We've got the start of some interesting threads, so I'm putting all my responses in this email.
Thanks to Brian Symes for your reflections on Blue. I just listened to the album the other day for the first time in a while. The song that got to me most was Little Green. I could really hear the sorrow in her voice. (I was also aware for the first time of where Joni "punched in" lines. By her own admission, she was barely able to sing a complete song without crying, during these sessions.) Kate mentioned Pirate of Penance. You're right, Kate. This song is highly unusual. I've tried dissecting the form, but it's just too hard to classify. Joni wrote this so early in her career, yet it's a very sophisticated piece of music. I've often wished that Joni had expanded this song to an operetta. She certainly was able to do something unique in the pop/folk genre. This song is pure theatre a la Gilbert and Sullivan. CMIAR - The threads of melody are complex and interwoven. layered one on top of the other. After listening to the rest of the album, I always find it jarring when I get to "A Bird That Whistles" because the melody is so predominant. I'd love to hear an orchestral version of this album - no vocals, just instruments. I think the beauty of this songs would then be more apparent. It's almost as though Joni wrote lyrics for and sings all the melody and harmony parts from instrumental pieces. Ken asked about seasonal associations. The only Joni song that I really think of as seasonal is "Urge for Going," and then I consider the Tom Rush version to be the definitive one. Even "River" isn't strictly a Christmas song to me. and now the non-Joni: Joseph Palis recognized Sheena Easton. I think her crisp, strong vocal ability is underrated. Her version of "Wind Beneath My Wings" blows away anyone else's. Jerry Notaro and Blair Fraipont discussed Laura Nyro. I find it hard to listen to her music, but not because I don't like it. On the contrary. I'm always amazed at how much I like her songs - call it superstition, but she lost her battle to ovarian cancer and I don't intend to lose mine. Why listening to Laura Nyro's music would affect that, I don't know... lots of love Anne
