JOE HENRY
Fuse (Attic / Mammoth)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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Pigeonholed into the role of struggling songwriter - critics' darling, mass oblivion - Joe Henry is destined to go on releasing masterful records few will ever hear. The missing link between Joe and success is the big hook. Rather than a big meaty single flanked with stinky filler, Joe's records collect simple, sumptuous little vignettes that work as a whole. "Fuse" marks an adventurous music turn, as Joe wades out of the No Depression alt.country waters. A financial blunder, but a giant step in his evolution from a wordsmith to a groove meister. Yes this thing grooves, but Joe brings his voice right out front, showing off a surprising range. You may recall a few years back Tom Waits made a similar move. It's an adventurous turn, and I never thought I'd be applauding the inclusion of trumpets, moogs and vibes on a Joe Henry album, but here I am.

© 1999 - John Sekerka