AMG Review of Second Hand

Mark W.B. Allender
All Music Guide

More subdued than on his zydeco-influenced Dry Bones Dance, Mark Heard returns with an acoustic record. The focus here is on the lyrics, which fall on the ear like music itself. The album is pure poetry from start to finish, with lines like "You see me like a prism sees a candle." The passionate outcry on "I Just Wanna Get Warm" turns into a real outcry at the end of the tune, backed by fiddle and guitar. "Nod Over Coffee" lyrically works like a string of striking images about the mundaneness of activity. "It's Not Your Fault" displays a passionate plea for forgiveness after an apparent explosive outburst toward a loved one. From beginning to end, this record shines light on the self and the human condition with intelligent, well-crafted songs. The Beatles cover "I'm Looking Through You" is perhaps the weakest track. The nice use of Chapman Stick player Fergus Jemison Marsh on an acoustic release complements, rather than detracts from, the acoustic nature of this record.