Search - Joe Henry :: Murder of Crows

One of the best records of the 80's

Daniel Jones | Hilo, HI United States | 02/03/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I picked this up in '88 because I had read a positive review of it in "Rolling Stone" (recall the saying, "give 100 monkeys each a typewriter...?"), where it was mentioned that former Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor was on these sessions. I was then blown away by this record, and listened to it *constantly* during that era. The songs are lyrically Dylan-esque, the band is musically a "who's who", the production has that "analog tape" warmth, and to me...is satisfying on many levels. It has more of a rock production vibe that I think Joe later stated he was unhappy with - his more recent material is certainly more jazzy. If you got onto Joe *after* this period, you may find this record a little too song oriented and it does sound like the record company may have been pushing to get something out of Joe that could get picked up on radio (I think an MTV-style video was directed by Sean Penn, Joe's brother-in-law at the time). But hey, it's a tough business and this was what he could do at the time with the tools and support he had at his disposal. It's not Ray Charles, but when you heard it in the context of that which was current at the time - it had a more sincere, timeless element to it than say, Don Henley or REM or The Bangles (nothing against those fine artists, who almost *have to be* better than I think they are). I recall the sticker on the CD said "A&M Records 'developing artist' Series" - and that may say it all...it was the guys 2nd record and it showed both growth and potential. If you like Joe, you may appreciate this for what it is - an inspired fellow trying to sort himself out in the music business. He came across with a highly enjoyable record that has some depth, that may have left you with a desire to hear more of what he would be doing in the future."