Search - Local H :: Ham Fisted

One of the best debut CDs available

wellwellwell | bog | 01/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"All 12 of the songs here are probably the 12 most underrated songs around. Local H's semi-popular release, As Good As Dead (thanks to "Bound For The Floor"), is what got this band going, but Ham Fisted stands as an excellent debut. Coming only years after Kurt Cobain's death and the fallout of Nirvana, many people were quick to label the H's music as `grunge'. And if that label fits any of their CDs, it fits this one. But this 2-member group brings their own cynical, smart sound to the table. Although this release may not be as good as their next three, this is still an exceptional album. Besides, it's good to see a band progress in their career rather than regress. It's so sad to see good bands come out with great debuts and then disappear gradually with latter releases. Since you probably know nothing about these tracks, here's a short overview:1. Feed -- This is a simplistic song, lyrically, yet it really gets you pumped for the rest of the CD. The line `I don't need my ego fed / I just wanna feel I can trust' is repeated over and over. But it never becomes bothersome. Even though it doesn't rank in the top five on the album, it's acts as a delicious appetizer.2. Cynic -- I think the title kind of speaks for itself, doesn't it? This track is a real change of pace from the first, and really shows the lyrical talents of Scott Lucas. It's a truly inspired song; and will easily become a favorite.3. Mayonnaise And Malaise -- I suppose you could consider this one a single. The sound is more well-rounded than the previous two, which is probably why it stands out so much. This is my favorite song on the CD; and that also goes for a lot of other Local H fans.4. User -- There's no question this is one of the coolest songs on Ham Fisted. It's also my second favorite. The irony that Scott brings to the song and it's crude edginess allow it to be so great. It makes my top 10 list of Local H songs as well (it'd be at about #9).5. Manipulator -- This one is very similar to "Feed". The lyrics are short-lived, but still not weak. The manipulative lyric `I never said no / I never said I wouldn't lie to you' probably makes this my third favorite. I have never found a better song with so few words.6. Bag Of Hammers -- It may take you a while to come to like this track; as that's how it went for me. The lyrics aren't as catchy as the others, but they're great nonetheless. Also, the CD cover features a bag of hammers. Go Figure.7. Scott-Rock -- This song could've been a single; as it's rather user friendly. Its lyrics are very good, and a bit more personal than the previous` are. It's very easy to enjoy it; hence it is one of the best on the album.8. Sports Bar -- Again, Local H uses some great emotion and suspicious lyrics. The song is over five and a half minutes and carries itself on and on. The stellar line `they're ripping my favorite song' always brings out a laugh; as it's both amusing and intelligent at the same time. It's most likely the fourth best track.9. Chicago Fanphair `93 -- I have to say this is the weakest song on Ham Fisted. The opening music/lyrics don't really mix... pleasingly... but once it slows down for the chorus it becomes more enjoyable. The song's not horrible, but it's not great either.10. Strict-9 -- `You're not asking questions / that I don't have answers for' is how this song starts. It really makes you think; and you have just over six minutes to do so. As with "Bag Of Hammers", this one has grown on me over time. I like it, but others may not.11. Skid Marks -- I never really liked this song. Until I heard it live. If you think it's annoying (you may not understand the words), just listen to its sound. The numerous, subdued screams of `no! no! no! no!...' are awesome and, in the end, quite witty. This is certainly a hidden gem within the H-song library.12. Grrrlfriend -- Up till now, Ham Fisted lacked a slow, melodic song. But with this lasting, epic masterpiece the album is complete. Even though it's only 1:27 long, it's easily one of my favorites. It's a drum-less piece; and again could be considered a hidden gem.If you are one of those people who know Local H as the [infamous] `copasetic guys', this is a great chance to get to know them better (also get PUTC and HCTZ). As I've noted, this is not Local H's best album. But on my listmania list for the best all-time albums, Ham Fisted rests nicely at around #18 or so. The whole album is well-formed, pleasing, and near perfect. 11 of these 12 tracks are excellent; and even the one that's not is still good. Scott Lucas and drummer Joe Daniels really started something special with this unheard-of CD. If you like rock music, you'll love this album. And if you like Nirvana, you'll love this band. Don't overlook this."

Just as good as the other two

wellwellwell | 05/24/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"local h's first cd is by no way short of the quality of pack up the cats or as good as dead. the best song by no doubt is manipulator. if youre scared to get this cd because of its obscurity and it being the bands first effort, dont be."

AWESOME, RADICAL, TUBULAR

wellwellwell | 10/25/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is Local H's heaviest album. These guys rock"