Come in from the cold: The return of Joni Mitchell

Really good news. Looking forward to this release. Also hoping for a tour but that will probably not happen I would guess?

I'm excruciatingly conflicted in anticipation of Joni's new album ... on the one hand, there is no greater fan of her music through her first dozen or so albums, which I consider to be no less than one of the crowning achievements of 20th century music. After that, other than occasional highlights, decidedly less so, and her last album of new songs, Taming the Tiger, I thought quite weak. Let me be clear: none of this later work diminishes in any way her earlier work, and I would be the happiest guy around if she returned to form on the new one. But, frankly, I'm not able to hold my breath ... here's hoping I'm wrong.

All best,
Fred

quote:

Originally posted by fred simon:
her last album of new songs, Taming the Tiger, I thought quite weak.

Interesting - I kind of lost track of Joni Mitchell after Turbulent Indigo, which I actually enjoyed quite a bit and still listen to now and again. I wasn't even aware of Taming the Tiger, let alone the the new planned release.

All the best,
Bill

Here is her website with the latest information. Looks like people lucky enough to get the BBC will see her perform tonight.

Anthony

Second part is on on the 27th March, I think at the same time but best check first.

yep humax standing by....

quote:

Originally posted by fred simon:


her last album of new songs, Taming the Tiger, I thought quite weak.

True, but the last time she did a kind of 'comeback' - with 'Night Ride Home' in the early 90s after the Geffen-techno albums, it was really good. Two out of three albums in the 90s isn't bad, and I for one loved 'Travelogue' (unlike some journalists, at least one of whom - Guardian - seems to think it's a live album).

Amanda Ghost co-wrote 'You're beautiful' with James Blunt. Bet she's worth a bob or two then. Wasn't particularly impressed with her ' oh my gawd - wow, amazing' Valley girl interview technique. Joni was really interesting though. Found her voice on 'Travelogue' fascinating as i haven't got that album. Pretty much sounded like her last two albums were to get out of her contract.

Regards

Diccus

quote:

Originally posted by rupert bear:

quote:

Originally posted by fred simon:


her last album of new songs, Taming the Tiger, I thought quite weak.

True, but the last time she did a kind of 'comeback' - with 'Night Ride Home' in the early 90s after the Geffen-techno albums, it was really good. Two out of three albums in the 90s isn't bad, and I for one loved 'Travelogue' (unlike some journalists, at least one of whom - Guardian - seems to think it's a live album).

In the BBC interview, even Joni herself says that her writing had pretty much dried up by the time of Taming the Tiger, and that's why she did two albums of older material to finish out her contract: Both Sides Now, a very good album of mostly standards and jazz, plus revisiting a couple of her older songs, with inspired arrangements by Vince Mendoza, and then Travelogue, again arranged by Mendoza, this time an all-Joni program. This one I found inconsistent ... the good tracks were very good, but some were bloated and leaden.

I remember Night Ride Home being touted as a return to form, largely because it featured more stripped down, acoustic production framing her guitar. I thought it was OK in that regard, but the songs themselves were musically not as good as her earlier work in that vein.

Turbulent Indigo was also considered a comeback of sorts, and, in fact, earned Joni a Grammy ... her first, I believe. I thought it was her strongest late effort of new songs, but still not up to her own par.

One more thing ... because I consider Joni to be a true genius, even sub-par Joni is not too shabby. It's because the great stuff is so great that the less great stuff disappoints me so much. But one thing I have noticed with surprising consistency: whenever I'm station hopping and stumble upon one of Joni's later-era songs, it always sounds so damn cool! I mean the very sound of it ... her voice, the jazz-informed harmonic content, the atmospheric production. Even if the writing isn't as good as it once was (partly because it was once as good as it ever gets), it still sounds cool as hell!

All best,
Fred

I don't know any of this stuff from later Joni. I'll have to see what this new piece is like.

I have not really liked much after Wild things Run Fast, but adore everything before that - genius.

Would love to see her live!

Enjoyed the show again last night - however I would echo the previous comments as I was not as convinced with the new material.

Still 'Clouds' sounded fantastic this morning - even in the car.

worm

Worm,

Clouds - For the Roses - Court & Spark - Hejira - Blue - Ladies of the canyon - The Hissing of Summer Lawns - Don Jaun's reckless daughter.

Hard acts to follow.

Forgot to mention that i really liked 'Dog Eat Dog', so maybe 'Wild things run fast' was not the last thing i liked after all.

Gary.

Gary, don't forget Joni's brilliant first album, Song To A Seagull. Genius right from the start.

All best,
Fred

I recall Paul Gambaccini describing Court and Spark as the best pop album ever (bold claim!). My own favourites are Court and Spark and Hejira. I have all the later albums and think Turbulent Indigo is the strongest. I have used that one as my hi fi tester when auditioning equipment. Although I'm sure her earlier writing was stronger, I like the way her voice has matured. She does jazz really well.
Steve