Well I'm new to the list as well,Don,and since noone's asked me yet what I
think of DED I'm going to give you my humble opinion anyway.I actually really
loved that album except for a few minor points:
1) Wasn't crazy about the music of "Fiction", which was NOT written by
Joni,but by Larry Klein(liked the words written by Joni,though;it was a
scathing attack on all forms of media.) 2)I
felt the frequent use of "spoken words" throughout the album sometimes
actually detracted from what was otherwise a great song.IMHO that was best
depicted on "Tax Free", where the music was very good(and here Larry Klein
wrote the music),but I found Rod Steiger's bellowing to interfere with the
flow of the music.I realize what Joni was trying to do here,but I think the
song would have been better without it. Now, as for what I liked about
thye rest of the album,I would have to say EVERYTHING! My particular favorites
are: 1) Good Friends-love this- a great song to dance to and Michael
McDonald's vocals are perfect! 2) Smokin'(Empty,try another)- I LOVE this !
Joni's "playing" of the cigarette machine was nothing short of brilliant,
showing she can make great music out of anything!I only wished this song
lasted alot longer. 3) Ethiopia- I have heard some call this depressing, but I
call it profound and moving.Another one of Joni's haunting songs thats hard to
forget once you've heard it. 4) Impossible Dreamer-My favorite song on the
album;sounds like it could have fit in beautifully on DJRD,another gorgeous,
jazz-inflected song accentuated perfectly by Wayne Shorter's sax. 5) Lucky
Girl-a beautiful love song to Larry,made all the more poignant by the
knowledge of their break-up. As for the rest, I love it,too, these were just
my fav picks from DED. And anyone out there who doesn't already know the joys
of DED, give it another listen! :-) Megan
