Speaking of different strokes for different folks...
It's another month, which means another volume to be released in wonderful wacky and
weird world of Joni covers!
Volume 16 is complete and is ready to be shared with any and all interested parties,
let me start with the usual thanks to those who made it happen:
Lindsay
Monica
Philip
Stephen E. in NYC
Jacky
& me
Now, let's have a look at the treats INSIDE the box, shall we...
1. Hoyt Axton, "He Played Real Good For Free"
We all know Hoyt as the author of "Joy to the World" as well as many other classic
rock songs. He's a friend of Joni's, I recall seeing a pic of him & Joni together.
Anyway, this is a nice classic country version of this one with some nice fiddle!
2. The P.D.U.S.M., "Urge For Going"
Boy, is this one obscure! I can't find out anything about this bunch, except that this
is off a 45 record that came out in 1967! It has a classic "girl group" sound to it,
everytime I hear it I think they're going to sing:
I had a man in summertime,
my folks were always putting him down....down...
3. Jane Michel, "Woodstock"
Woodstock covers are interesting, because generally the artist imitates the CSNY hit
or the Mathews Southern Comfort hit. Jane is one of the few who stays true to Joni's
original release with electric piano and the yodel at the end.
4. Jane Michel, "Both Sides Now"
And this one is pretty much a rehash of Collins' cover, still very enjoyable on its
own merits.
5. Lisa Yves, "The Dry Cleaner From Des Moines"
6. Lisa Yves, "Twisted"
These two are from Lisa's project called "Everybody's Boppin'", and are very cool
because all the instruments on the tracks are played by kids, none older than 14.
Before you diss it, let me tell you, these kids can swing. I think they must have
snuck out of their rooms at night and ventured down to the Cotton Club or something!
Very enjoyable...
7. Lydia van Dam, "Black Crow"
What more can be said about Lydia? Her renditions of Joni's songs are unique &
beautiful, and this one is no exception. I'm a Sweet Sucker for a Hejira cover anyway,
and Lydia adds some vocalese to portray the crow flying.
8. Bev Hanson, "Both Sides Now"
Bev & her little trio are probably playing at a Holiday Inn lounge near you. Also
available for weddings and Bar Mitzvahs.
9. Vera Haime, "You Turn Me On, I'm A Radio"
Another entry from the recent UK tribute, I found this one to be a little lackluster
only because they don't try to bring anything new to it. Her voice is good enough, and
the musicians are all capable, but it seems more like product than praise.
10. Michael Ball, "River"
Another pretty version of this pretty song. Really hard to botch unless you pull a
Billy Squier and just make up words as you go along...
11. Mary O'Hara, "Both Sides Now"
Mary is a harpist by trade, and she adds her vocals to this track. Sorta Julie
Andrews-ish...
12. Kennedy, "Urge For Going"
Speaking of fiddles, here's a gorgeous version of UFG performed by the classic
violinist alongside other rockin' tunes by Mozart, Handel, etc. This one is simply
beautiful!
13. O.C. Smith, "Just Couldn't Help Myself"
What?
Joni co-wrote this song, I'm not sure if she wrote the music or lyrics, but I'm
betting the music, because it has a real Court and Spark soul-jazz-pop kind of feel to
it, the same type of soul flavor that 'Help Me' has...
14. Jeff Buckley, "People's Parties"
Recorded on 12/31/95 at Sin-E, this is a rough & ragged live version that is
nonetheless very enjoyable if only in terms of the love that Jeff shows for the song
by its spontaneous inclusion in his set. Very rare, and thanks to Philip for digging
it up!
15. Jeanne McDonald - "Both Sides Now"
Jeanne is a Broadway crooner (I think), and offers up an original arrangement of the
old warhorse here.
16. Singers Unlimited - "Chelsea Morning"
This one's a true original, done in that peppy near-accapella style of the Singers.
Someday I hope to see Patrick Leader & the Patrick Leader dancers do a full
choreographed version!
17. P.M. Dawn, "Night In The City"
This is a special radio mix of their contribution to the official Reprise tribute CD.
Maybe it can tie you over til the real thing comes along. It is sweet, PMD bring their
hip-hop rhythmic sensibility to this song and all of a sudden the 30-plus year-old
tune is brand spanking new!
18. Jody Miller, "Urge For Going"
This was cool because I had a hard time tracking it down, and Jody herself came to my
aid! It must be that *all* Jodys are cool people. This is a very nice country version,
most likely inspired by Hamilton's cover.
19. Peggy Chew, "Sweet Sucker Dance"
Wow! This one's very cool! You think SSD is an easy song to cover, go ahead and give
it your best shot! The intervals are tricky, the melody is tricky, and Peggy gets 2
thumbs up and extra points for difficulty.
Whew! 19 tracks of Joni-inspired joy on one CD!
Thanks again to all of you who contribute and support this project!
Bob
