By wellwellwell
All 12 of the songs here are in all likelihood 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 magnificent debut. Coming only years after Kurt Cobain’s death and the fallout of Nirvana, numerous humans 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 special 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 vanish gradually with latter releases. Since you in all probability recognise not one thing when it comes to these tracks, here’s a short overview:
1. Feed — This is a simplistic song, lyrically, yet it in truth gets you pumped for the rest of the CD. The line `I don’t need my ego fed / I just wanna feel I may trust’ is repeated over and over. But it never becomes bothersome. Even altho 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 alter of pace from the first, and in truth shows the lyrical endowments of Scott Lucas. It’s a genuinely inspired song; and will without apparent effort become a favorite.
3. Mayonnaise And Malaise — I suppose you could consider this one a single. The sound is more well-rounded than the former two, which is in all likelihood why it stands out so much. This is my bestloved song on the CD; and that likewise 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 sarcasm that Scott brings to the song and it’s crude edginess grant it to be so great. It makes my top 10 list of Local H songs as well (it’d be at when it comes to #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’ in all likelihood 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 attentiongetting 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 take delight in it; consequently it is one of the best on the album.
8. Sports Bar — Again, Local H uses a good deal of outstanding emotion and distrustful lyrics. The song is over five and a half minutes and carries itself on and on. The stellar line `they’re ripping my bestloved song’ always brings out a laugh; as it’s both funny and intellectual 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 in truth 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 actually 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 actually liked this song. Until I heard it live. If you think it’s annoying (you may not comprehend the words), just listen to it is sound. The numerous, subdued screams of `no! no! no! no!…’ are astounding and, in the end, rather witty. This is surely a concealed gem within the H-song library.
12. Grrrlfriend — Up till now, Ham Fisted lacked a slow, melodic song. But with this lasting, epic masterwork the album is complete. Even altho it’s only 1:27 long, it’s without apparent effort one of my favorites. It’s a drum-less piece; and again could be considered a concealed gem.
If you are one of those persons who know Local H as the [infamous] `copasetic guys’, this is a outstanding chance to get to recognise 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 genuinely started something particular 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.
3 of 3 humans found the following review helpful.
just as good as the other two
By A
local h’s introductory 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 you are affrighted to get this cd because of it is obscurity and it being the bands basi effort, do not be.
2 of 2 humans found the following review helpful.
AWESOME, RADICAL, TUBULAR
By A
This is Local H’s heaviest album. These guys rock
See all 10 client reviews…
