With the recent news about Joni Mitchell's medical woes, I was reminded of the early Joni albums where I was first introduced to her vast canon. I suppose most people think of "Blue" and "Court and Spark" when Joni's name comes up, but the very early albums established her songwriting chops.
"Songs to a Seagull" was the first Joni Mitchell album, 'produced' by David Crosby (depending on which interview you read, David either was totally hands-off, or he flattened the sound). It's too bad that the CD doesn't add "Urge for Going", one of her very first recordings (you'll have to buy "Hits" to get that truly wonderful song). "Songs" and the several albums that followed feature Joni's bright flutey (piercing?) high register that significantly lowered over the years, and as such, has been known to be off-putting to some listeners. I liked "Songs" because it mirrored so much of my vision of what my life could be like in the years ahead, post-high school, moving to the city, finding love and finding a purpose.
"Clouds" followed, and by now I was imagining myself as the one who would rescue Joni from the shallow and deceitful men that featured in some of her songs. Yes, me, the White Knight. Listening to Joni helped me be more sensitive, but really, looking back now I realize I've only recently begun to be the man I had hoped I was then. (And there's so much more to go...) I guess my point here is that I very much internalized these songs in those days, and hearing them again, I get a glimpse of the person I was then. Joni's music offered a promise of hope and a yearning to explore the larger world.
By "Ladies of the Canyon", more of the songs were piano-based, and I like them slightly less than the acoustic guitar songs --- her guitar chords sound more quirky to me, the piano ones more earthbound, if you will. Still a fine album, though.
These days my favorite Joni albums are the ones that saw her popular appeal dip. I find it hard to believe that albums like "The Hissing of Summer Lawns" and "Hejira" weren't hailed as the masterpieces they are back in the day. But then, I sorta dropped out after "Mingus", so maybe I'm clueless too. I do want to tackle "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter" again -- maybe I'm finally ready to hear it.
