I think your friend has a good ear, and is fairly adventurous in his tastes,
since he gives high marks to songs throughout Joni's career. I'm not
advising you to violate copyright, since "it would be wrong," (to quote
Richard Nixon), but wouldn't it be interesting if your friend got a chance
to hear some of the LESS "easily likeable" stuff? I bet he could handle it!
> 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.
Deb Messling
"I like cats. They give the home a heartbeat." ~Joni Mitchell
