From the first time I heard JD & The Longfellows’ first CD Confessions!, I was in love. I played that CD over and over again. Now the ‘fellows are back with Happy Hour Again.

This album isn’t just more of the same (though I’d have been fine with that too), the songs all have the JD undertone to tie it all together, but many of the songs lean toward other genres. As most of the band members are also part of other bands, some songs seem to be almost showcasing each member’s style.

The title track, Happy Hour Again!, has a distinctly honky tonk feel, while Revenge is a delicious dichotomy of one part bluegrass and one part elegance, and Sweet Drinks is completely unclassifiable.

Fans of the original album may not transition well over to HHA with the variety of styles, but HHA does have a strong potential to bring in new fans who may not normally venture out of their musical comfort zones.

In particular, I love the humor of the lyrics from Zombie Love, while Clare Portman’s soul voice just enhances the jazzy feel of the song. Zombie Love in particular could be a single; I’d love to hear that on the radio!

The Longfellows haven’t totally abandoned their original sound. Stereotypical Night, Welcome To The Morning After, and Last Cigar are a perfect extension of Confessions!.

Of course, as with Confessions!, the songs aren’t just a rousing good tune to drink to. Most people with dreams, particularly dreams that are achievable with a lot of work and a bit of luck, will completely relate to One Night Only, in particular this part of the chorus “I curse my dreams/For as good as they seem/They keep me awake at night”.

JD may have Sold [His] Soul For Moonshine, but he got a great new album thrown into the bargain.