Mark E wrote "I've really been getting into Judy lately. 'Wildflowers' is a wonderful recording! I wasn't expecting an album of songs arranged for orchestral instruments. It's really quite unique & beautiful. Lately I'm fascinated by 'Albatross'. When I first heard it I couldn't figure what the hell it was about. But the more I've listened to it the more it becomes clear to me. If anyone wants to hear my idea of what it's about or wants to tell me what their interpretation is, I will ask you to email me off list since this is Joni's discussion list, not Judy's. I would love to hear from anybody who cares to chime in!"
I bought Wildflowers when I was in college - in 1969 I think - not too long after it came out. I cannot recall exactly why I bought it, but I am pretty certain it was because I loved Both Sides Now when I heard it on the radio. I got more than I bargained for. It became my introduction to Joni (both sides of the album open with Joni songs - MFM starting side one). At this point, Joni was only a name on the Wildfowers album cover to me. I agree with Mark's assessment of Wildflowers - an album of beautiful songs, beautifully arranged and conducted by Joshua Rifkin, sung by a beautiful voice. In addition to the 2 Joni classics, there are 3 songs from Leonard Cohen (Sisters of Mercy, Priests and Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye - can anyone else see the connection between these titles and the Leonard/Joni pairing ?). Also a gorgeous Jacques Brel song, La Chanson des vieux amants - "The Song of Old Lovers". So, how's that for paying attention to lyrics and melody? To which Judy added 3 of her own songs - including the haunting Albatross (was this a bold move by her - pitting her own work next that of the aforementioned trio ?). Two of the songs are foreign language songs - the Brel and one in Italian, I believe - gorgeous. I loved this album so much that - to this day - every time my father and I get together the conversation goes "I know you're crazy about Judy Collins." "Joni Mitchell, Dad." And we both smile. I also loved it so much that - a year or so later - my roommate said to me "Since you like Wildflowers so much, I think you might enjoy this", and lent me his copy of the newly released LOTC. It took me a short while to get used Joni's less accessible voice, but of course from that point on, I was hooked. I assume that most of those on this list are familiar with Wildflowers, but for those who are not and might consider going back 30 something years to pick up a classic, I think you will find that this record holds up very, very well. Bob S.
