Scott hasn't really changed since high school, when he would sit in his garage in Zion, Ill., record something on a four-track. The only difference today is that he has been playing more, and is more pleased with the sound. Scott is a musical purist, likening his duo to another act from the suburbs of Chicago, Cheap Trick. Other influences, Lucas said, include Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and Pink Floyd.
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Local H
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10 p.m. July 6
Mountain Dew Rock Stage with Miller Lite and Lazer 103
For more on Local H, visit www.LocalH.com
For more Summerfest information, visit www.Summerfest.com
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Lucas put emphasis on talking about his lyrics, as he believes he has become more eloquent, and with constantly going to foreign places, has acquired more subject matter. The songs are more or less there for him, and now he has the advantage of phrasing the message exactly the way he likes.
Because the album "Ham Fisted" meant so much to me when I first heard it on the airwaves, I asked Scott what it was like for him. The feeling was hazy for him. He said he lives more for the present and future when he thinks of his accomplishments.
"I'm sure that I was psyched when I was waiting for Q101 to play 'Mayonnaise and Malaise,' but I remember being more pissed off that they make you wait forever just to hear yourself."
Lucas doesn't feel that his glory days are in the '90s, either.
"I'm not one of those nostalgic idiots. There is no reason for people not to like the music scene today. I find myself buying CDs all the time."
When asked what he's got in the machine right now, he transformed into an avid cheerleader for such bands as the Electric Six, the Libertines, Interpol, the Rapture, and the band he spoke most vehemently about, the Wrens.
Similar to Prince's commentary about his new explosion with "Musicology," stating, "don't call this a comeback; I've been here all along," Lucas is merely updating his success, from albums like "As Good As Dead" to the new venture, "Whatever Happened to P.J. Soles?"
"This time, when we went into the studio, we just took our time," Lucas said. "We would finish a track, and then go get something to eat when we were done. Before when we did a record, we would try to cram it all in one month. Now we just book the time we need in a studio to do the songs that we're ready to record," said Lucas.
Lucas also said colleagues and friends told him "Pack Up the Cats," (1998) was going to be huge. Unfortunately, the launch of the album was less than flattering because the label was being sold to Universal, and Lucas claimed no one was concentrating on the album. So "Pack Up the Cats" came out quietly, and it was up to the fans to make a fuss.
"I just don't want to go through anyone else anymore," Lucas said.
His drive for self-sufficiency also explains the chemistry between his drummer, Brian St. Clair, and him. Brian has been working with Scott for six years, and it has worked out better for Lucas as he claims that ideas are easier to get across when there are only two people. He also likes the fact that, prior to the White Stripes, not too many American musicians were playing in pairs at the time Scott's ever-rotating three extras became estranged.
In the end, what made Local H a success was being prolific with the work, continuously performing and being indifferent to criticism. Lucas has no concept of a legacy, and the landmark moments of his career are every release that becomes available.
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