Joe Henry releases demo version of ‘God Only Knows’ from the forthcoming reissue-album ‘Civilians’ through earMUSIC.
Inspired by the unique space in which he had just set up his first full-service studio – a historic home in South Pasadena built for a former First Lady in 1904 – JoeHenry assembled a band of long-time friends and collaboratorsto begin workingon the songs for a follow-up record to his acclaimed 2002 album ‘Tiny Voices’.
‘After the carnival parade of ‘Tiny Voices’, this band of brothers, as well as thesongs that were arriving, invited an acoustic-driven, visceral intimacy I found not limiting but wholly liberating; intentional.’ Henry describes the special atmosphere in the studio during the songwriting process for what would become his 10th studio record ‘Civilians’.
Listen to ‘God Only Knows (Demo)’ HERE
Pre-order ‘Civilians’ HERE
In 2024, Henry is set to release a trilogy of reissues starting with a newly mastered version of ‘Civilians’. The 2024 edition will feature all original album tracks in remastered sound as well as previously unreleased intimate demos from Joe’s personal archives.
Following the recent launch of the first single ‘Our Song’, released as a tribute to the late Willie Mays, today sees the release of the demo version of Henry’s song ‘God Only Knows’. This special demo, recorded on a piano in Joe Henry’s home studio, gives listeners a chance to feel that visceral intimacy he described. ‘God Only Knows (Demo)’ is available now on all platforms for digital download and streaming.
On August 23, 2024, the full reissue-album of ‘Civilians’ will be made available on vinyl for the first time via earMUSIC, as well as on CD Digipak. ‘This reissue series –– with this particular trio of albums-represents my sort of ‘coming-of-age’ as a record maker: a song’s composition and its studio articulations all becoming a single impulse for me.’ Henry reflects on the reissue series.
Next to ‘Civilians’, the reissue trilogy also includes Henry’s 2009 record ‘Blood From Stars’ and the 2014 album ‘Invisible Hour’. All three reissue-albums will be pressed on 180g double-vinyl and additionally be made available as CD Digipak, for streaming and digital download via earMUSIC.
Pre-order ‘Blood From Stars’ HERE
Pre-order ‘Invisible Hour’ HERE
