Music Review: Happy Curmudgeons – “Be Kind”
- Bryon Harris
- Jul 30
- 2 min read
Featured on The Compassion Project: Songs for Animal, Human, and Earth Justice
Label: Artists & Activists Records
The moment the first riff hits in Happy Curmudgeons’ “Be Kind,” you know you're in the hands of seasoned, soulful musicians. The guitar work is effortless yet expressive, laced with Americana charm and rhythmic finesse. Joining in is Dave McMurray on saxophone — cool, melodic, and perfectly woven into the song’s rich indie-rock and folk-pop tapestry.
This is no ordinary feel-good tune. With heartfelt vocals from frontman Dave Hamilton and tight harmonies by Jeff Warner and Amy Dixon-Lavery, “Be Kind” transcends into a full-bodied musical experience that both grooves and uplifts. There's a relaxed Grateful Dead vibe to the performance — laid back, genuine, and joyfully human. Hamilton’s vocals carry an ease that’s grounded in wisdom, reminding us to slow down, look around, and lead with kindness.
The chorus — “Be Kind, Be Kind, Be Kind” — is deceptively simple yet powerfully effective. It’s the kind of refrain that gets under your skin in the best way, making you nod, smile, and maybe even tear up a little. Paired with poetic lyrics like “You go that extra mile, everywhere you go, you show a smile,” the song becomes a gentle anthem for decency and care in a chaotic world.
The instrumentation is exceptional. From the crisp interplay of acoustic guitars to the sophisticated layering of horns and harmonies, this band knows how to craft a soundscape that feels effortless but reveals remarkable depth. The rhythm section, with Todd Glass on drums and Takashi Iio on bass, adds texture and swing without overpowering the song’s serene tone.
Beyond its musicianship, “Be Kind” is the core message of The Compassion Project. It captures the album’s central theme — treat others (humans, animals, the planet) as you wish to be treated. With compassion as its compass, the song floats above genre, offering a universal truth wrapped in melody and warmth.
Written by Dave Hamilton and Jeff Warner with musical contributions from Mark Byerly (flugelhorn), this track doesn’t just ask us to be better — it shows us how simple, joyful, and healing that path can be.
Listen to Happy Curmudgeons 🌐 www.happycurmudgeonsband.com 🎧 Spotify – Happy Curmudgeons 📺 YouTube – Happy Curmudgeons Channel
The Compassion Project: Songs for Animal, Human, and Earth Justice is a genre-spanning compilation album set for release on September 5, 2025, by Artists & Activists Records. Each song on the album explores themes of empathy, justice, and our deep interconnectedness with all life. From human rights to environmental advocacy to animal liberation, the album challenges listeners to reflect and take action. Artists & Activists Records — an Austin-based, mission-driven label — is dedicated to using music as a force for positive change. The label supports artists who use their art to champion animal rights, human compassion, and the healing of our planet.
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