Joni Mitchell-Ladies of the canyon

Ladies of the canyon

In a thousand years, when someone wants to know what was so special and creative about the 1960s, they would do well to dust off this CD a give it a spin. From beginning to end this song cycle is her wondrous paean to the simple and beautiful countercultural dreams of peace, love and community. From "Morning Morgantown" and "Ladies of the Canyon" to an evocative and ethereal acoustic rendition of "Woodstock" (which Joni wrote) to "Rainy Night Priest" about singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen to "The Circle game", Joni sings in perfect pitch with the contemporary ethos of the hopes and dreams of the sixties babyboomers. Taken in total, the song cycle represents a sort of informal manifesto of the counterculture's social and political worldview, and a commentary on their earnest efforts to create a gentler, more meaningful way of living. The dream may be gone, but Mitchell's gorgeous and intricate lyrics, melodies and acoustic guitar arrangements meld into an indescribably beautiful work. This album shows Joni at her apex, full of love, hope, and compassion. For folk fans and people just interested in one of the best albums to have come out of the unforgettable sixties, this is an essential album. Enjoy.

Joni Mitchell - Songs from a Prairie Girl

Songs from a Prairie Girl

Again Joni is not a real country rock person, but this is in my country rock hit list.

This is Joni's most recent collection with a theme, & I think it's really beautiful. The songs, the packaging, the general mood & feel of it, all extremely delightful & a great addition to any diehard fan's collection. The casual fan may dismiss it as merely another repackaging, & that's perfectly understandable. But I personally enjoy all of Joni's projects & love how these songs are re-told in such great fashion. Although she does include a profound remix of "Paprika Plains" that is truly breath-taking, holding it's own against the already amazing original version. The perfect imagery & sequencing of the songs add to the very personal & heart-warming effect, Which is well appreciated on those cold winter days. 

Joni Mitchell- Both Sides now

Both Sides Now

 

Although this is not a Country Rock Album, Its more of a Jazz album, but its sure to be one of my favorite CDs being played today, so here is a review:

Like many other Joni Mitchell fans I wondered for many years why she didn't record a mainstream jazz album. You only had to listen to her singing well-known vocalese classics like "Twisted" on the "Court and Spark" album, or "Centrepiece" on "The Hissing of Summer Lawns" to know that she had the timing, range, and style to tackle it. Now she has come out with the answer. And it is excellent. Forget small intimate jazz groups - she's spun off in yet another direction (what else from such a varied artiste) and given us full-blown orchestral arrangements of these songs, none of which is new for this album. All but two are standards, and the exceptions are old Mitchell favorites. (...) every song has been chosen and put in a specific order to sketch the profile of a love affair. This is made quite clear in the album notes themselves. From the eager start ("You're My Thrill") via infatuation ("Comes Love"), disaffection ("You've Changed"), regret ("Stormy Weather") through to longing for a new affair ("I Wish I Were In Love Again") this is an album where you feel every track has to earn its place. The final track "Both Sides Now", which is singled out by many others as the weakest element on the album, actually takes on a whole new life by being put in as almost the coda to the entire theme of the album. Love comes and goes, and comes again. And when you've seen it from both sides . . . I find it amazing that this song from such a young writer as she was then can hold its head up in such exalted company. Some albums are designed for dipping in to, but I think this is definitely one for listening to from start to finish in a single session. The transition of mood from song to song is just right and there are very few programmed albums where you can say this with your hand on your heart. I know it's the wrong thing to ask of Ms. Mitchell, but "more of the same, please" would suit me.