Greetings. It's snowing here in Boston, And I'm off from work today. I've got a cold which I've been fighting off tooth'n'nail for a week now; at last, it would seem I've lost the battle (hopefully, the buildup of echinacea will ensure a brief illness!). Seeing snow always inspires me to listen to Hejira, which is on my turntable now. I was not surprised to read in one of the JM companion interviews that "Song For Sharon" was written while high on cocaine - this whole album has that sort of feel to me, only reinforced by the cover art. Though I'm no advocate of drug use, after all it took me down the WRONG road, but it's interesting to see the amazing results using drugs sparingly can bring to one's art. So often we only get to see what happens to the creative process when substance abuse takes over and the well of imagination starts to dry up. I think Hejira frames up a special time of transition for Joni, and the flourishes of chemical stimulation are quite complimentary. Have a good day, all. -Chris, enjoying some coffee.
