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Whatever Happened to P.J. Soles

Local H - Whatever Happened to P.J. Soles Audio CD

A fair review of the Local H "Whatever Happened to P.J. Soles" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Local H reviews here, or go back to the Local H tabs.

Band: Local H
Title: Whatever Happened to P.J. Soles
Rating:

Release Date: 2004-04-06
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Where Are They Now? 2: Everyone Alive 3: California Songs 4: Dick Jones 5: Money On The Dresser 6: P.J. Soles 7: How's The Weather Down There? 8: Buffalo Trace 9: Heaven On The Way Down 10: Hey, Rita 11: Heavy Metal Bakesale 12: Mellowed 13: That's What They All Say 14: Halycon Days (Where Were You Then?)

Good Hard Rock
It may be the only CD I ever bought on whim, knowing very little about the band. I adore this album. I will never regret it. It reminds me a little bit of Nirvana, a little bit of Queens of the Stone Age, a lot of grungy sound but every now and then hits a weird psychedelic groove.

I got their new album hoping for something on par with this record and I was disappointed. Then again, I would have been shocked if they had matched this album. P. J. Soles is an all-time favorite.

Whatever Happened to Real Rock?...It's Right Here
J. "Whatever Happened to P. Soles" is a great example of a rock band that knows exactly what they're doing. They don't take themselves seriously, and at the same time can rock your face off easily. Songs like "Everyone Alive", "How's the Weather Down There", and "California Songs" bring the rock nice and raw. While this CD features a lot of garage band like rock, it also has a more indie side to it. Songs like "Hey, Rita" and "Mellowed" show a different side of Local H.

Overall, "Whatever Happened to P. J. Soles" is a rockin' CD that has something every rock fan will enjoy.

stronger than an H-bomb
The best word too describe this album is "different. after reading everyone elses reviews, I cant help but to agree and disagree with all of them. " 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.

Local H branches out a little bit
Also songs like PJ Soles really show Scott's creativity and maturity as a muscician and songwriter. I have listened to this CD about 200 times and I never get sick of it, in fact songs that seem kind of muddled at first like Buffalo Trace have taken on a deeper quality as I have got to know them better. Good stuff.

Local H all grown up.
But by my second listen tracks like the Dick Jones and How's the Weather Down There? got to me, becoming some of my favorites. I've seen a few bad reviews for this album, and in all honesty unlike the other Local H albums when I first listented, I didn't care for it. After that second listen, I couldn't stop listenting to it. Now, it's not my favorite H album, but almost. :) This really is a bit different from their early hard grunge alterna-rock. It is still though the same H, the biggest difference here is it's a bit more a melow album for one, and it's a bit more grown up album as well. I love As Good As Dead, and Pack up the Cats, and like Here Comes the Zoo - But they aren't as ( I won't say mature, as it's the wrong word ) "grown-up" as this one. Rather than angst Scott is preaching how wrong things are - but rather than for him, the world ( and others ) in general. The lyrics are genius - Pure genius - As always. And that's what I love about Local H, brilliant lyrics and melodic hard rock. This album isn't lacking, if you like Local H don't let the bad reviews fool you, this album is one of Local H's best. I love every track on here excluding a couple, which aren't bad. It's a bit different, and takes at least a couple listens - But don't let the difference scare you, it's still the H we love.

You can see a complete list of all Local H discography, or go back to the Local H tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.