Joe Henry - Short Man's Room

After delivering two albums in the classic singer/songwriter mode, this 1993 release found Midwesterner Joe Henry headed for points deeper South, at least spiritually, looking for a modern version of an old Nashville sound. Things kick off in a terrific pop vein with "Good Fortune," which, despite the mandolins in the background, features a wonderful riff hook that wouldn't have sounded out of place alongside Merseybeat classics on '60s AM radio. The Jayhawks act as Henry's backing band on all 11 tracks here, offering a modernist bluegrass tint to most of the CD. "Reckless Child," heavy on the banjo and fiddles, is one of those Civil War-sounding rock ditties--sort of the Band meets Tom Petty, circa Southern Accents--while Tennessee waltzes such as "Last One Out" and "A Friend to You" wouldn't have been out of place, stylistically, on mid-'70s albums by the likes of early Loggins and Messina, Steve Goodman, Jesse Colin Young, or the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. But the songs here are probably all better ("Sault Sainte Marie" will delight anyone from Michigan or who has visited the title place), with nary a clunker in the bunch. --Bill Holdship Amazon.com essential recording

Great country Album

I bought this Album after listening to "Trampoline" and although initially being somewhat dissapointed it has grown on me and is a Brilliant record
It is alternative Country at it's best and stands up well to the test of time just don't buy it on the strenght of Scar, Trampoline and Fuse his more recent Albums as this is quite different March 7, 2003

One of the best young american singer songwriters

The understated voice of Henry lead to him being underrated. He may be just too shy to become a superstar, although he has everything Leonard Cohen has, great songs, a great musical sensibilty, great lyrics, and a very comunicative voice. This cd is one of his best cd's.

Try also "Shuffletown" (and avoid "FUSE"). March 28, 2001

Champion of the American songwriters!

This is just hands down, one of the greatest albums that I have ever heard. My first copy was scratched on "Diving Bell" which is the song that held me warmer than a good woman on so very many cold nights. So I got a second. The second was in my stereo when it was stolen out of my car. I miss the cd more. This will be my third, and so long as I have a cd collection, it will contain a copy of "Short Man's Room." March 26, 2001

'Country Joe' Henry?

Let it be known, I'm crazy about Joe Henry. I can't say enough good things about the way he writes and sings. I can't think of anyone who gets under your skin the way he does and stays there, burning slowly. So, what is it about this album that doesn't affect me the same way that most of his work does? The writing is terrific and his singing doesn't fail. I think it's the music. The band behind him, The Jayhawks, very accomplished and critically acclaimed musicians bring their fiddle/mandolin bluegrass overtones to a singer/songwriter who is not an artist in this medium and it has left me wanting to hear more of what Joe Henry has evolved into since working with T-bone Burnett on Shuffletown and also his later stuff, Trampoline and Fuse. I know there will be those that disagree and think I'm missing something 'essential' in this cd, but, this one's not near the top of my list. March 27, 2000

Stunning lyrics and a perfect world-weary voice

This guy can really write. I first heard of him when I read his beautifully-crafted liner notes on The Jayhawks' "Hollywood Town Hall" album and I was floored by his simple, brilliant way with words. I was even more stunned when I heard that voice of his. It couldn't fit his lyrics and music more perfectly. On this wonderful album, he manages to create heartbreakingly beautiful glimpses into people's lives. "Reckless Child", in particular, absolutely wipes me out with lyrics like, "Won't you come lay with me?/Let your easy laugh undo/What has risen up to leave the hole that I have fallen through". Pure poetry. And if you ever get a chance to hear his song, "Safe with Me" on the "Feeling Minnesota" soundtrack, you'll never forget it. January 14, 2000

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