STAS and below

[c Karma]

With all the discussion about Joni's vocal range having lowered (as is biologically normal) through the years, I'm wondering how few people note that her range on STAS is much lower than on the subesequent three ("career defining") records. I wonder if Joni felt pressure to raise her range to that of Baez and Collins so as to provide competitive product in those years. We as music consumers are reticent to believe that such detailed coersion is placed upon artists, but it is not without precedent. Over the past 30 years, I've increasingly felt that some of the vocal stretches in Clouds, LOTC and yes, even in Blue are just that. She long has maintained that her music has mirrored her visual art and like many artists, strives to avoid artiface and impurity in both content and execution. Certainly her most visually abstract period corresponds with her most political musical-poetry. Perhaps later period vocals have appeared even more "plain spoken" and lack the embellishment that would render them "marketable" among those who would consider themselves fans, but who won't allow themselves to let go of the early 70s. I've said before that her true admirers are there for "goosebumps, but not for 'The Big Chill.""

The fact that Joni's vocal range has come down to what she now calls "alto" is no surprise here. I'm rather glad to see her wear comfortable clothes. A good song is a good song, even without the curly-ques, as "Travelogue" will prove.

CC

"I can't go back there any more. You know my keys won't fit the door." -- JM





_________________________________________________________________
Unlimited Internet access -- and 2 months free! Try MSN. http://resourcecenter.msn.com/access/plans/2monthsfree.asp