Search - Local H :: Whatever Happened to P.J. Soles

Stronger than an H-bomb

Steven R. Doyle | ohio | 12/31/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"after reading everyone elses reviews, I cant help but to agree and disagree with all of them. The best word too describe this album is "different." About a year ago I discovered this band, I bought here comes the zoo and as good as dead, constantly listened to both of those albums. Then I bought a couple more, PJ Soles being one of them. The first few times I listened to PJ Soles it just didnt click with me, so I went back to some of their other cd's. Then one day I had a particularly long drive home to make and I put in this cd and actually absorbed it. Since then Ive been hooked on it. Its hard to say if this is their best album because that really all depends on my mood, but this ones definately more focused than any of their other releases. The sound hasnt really changed so much as its been re invented. Heres a quick rundown of the songs.



1. Where are they now - nothing really to this one, just your average intro song



2. Everyone Alive - The first full song on the album, It's songs like this that should be on the radio.



3. California Songs - Everybody loves this song, its catchy and they make a pretty good point, please no more california songs.



4. Dick Jones - This is the first of the songs that you'll notice sounds nothing like anything theyve done before, but it really grows on you quickly.



5. Money on the Dresser - Another one where the first time you listen to it you just kind of wonder what the hell is going on, but like before it grows on you an its actually one of the more catchier tunes on the album.



6. PJ Soles - In my opinion the greatest cut on this album. anyone thats ever fallen out of love will be able to relate to this one. "if i do, think of you, its only in the darkest place, inside of me."



7. Hows the weather down there? - excellent track to follow PJ Soles, another break up song, but rather than sad and angst filled, this one just kicks you right in the face and doesnt let up.



8. Buffalo Trace - The ten minute long song. I cant really explain this one, you just have to listen to it in all its glory, it shows a new direction for the band and judging by this songs merits Id like to hear more like it.



9. Heaven on the way down - If this song were on another album it would fit in better, its not bad, but the strength and energy in every other track just doesnt seem present here, still a good tune though.



10. Hey Rita - Different, almost sounds like a radio song, only it sounds a little murky. I kinda dig it though, it gives it a more raw edge to it.



11. Heavy Metal Bakesale - You wont like this song at all at first, than out of nowhere its one of your favorites, theres gotta be some kind of sublimal message in it



12. Mellowed - Kind of like PJ Soles, its slower and more introspective, but at the same time, thats kind of what gives it its bite, very good song.



13. Thats what they all say - Like no other song Local H or anyone has ever done, this is one of those songs you either love or hate, i love it.



14. Halcyon Days - This is the third rewrite of this song, and ultimately the best. The lyrics are incredible. The music is perfect, makes you kinda sad that its under 3 minutes long. Incredible end to an incredible album. "afraid of the future but im bored with the past"



All in all, You better just start worshipping Local H now, because when these guys arent around anymore, people are going to look back at their incredible body of work and be blown away. This band is so good, they dont need to play the radio..."

This type of album was unexpected but suprisingly creative a

B. Stuedemann | 08/03/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a local H fan for some time, I have most if not all of their albums (main releases, including Ham Fisted) however I have never seen them live. The early stuff was raw but great listening riffs and I could relate to their songs. Many people I know compare Local H's sound with Nirvana, I guess there are worse things to be compared with, but I simply disagree. This latest album is nothing like their previous albums and that might scare away die hard fans, but it shouldn't. If you are getting older, like I am, and are sick of the crap coming out on the radio today (all sounds the same with different voices) you will appreciate this album. Sure, there are familiar Local H sounds involved but there is more creativity than heard on any other project. I simply love this album. It is not my favorite local H album (Pack up the cats is slightly ahead due to it's flow from beginning to end) but it is my favorite album I have bought in the last 12 months. I hope Scott continues to develop these types of projects and will crank out a few more albums before I die."

Beginning to show a softer side

T. Lane | Groton, MA USA | 01/30/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Local H is very good at what they do. Which of course, is typically rocking your #%4^&! socks off. We even hear this expected roar a bit on this album, too. "Everyone Alive" has slowly become one of my favorite straight-up rock songs by Local H.



This album is unique- it contains some of my favorite melodic songs, which I have come to seperate a bit from the band's other, louder material. There are quiet songs here which really present more sensitive songwriting, something for which Scott Lucas also has unemphasized talent. This second ability has not been showcased nearly as much as his penchant for kicking rock music's arse straight.



Amongst the softer rock gems on this unique album is the fantastic song "Mellowed" which has in part inspired me to stop drinking altogether. As un-rock-and-roll as that may be, it is a truly fantastic and touching song. "P.J. Soles," "Dick Jones," "Halycon Days," and most notably "Hey, Rita" all bear catchy melodies and help to further the band's musical range and integrity.



The album seems to suffer on only one shortcoming: production. "Hey, Rita" comes to life far more in concert than on the album. "Mellowed" sounded better when it was first recorded for the thick records Oil compliation. the vitality of the song "P.J. Soles" seems to arise most in an acoustic setting. "Heaven on the Way Down" feels like it should be heavier, louder and more raw. This sort of urge to change something about the production persists throughout the album.



There's been talk that the next Local H album may likely contain more soft, or even acoustic material. There is no doubt that it would be a treat if Scott goes in that direction with the band. He certainly has the capability to write outstanding quieter songs. Perhaps Local H has a second musical face beginning to show, equally as capable as the one we fans already know. This album feels like somewhat of a transition for them."