This discussion forces me to think back of what was going on back in '73 and
'74. Joni has said in more than one interview that she was encouraged by
John Lennon to "put some fiddles" on her work so she'd have a hit for
herself. I think that advice manifested itself somewhat in "Court and
Spark." Of course, Bob was recording "Blood On The Tracks" and Baez,
"Diamonds and Rust" in this same period. All three of these artists were
creating some of their most stylized work to that point. We also know
Dylan's reaction at an advance listening to "Court and Spark": he fell
asleep during its play. While Joni has shrugged off the effects of that
event, I can't help but wonder if she found his reaction a little
underwhelming, to say the least. I would even go so far as to say that if
he had shown a more encouraging response, Joni's subsequent dealings with
the record business may have been less acrimonious. It's clear that Joni
reveres Bob, a point of view to which probably any person who writes songs
is compelled, but I wish she could emerge from behind his penumbra. It
wouldn't hurt to see Bob kiss a little Joni ass.
CC
Boring. The old man is snoring and I'm Taming The Tiger. -- JM
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