I love the thunderous drums that sound like firing cannons and the haunting sirens in Slouching Towards Bethlehem. "Opening its eyes after 20 centuries, Vexed to a nightmare out of a stoney sleep", is one of those (many) moments, to me, that define joni's brilliance. I don't think this song would be one of my favorites without these effects.
Speaking of brilliance, I am curious to know from the musicians on the list: If you were asked to choose 1 Joni song that best exemplifies her brilliance as a guitar player, what song would you suggest? Kurt
