Review: The music of Joni Mitchell will never go out of fashion and so it is that much of it is in the middle of a big reissue run. Joni's voice and songwriting has rarely ever been topped by anyone in any genre, let alone the folk and Americana worlds she is best known in. Song To A Seagull is one of many long player testaments to that and was a remarkable debut in 1968 which soon marked her out in a class of one. The album is known for having been mixing poorly the first time around so has been sharpened up for this reissue meaning both sides of the record - labeled 'I Came to the City' and 'Out of the City and Down to the Seaside' - sound superb.
Review: The Hissing of Summer Lawns marked a turning point in Joni Mitchell's career, emerging four decades ago as a radical departure from her earlier work. While albums like Blue and Court and Spark established her as a confessional singer-songwriter, Hissing ventured into new territories, blending jazz and African influences with a more complex pop sound. The album's characters, primarily women, grapple with existential disconnection, often revealing a sense of unworthiness and emotional estrangement. Critics initially found the album jarring, noting the absence of first-person narratives and traditional melodies. Instead, Mitchell crafted a lush soundscape reminiscent of Miles Davis's freeform style, allowing her musicians the freedom to shape the music. While Hissing debuted at #4 on the charts, it quickly fell off, perceived as too esoteric for mainstream audiences. Over time, its innovative spirit has influenced a new generation of artists from Prince to Bjork, who resonate with its harmonically rich and experimental nature.
Review: The 1971 classic album by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, Blue is widely thought by many music lovers to be one of the best albums of all time. Already well into her career by the time of its release - it's her fourth album - it was certainly Mitchell's best yet, reflecting a period in her life where she took a break from touring and live performing to focus on creation. Its confessional and poetic lyrics, not to mention the distinctively groggy yet idyllic guitar and piano playing on songs like 'All I Want', 'River', 'A Case Of You', heard Mitchell encapsulate the various milestones, Renaissances and turning points of the contemporary rock landscape of the 1970s, into a singular LP.
Review: A whole host of superb Joni Mitchell albums are in the process of being reissued and Clouds is one of them. For many, this is one of the best LPs Joni ever recorded and the stats back that up - it is BPI certified gold and it also won a Grammy in 1969 for Best Folk Performance. Join went on to win another nine such awards after Clouds, which came on May 1, 1969 and features the iconic self-portrait on its cover. Alongside one of Joni's best-known songs on 'Both Sides, Now,' other gems included are the delightful 'Chelsea Morning' and 'The Fiddle and the Drum'.
Review: Widely hailed as one of the greatest albums of all time, Joni Mitchell's Blue is one of those totemic releases which transcends musical divisions to land in the hearts of anyone it touches. From the sincerity of her lyricism to the fathoms-deep feeling in her voice, the fragile beauty of the melodic composition and the tender playing of the guitar and piano, it's quite simply perfect. It's an album which should be in every home, and now it's repressed by Rhino on heavyweight wax in a gatefold sleeve - the definitive way to experience such an important document of 20th century music.
Review: Every so often Record Store Day really does throw up a doozy and this is one of them. Hejira Demos is a highly anticipated vinyl release directly from the Joni Mitchell Archives Vol. 4 box set. Pressed on 180g black vinyl, this collection features the iconic folk singer's solo demos from March 1976 so offers a raw, intimate look at the creation of one of her most revered albums. The demos capture her signature style and insightful lyrics in their early, unpolished form. Notably, you can hear the iconic Chaka Khan providing backing vocals on 'Black Crow' which adds another layer of depth to this timeless work.
B-STOCK: Box slightly damaged, slight surface marks, otherwise in perfect working order
All I Want (3:33)
My Old Man (3:28)
Little Green (3:25)
Carey (3:03)
Blue (2:49)
California (3:39)
This Flight Tonight (2:50)
River (3:46)
A Case Of You (4:19)
The Last Time I Saw Richad (4:07)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Box slightly damaged, slight surface marks, otherwise in perfect working order***
The 1971 classic album by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, Blue is widely thought by many music lovers to be one of the best albums of all time. Already well into her career by the time of its release - it's her fourth album - it was certainly Mitchell's best yet, reflecting a period in her life where she took a break from touring and live performing to focus on creation. Its confessional and poetic lyrics, not to mention the distinctively groggy yet idyllic guitar and piano playing on songs like 'All I Want', 'River', 'A Case Of You', heard Mitchell encapsulate the various milestones, Renaissances and turning points of the contemporary rock landscape of the 1970s, into a singular LP.
Review: Don Juan's Reckless Daughter is Joni Mitchell's ninth album and it came back in December 1977. Although the album received mixed reviews, it still manage to achieve great commercial success and eventually reached No. 25 on the Billboard charts as well as earning gold status within three months. New reissued on orange and blue vinyl via Rhino, this double album is notable in the Mitchell catalogue for its experimental style. It builds on the jazz-influenced sound of her earlier work and, as she neared the end of her contract with Asylum Records, saw her embraced a more unconventional approach.
Review: The one and only folk queen Joni Mitchell was the start of the first in a new series of live music shows broadcast by the BBC back in the 70s. Titled BBC In Concert and subtitled Joni Mitchell Sings Joni Mitchell, she was featured on guitar, piano and dulcimer on 9th October 1970 and bared her poetic and beautiful soul across an intimate series of songs. From 'Chelsea Morning' to 'My Old Man' via 'Big Yellow Taxi' these are stirring sounds with her delicate falsetto and tender playing skills really making for an absorbing listen.
Review: Joni Mitchell's The Asylum Albums (1976-1980) is a comprehensive collection which documents her transformative period of musical exploration and wanderlust. Remastered by Bernie Grundman, the set includes her albums Hejira, Don Juan's Reckless Daughter, Mingus, and the live album Shadows and Light. Mitchell's shift from the "hit department" to the "art department" is evident in her collaboration with jazz virtuosos and experimental compositions. The collection is accompanied by a heartfelt essay from Meryl Streep, underscoring Mitchell's profound impact on listeners. Hejira stands out with its introspective lyrics and subdued instrumentation, while Don Juan's Reckless Daughter offers experimental music that inspired artists like Bjork. Mitchell's collaboration with jazz titan Charles Mingus on Mingus is a highlight, showcasing her immersion in jazz. The Asylum Albums (1976-1980) culminates with the double live album Shadows and Light, capturing Mitchell's electric performances during her Mingus tour. This collection is an ideal way to show her enduring influence and artistic evolution.
Review: Joni Mitchell's Song To A Seagull was a stunningly poetic debut in 1968. It unveiled her remarkable songwriting and folk sensibilities tp the world and set her in motion to become the towering figure she remains today. The album, produced by David Crosby, features Mitchell's introspective lyrics and intricate guitar work. With ethereal vocals, she crafts vivid narratives exploring love, freedom, and self-discovery. The title track, a gentle ode to nature, sets the tone for the album's contemplative atmosphere. Mitchell's ability to blend intricate melodies with profound lyricism establishes Song To A Seagull as a harbinger of her influential and enduring career, laying the foundation for the ensuing evolution that saw her grow ever more revered in her field
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