Taking a step out from politics here. wehn in the states this summer i met a guy named Jim that seemed to love music, but was totally Joni-ignorant. against my own wishes he got me to record two cds worth of Joni tracks (i know, not very ethical). twenty eight or twenty nine songs in total, not taken from Jonis entire catalogue i must admit, but limited to the albums i had taken with me to the states. were i to make these choices again i would make a very different selection. the first set of my choices were more or less like the Hits package. kind of trying to show variety within Joni's career, choosing some of her most easily likeable songs (or so i thought). well, Jim finally sent me his dissection, and scored the songs out of ten from teh first cd. i have copied his email below. just remember that he had never heard any Joni before. i'll be sending him my official e-mail of rebuttal/agreement shortly. let me see what ye all think of his opinions: "Ok here I am finally recording my thoughts on Ms. Mitchell. Big Yellow Taxi- I'm not so sure on this one. On the one hand, it's jaunty and fun. On the other hand, I can't stand the end when she giggles. (Not a huge complaint, I know.) Score 5. Chelsea Morning- I like this one. Jaunty as above. Nice guitar work. Folky sounding. Score 9. Both Sides Now- I think you know how much I like this. It almost doesn't matter who has covered it, whether Judy Collins, Maire Brennan or even Leonard Nimoy. I like the guitars in this. I like the way she sings it too. I must say that I enjoy Judy's version a bit more and speeded up since that is what I grew up on. Score 10. Carey- I'd have to say it was a disadvantage that I was able to listen to Cyndi's version. I grew much more attached to that one. I enjoy the song quite a bit but I like it slowed down. That percussion in the background makes it sound like one of Vince Guaraldi's scores for the Peanuts cartoons. I think it carries much more emotional weight that way. Score 7. Cyndi's 10. River- Love this one. Probably due to Travis. I like this version best though. It carries a lot of emotion. Kind of a plaintive tone to it. I absolutely am a sucker for piano such as this. It makes me melt. Score 10. California- Listening to this with headphones on you can hear the guitar picking at different times thru each ear. Very nice track. Nice slide guitar. Score 8. Real Good For Free (from MOA)- Don't care much for this as a live track with her giggling. But it is beautiful as a solo piano piece. Is it that way in studio form? Score 8. You Turn Me On I'm A Radio- I like this one. I don't think I can make any complaint on this. Score 9. Harry's House/ Centerpiece- This first part I like. It reminds me of James Taylor. I can't say why, really. I don't like the second part. It's too jazz/swingy. It is totally incongruous to the earlier part. Score Harry 10- Centerpiece 5. Hejira- The opening part of this is terrific. Very moody. Very low key as well. Score 9. Why Do Fools Fall In Love- Forgive me this attack. It is utter shite. She should steer well clear of doo-wopp. It doesn't suit her style, sensibility, or voice. Score -10. Free Man In Paris (S & L)- This is ok. Doesn't do anything special for me. Might be better studio. Score 5. The Dry Cleaner From Des Moines (S & L)- Same as above. Score 5. Chinese Caf�/Unchained Melody- I like this one. I think most of the appeal lay behind the UM undertones. It has always been a favorite tune for me. (Except oddly enough, the Righteous Brothers version. I love U2's.) This is a very relaxing tune. Score 10. The Reoccurring Dream- This reminds me of Laurie Anderson. And I don't think fondly of her. It smacks of experimental late 70's. Score 3. Turbulent Indigo- I like the guitar. Sounds a little funky. Nice with the minimal sax. Again, very moody piece. Score 9. The Magdalene Laundries- Very nice opening with synth and whatever. (I'm no musician.) It's very atmospheric. Score 10. The Sire Of Sorrow-I like this piece as well. I think I tend towards her more introspective or quiet pieces. Score 9. Sometimes I'm Happy- Jazzy. Big band. But you knew that. Nevertheless, I like it. Score 9. All of the reviews were made while listening to the song on headphones. Please feel free to debate the merits of any particular track. It may be January before I get to disc 2 but who knows." so, what do ye think?? GARRET np- Oasis- Whatever
