Joe Henry - Civilians

Since the release of 2003’s acclaimed Tiny Voices, singer/songwriter Joe Henry has appeared primarily as a producer, working on career defining releases by Aimee Mann, Ani DiFranco, Elvis Costello, Solomon Burke’s Grammy-winning return Don’t Give Up On Me, and most recently as producer and co-writer (with hero Loudon Wainwright) of Strange Weirdos, the soundtrack to the blockbuster film Knocked Up. Working with this generation’s finest songwriters has simply inspired Henry to his strongest set of songs to date, Civilians. From the contagious, roaring thump of “Time Is a Lion” to the soulful, devotional breeze of “Love Is Enough,” Henry offers songs of a new warmth and directness, a bold sense of melody that rides atop the cutting edge arrangements he has become known for. Just listen to his version of “You Can’t Fail Me Now,” a moving cowrite with Loudon Wainwright (Wainwright’s version is one of the standout tracks of the aforementioned Strange Weirdos), to hear music stripped down to its essentials, making room for the song to shine through. Civilians will reward Henry’s devoted fanbase, and introduce him to fans of classic songwriters from Tom Waits to Bob Dylan.

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