Some of you may remember that i had taped a few of joni's songs for a freind
who was convinced that he hated Joni becase "folk music" is not at all his
thing. he was willing to listen to them and consider them because
A) my enthusiasm was contagious
B) he is a big music fan and many of his favourites have been inspired by
joni. he had known many of the covers before he even knew they were JM!
such as teh two Travis covers, Maire Brennan,Judy Collins (hello, he'd
listenend to Judy but was convinced he didnt like Joni!!), and Annie Lennox.
well, i posted the first response of his a while back and i passed along
your coments to him. some of which were very flattering to him.
well, this is his review of het second disc. this one was more his choice
than mine, he was curious about certain eras. most especially BSN. i
always stress to him that sometimes teh songs have more impact in teh
context of teh original albums, you know, to see if he will actually go and
buy some of them!
here is what he had to say. i think his comment regarding Sex Kills is
interesting considering the line of conversation around here lately:
My Secret Place(with Peter Gabriel)- Peter Gabriel, need I say anything
else? I think the interplay between them is great. They have really good
recording chemistry. A
Come in from the Cold- This is really mellow and enjoyable. The guitars and
percussion are really nice. Is this in the beginning of the era when her
voice changes? A
Sunny Sunday-Again mellow. Very nice. A
Sex Kills- This is nice but seems (I'm guessing) that it might be from the
late 70's early 80's where people were making important music. It has some
of those background flourishes of the period. Still, it's pretty good. B-
How Do You Stop- How do you stop the ripening corn? Great song, great
music. A
Help Me- This is what I would call Classic Joni. This is probably the very
first song of hers that I was cognizant of. I can remember hearing it on
the radio in the seventies during my childhood. I really like this song
though it took twenty plus years. It can sound very dated, but that's not
always a bad thing. A+
Raised On Robbery- This is a fun song. I would bet she enjoys singing
this. B
Ladies of the Canyon- I like Annie Lennox's version a lot. That may be why
I like this one so much. The one area of Joni's music I don't enjoy is her
own background vocals. See Rainy Night House. A
Woodstock- Great song. Her voice comes thru very clear against the
background which makes the song more stark. It's kind of cool to have a
song document the event by someone who was around. But those background
vocals again. B+
Rainy Night House- The piano melody is just simply gorgeous. As in
instrumental it would be perfect. This song is very intimate to me. It's
like getting a glimpse of someone else's life. But those background vocals.
I honestly think her own background vocals ruin her own songs. She doesn't
seem very judicious with them. They always seem intrusive. Despite that A+
Blue- Really nice. A classic for obvious reasons. A
A Case of You- Fantastic song. Lyrics are superb. Back then her voice was
so perfect! Full of expression. A
A Case of You (BSN)- Since I didn't buy this cd I don't know who did the
arranging of her music, but it is brilliant. They have a great ear for
sweeping themes. They should record some of her best as instrumental.
Having this without the pop trappings and her voice changed lends new
meaning to the song. This is supposed to be a jazz themed cd isn't it? Her
voice now is so weary and regretful. It is very much suited to this type of
material. A
Both Sides Now(BSN)- Lovely version. Gives it new meaning as well.
Especially after having recorded it so many years before. A++
Stormy Weather- Great song to begin with, great version. A
Comes Love- Very nice. B+
Answer Me, My Love- Stately. This is a very respectful version. I also
enjoy Nat King Cole's version as well as Bryan Ferry's radical reworking. A
I Wish I Were In Love Again- I was thinking after listening to the previous
four songs that she needs a touch of swing. Here it is. She's suited for
uptempo as well. B+
Well, there they are. Hope you enjoy. I was thinking about Stevie while
listening to these. She and Joni had certain parallels in their careers,
most notably the change in their voices from young to middle age. Perhaps
that's why we like them both. As I told you a while back, I certainly
enjoyed this cd much more than the first one you made. I am so glad I
coerced you into making another one. As if I had to twist your arm!
and thats all he had to say. let me know what ye think.
GARRET
