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 song "What Can I Tell You?" express a sense of being lost and unsure about what to do or say. The repeated phrase "whatever you want, whatever turns you on" seems to reflect a willingness to conform and please others, even if it means compromising personal values or beliefs. The desire to be where the parties and the friends are implies a longing for connection and belonging, but the lyrics also acknowledge the superficial nature of these interactions - "shaking hands and all things lame, kissin' ass and taking names."
Line by Line Meaning
Whatever you want
I am willing to do anything that you desire.
Whatever turns you on
I am interested in pleasing you and fulfilling your desires.
Whatever you want to fix whatever's wrong
I am willing to do anything to help you overcome your problems.
I want to go to where the parties are
I am eager to experience the vibrant atmosphere of social events.
Where all my friends are tending bar
I desire to hang out with my buddies who work as bartenders.
Oh yeah
Expressing enthusiasm and agreement.
What can I say that you can't say better?
I doubt if I can articulate an idea in a more effective way than you do.
What can I tell you?
What else can I share with you that you do not already know?
Coming right along
I am willing to follow your lead promptly.
Shaking hands and all things lame
I am tired of doing things that are dull and uninteresting.
Kissin' ass and taking names
I am attempting to impress others and make a name for myself by flattery and opportunistic behavior.
I know a thing about a thing or two
I possess some knowledge about various things.
A thing or two about a thing or two
I happen to have information on some topics.
Easily fooled and everything's cool
I might be gullible, but I do not mind
Caught between now and never
I am undecided and unsure about what to do
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVID SCOTT LUCAS, JOSEPH DANILES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind