01. Reluctant Prophets
02. 2nd Chances
03. Nostalgia
04. All On You
05. Rustic Glory
06. Jack Russell
07. U.S. Healthcare Blues
08. Be Kind
09. I Know How You Feel
10. 2nd Chances – Acoustic Version
Happy Curmudgeons’ 2nd Chances is a refreshing dive into classic rock, folk, and blues that feels both timeless and timely. The Detroit band, led by Dave Hamilton, alongside Amy Dixon-Lavery and Jeff Warner, brings a sound that’s honest and steeped in Americana. With the help of an impressive roster of guest musicians, including legendary bassist Billy Cox and Grammy-winner Jim Moose Brown on Hammond B3, they’ve crafted an album that offers more than just music—it’s a thoughtful journey through social and personal themes.
The album opens with “Reluctant Prophets,” which immediately sets the tone. The R.E.M.-like harmonies and introspective lyrics, “You have the patience of Job,” invite listeners to question the world around them. The song’s chord progressions and captivating bridge reflect the band’s solid musicianship, showing a maturity that’s rare. The track features Vaughn Mortimer (from The Outfit & Big Donut) on vocals and acoustic guitar.
The title track, “2nd Chances,” is undoubtedly one of the album’s highlights. Amy Dixon-Lavery’s soulful vocals, along with lush string and organ arrangements, elevate this track into something transcendent. With hints of Led Zeppelin’s “Your Time Is Gonna Come,” it speaks to resilience and optimism in turbulent times. The line, “I’m not going back again,” resonates deeply against today’s political backdrop, adding a poignant layer to its lush instrumentation.
“Nostalgia” slows things down, evoking a sentimental longing for the past. With lines like “Time goes by in the blink of an eye,” it encourages appreciation for the present. While it doesn’t stand out as much as other tracks, it nonetheless serves as a gentle reminder of life’s fleeting nature.
“All On You” brings a touch of the ’60s and ’70s with a vibe reminiscent of Cat Stevens and Richie Havens. The lyric “When it’s all on you, it’s on me too” echoes themes of unity, fitting well within the folk tradition of compassion and community. The simplicity and warmth of this track are a testament to the band’s ability to connect deeply. Pepe Espinosa (B.B. King, Carlos Santana) is featured on percussion and brings an extra level of musicianship to the track!
In “Rustic Glory,” the band offers a peaceful reflection on life’s journey, with a lyrical nod to the inevitability of goodbyes. The musicianship here is understated but masterful, creating a serene space for listeners to reflect on their own experiences. The song was written by Dave Hamilton (vocals and guitar) and features Billy Cox (Jimi Hendrix Experience, Band of Gypsys) on bass, Jim Moose Brown (Bob Seger, Trisha Yearwood) on Hammond B3, Bobby Balderrama (Question Mark & The Mysterians) on lead guitar and Todd Glass (Robert Gordon, Wayne Kramer Band) on drums.
“Jack Russell” injects a playful, honky-tonk energy, telling the tale of a slick, untrustworthy character. With harmonica and honky-tonk piano adding a Rolling Stones vibe, this track paints a vivid story, full of drama and intrigue, that’s just as engaging lyrically as it is musically.
“U.S. Healthcare Blues,” at a succinct 1:13, is a quick but impactful track tackling the flaws of America’s healthcare system. Its raw slide guitar and bluesy authenticity highlight the frustration of a healthcare system more focused on profit than patient care—a song only too relatable for many listeners.
In contrast, “Be Kind” is a gentle anthem about compassion, balancing the cynicism of the previous track. It’s simple, heartfelt, and speaks to the band’s humanitarian spirit, emphasizing kindness as an essential counter to life’s hardships. The track was written by Dave Hamilton and Jeff Warner and features Takashi Iio on bass, Todd Glass on Drums, Dave McMurray (Rolling Stones, Was Not Was, Bobby Weir & The Wolf Bros.) on saxophone and Mark Byerly (Bob Seger, Justin Timberlake) on flugelhorn. An interesting note, The Happy Curmudgeons has been nominated for a 2024 W.A.M. Best Americana Song Award for the track “Be Kind” which will be announced on November 17th. Best of luck!
One of the album’s most moving moments comes in “I Know How You Feel.” It has a warm, Cat Stevens-like resonance, celebrating the shared human experience. With universal lines like “Brother, I’m a lot like you,” it’s a song about connection, empathy, and the commonality of mistakes, delivering a comforting and uplifting message.
The acoustic version of “2nd Chances” rounds out the album beautifully. Stripped of its lush production, the track stands on its own, highlighting the raw strength of the songwriting. It’s a quiet yet powerful closer, leaving listeners with a sense of introspective resolve.
2nd Chances is a beautifully crafted album, filled with both introspection and optimism, and speaks directly to the human experience. Happy Curmudgeons prove that they are as capable of delivering poignant social critique as they are of capturing life’s intimate moments, making this release an essential listen for fans of classic and contemporary folk-rock. With each track, they show that, like the album’s title, the idea of second chances is something we could all use—and appreciate. Highly recommended and one of our favorites so far of 2024!
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