The entire metaphor of a seagull representing freedom is
> just too b John Livingston Seagullb to really make any sense as anything
> other that a tired clichC)."
Just for the record, the album "Jonathan Livingston Seagull", recorded by
Neil Diamond, was not released until 1973, five years after "Song to a
Seagull". They happen to be two of my favorite albums and neither one
really rings of a cliche in my opinion-I find them very different in fact.
But if any claim is to be made, Joni's album was the first.
The only other song I can think of that uses the image of a seagull is a Bad
Company song.
While we're on the subject of favorite Joni Albums, I find it impossible to
pick one favorite. In the past year or so, I've been very drawn to Hejira
and HOSL. The very first Joni I ever heard was STAS, and in many ways, it
will always be my favorite for it just completely enchanted me and I've
never been the same ever since. (I even wrote a song once called "Song for
a Seagull" which I hope to record soon.) A casual friend in college (1988)
just happened to lend me a copy and up to that point, the only Joni Mitchell
I had heard was CSNY covering Woodstock. Interestingly enough, the copy he
lent me was on cd. I used to still buy alot of vinyl when I was in college,
so I soon went out and picked up several of her records in the used vinyl
store. Not long after that, I formed a duo with my friend Nancy and we
played originals and Joni songs. Gosh, so many memories start flooding back
when I think about those days...
I must add in closing, that BSN, the album, also ranks up there as one of my
favorite. I wasn't really sold on it until I went to the Chastain show and
saw an unbelievable live performance. It really brings home to me, what an
impact seeing someone live has. You can't really get the same impression
until you actually see someone and listen to them in person. I'll never
forget sitting a couple of feet in front of James Taylor and just sinking
into my seat.
Victor Johnson
http://www.cdbaby.com/victorjohnson
"Just beyond the morning falls the river of your dreams,
Escaping from the day these wild creatures run away."
Victor Johnson
