. The line "Caught between now and never" imbues the song with a sense of existential angst, as if the singer is grappling with the limitations of his own existence.
There is a sense throughout the song that the singer is trying to placate or please someone else, perhaps a lover, a friend, or even society at large. He acknowledges that he knows "a thing or two about a thing or two" but wonders aloud "What can I tell you?" It's as if he's saying that he possesses knowledge or insights that he can't quite articulate or that won't make a difference in the grand scheme of things. The song ends with the same refrain as the chorus, leaving the listener with a sense of unresolved tension and a feeling of being somehow unfulfilled.
Line by Line Meaning
Whatever you want
I am willing to accommodate to your desires, regardless of what they may be.
Whatever turns you on
I want to satisfy your interests and pleasures, no matter what they may entail.
Whatever you want, to fix whatever's wrong
I am willing to do what it takes to address any issues or problems you are facing.
I want to go to where the parties are, where all my friends are tending bar
I desire to be among lively social gatherings where my acquaintances are involved in the entertainment.
Whatever turns you on
I am committed to providing you with satisfaction and enjoyment, no matter what that entails.
What can I say that you can't say better?
I recognize that you are more adept at articulating yourself, and I am unsure of what I can contribute that would enhance the conversation.
What can I tell you?
I am at a loss for words or advice to offer in this situation.
Whatever you want, whatever turns you on, coming right along
I am eager and ready to fulfill any requests or interests you may have.
Shaking hands and all things lame, kissin' ass and taking names
I am resistant to engaging in insincere or superficial behaviors such as fake handshakes or flattery, but I understand the pragmatic value in doing so.
Oh yeah, whatever turns you on
I remain committed to satisfying your desires and interests.
I know a thing about a thing or two
I possess knowledge and experience in a variety of subjects, although it may not be extensive or comprehensive.
But what can I tell you?
Regardless of my knowledge, I am still unsure of what specific advice or insight to provide.
A thing or two about a thing or two, but what can I tell you?
Despite having some level of familiarity or expertise, I am at a loss for how to advise or assist you in this situation.
Easily fooled and everything's cool, what can I tell you?
I may be susceptible to being deceived or manipulated, and I am not sure how to respond or react in these scenarios.
Caught between now and never, what can I tell you?
I am struggling to make a decision in the face of uncertainty, and I am unsure of what advice or guidance to provide.
What can I say that you can't say better?
I am uncertain of what to contribute to the conversation or situation, as I acknowledge your superior ability to articulate yourself.
What can I tell you?
Regardless of my desire to assist or advise, I am uncertain of the best course of action or words to offer.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVID SCOTT LUCAS, JOSEPH DANILES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind