Joe Henry - Talk of Heaven

A classic fron JH

A fabulous effort. The material is first-rate. I agree with Jason from OR that the production could use help - how much vocal echo do you need, anyway - but the overall effect is still beyond reproach. This is right up with Short Man's Room and Kindness of the World as required Joe Henry fare.

I've had it for 3 weeks and still listen to it every day - that rates 5 stars in my book November 27, 1999

A foreshadowing of things to come

Joe Henry's long out-of-print first album should be a welcome addition to the collections of fans of the "mid-period" music of "Short Man's Room" and "Kindness of the World." This album is more reminiscent of those albums than "Murder" or "Shuffleton" which immediately followed it. "Heaven" could sure use a strong dose of the distinctive guitar playing of Gary Louris, though. November 6, 1999

Whoa! This is so 1986!

This long-lost debut of Joe Henry is a mixed bag compared to his later material. Fans of "Trampoline" or "Fuse" may want to take a pass but if you enjoy "Murder of Crows" and "Shuffletown", then this one belongs in your collection. Some songs have that over-produced mid 80's sound (reminds me of the first Bruce Hornsby record)but the more "spare" stuff sounds pretty vital. At it's core, TOH is still Joe Henry with everything you'd expect...sharp lyrics, nice melodies, the cover song (although Mellencamp's cover of "Wild Night" is better), etc. One nice surprise is more singer and piano material then his later work. If your devotion to Joe includes his early stuff, add this to your delight. For those into his last two discs, don't dig back quite so far. Try "Short Man's" or "Shuffeltown" instead. November 1, 1999

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