Hi all, I am back on the list!!
It took me a while to "adjust" to Joni singing the
older songs (most of which I had never heard
before) accompanied by an orchestra. I can
appreciate the thinking that went into putting it
together (as stated by Larry Klein in the notes
that came with the CD). I like the idea of
starting with a romance budding, then going
downhill until there is nothing left of the
relationship. The themes of the songs could very
well illustrate Joni's romantic life, but she, of
course, would not have written them in the same
way.
At the time those songs were popular, I was the
first one to say "Change the station!!" But now
that I'm a *grown-up*, I can appreciate that sort
of music--it isn't my favorite, but I don't
"dislike" it enough to change stations. In fact,
lately at my job, we have been listening to an
oldies station that has actually played a few of
those songs, probably the original versions! My
older son (14) likes the newer rock music, and I
am even beginning to like some of his favorites! I
must be very diverse in my appreciation of music
(though I still really do not like opera!)
>Is it possible that after all we have gone
through with Joni, we wind up
>with heap of sentimental cliches, lyrically on a
par with the crassest pop
>music on offer in every record shop?
I don't see anything wrong with Joni compiling an
album of songs that would appeal to those who
"hanker for the Good Old Days". The worst thing it
can do is increase the number of people who will
become "enlightened", and maybe seek out more of
Joni's music.
> It seems that the several last years of rubbing shoulders with the American
>>entertainment bourgoise, and recieving their accolades and honors, have
>finally gotten to Joni: Both Sides Now is a
Christmas gift for the self-
>indulgent classes, to sing along to as they
hanker for the Good Old Days.
