Year in Rock 2012 Nominee: Local H

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LOCAL H
Sad History
From: Hallelujah! I'm A Bum
Released: September 18

Remembered by many as the self-deprecating, humourous slackers who unleashed the semi-hits Eddie Vedder and High Fiving MF back in '96, Local H has been all but forgotten by most of the folks who giggled and/or moshed to their tunes back in their post-grunge heyday. This is especially true outside of the U.S.; unfortunately, their latest album was never really in a position to change that. A sprawling double album of songs that reflect the band's hometown of Chicago and the American political climate of 2012, Hallelujah! I'm A Bum isn't an album with enduring relevance on its mind. Its tone and subject matter will no doubt come as a surprise to those who haven't been paying attention for a while. This is especially true of the sombre, frustrated Sad History, a tune that demands your attention, literally.

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