I often wonder what I would do without Spotify’s “made for you” playlists. I’ve heard from friends that these playlists just don’t do it for them — Spotify doesn’t know what they like and never will. Well, it just isn’t that way for me. Over the past couple months Spotify has been hitting me with some absolute bangers that I never would have come across on my own.
One such banger is Local H’s 1996 album As Good As Dead. This 90’s rock album hits all of the requirements for (what I think is) good, solid, genuine grunge. Still active today, Local H formed in 1990 and their hit “Bound For The Floor” peaked at number 5 on the U.S. Alternate Billboard charts after it was released.
As Good As Dead features 13 songs, all of which I can confidently say capture the essence of the grunge era. Anti-establishment views, teen angst, bitterness, and humor all have their place within the tracks. The album doesn’t take itself too seriously and balances out Nirvana-esque grunge riffs with punky vocals that are still catchy enough to be accessible to all listeners.
While first drawn in by the grungy sound, I was more entertained by the amount of sass in these songs. I only wish I had access to this gem in high school, but 25 year old (probably too angsty for her age) Darien still appreciates the at-times bitter and slightly petty lyrics. In “Lovey Dovey” the band rips on people in love: “Don’t you hate it when people are in love? / They’re so, they’re so happy / So goddamn happy.” Immature and petty? Absolutely. Am I here for it after breaking up with my boyfriend about a month ago? Abso-freakin-lutely.
Not only that, but the band rips on the Chad’s and Karen’s of the world in “High-Fiving MF:” “You’re just a walking billboard for all the latest brands / You’ve got no taste in music, and you really love our band.” Not only that, this track doesn’t take itself too seriously and includes some humour as well: “Your haircut is atrocious, it’s been the same since ’83 / Your glory days are over, and so’s your stonewashed jeans.” I am here for the attitude, people. If you have teenage siblings, I do believe it is your moral obligation to introduce this album to them.
As Good as Dead as an album is honestly just refreshing. Sometimes we get too caught up in being the bigger person, bettering ourselves, and staying positive. Sometimes you just need to wallow in self-pity and bitterness toward the world, just like we did when we were teenagers. As Good As Dead is here for those times. Thank me later.
Darien Johnsen is a UFV alumni who obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree with double extended minors in Global Development Studies and Sociology in 2020. She started writing for The Cascade in 2018, taking on the role of features editor shortly after. She’s passionate about justice, sustainable development, and education.
