Back to T'log, DED
I still listen to Travelogue fairly often, but I still don't really like Refuge of the Roads and For the Roses on that. Refuge of the Roads, in my opinion, needs Jaco - on Travelogue it seems slow and it drags on and it just doesn't have the motion it had. For the Roses just shouldn't have that big a sound on top of the vocal - it just doesn't need it. As for DED, I actually only know a few songs on it...I finally found a music store that has it and it should be coming in soon. i only have it on a record, which I don't get around to listening to much because the record player (and about every other surface in our house) seems to be covered with something...and i posted this a couple days ago just wondering does anyone know if a drummer Vito Rezza ever performed with Joni? bye! --- Raffaele Malanga <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > My copy of Travelogue hasn't moved from the CD > player since last > November! Help STOP SPAM with the new MSN 8 and get 2 months FREE*
Re: Back to T'log (NJC)
well, I've got two CD players and the one Travelogue is on doesn't really work :-) no, joking: I do play Travelogue. Even my partner, who isn't really a Joni fan, loves to play The Sire of Sorrow out loud very often. Raf, London >From: Catherine McKay >To: Raffaele Malanga , [EMAIL PROTECTED] >Subject: Re: Back to T'log >Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2003 11:57:26 -0500 (EST) > > --- Raffaele Malanga wrote: > >My copy of Travelogue hasn't moved from the CD > > player since last > > November! > >Meaning you listen to it all the time, or you just >forgot it was still there? LOL. > > >= >Catherine >Toronto > >__ >Post your free ad now! http://personals.yahoo.ca Stay in touch with absent friends. Download MSN Messenger for FREE!
Re: Chicken Squawlkin, Chinese Cafe, T'Log
For what it's worth, my two cents on a few of the topics that have been rhubarbed over the past several days: I want to throw my vote in with the pro-"Talk to Me" folks. I like it. I think it's lyrically clever and I like JM's vocal. I also think it's a very good portrayal of someone in love enough to humiliate herself - and if you've never been in that position yourself, just wait. As for Chinese Cafe/Unchained Melody, it's been one of my favorite Joni records since the release of Wild Things, but the first time I heard the version on T'log, it brought tears to my eyes. I don't know how you all feel, but I love Joni's deep contralto voice even more than I loved her girly soprano of old. Such richness, and such wisdom and experince behind it. Re: T'log, I don't think anyone has yet pointed out that the great pop and jazz singers of the early-to-mid-20th century were known for recording the same songs many times over the course of a long career (see Frank, Ella, Billie, etc.). I think T'log is like that. I admit, I do have to be in a certain mood for some of the more turgid songs, but overall I think it's an admirable album. As for future music from Joni, I guess only she knows ... Peace, y'all. Larry D
Re: Back to T'log
--- Raffaele Malanga <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > My copy of Travelogue hasn't moved from the CD > player since last > November! Meaning you listen to it all the time, or you just forgot it was still there? LOL. = Catherine Toronto __ Post your free ad now! http://personals.yahoo.ca
Re: Back to T'log
My copy of Travelogue hasn't moved from the CD player since last November! Raf Stay in touch with absent friends. Download MSN Messenger for FREE!
Re: Back to T'log
Thanks for getting back to Travelogue, Bob. My copy of it is now safely tucked away in the lower cabinet of my shelving unit. It's run its course with me. I'm not sure if Joni thinks she is all used up. Sometimes the muse abandons you (a fallow period) and yet the call of music is still intriguing so you do what you can to fufill your yearning to be musical, even if it means reworking old material. I think Travelogue is a valliant effort but I also think that, somewhere, Joni knew that it would be met with a lot of skepticism and criticism. I think she is probably proud of it but knows it's not one of her best efforts. I think the main problem is that it's too ambitious a project - too bloated and heavy. No one I know would ever go out and buy this album unless they were a fan of Joni's. Its audience is limited and even within this pool of fans there are detractors who think it's horrendous. If there were 10 or 12 songs it would be a bit more easy to take but when I think about sitting down to listen to the entire album I get daunted, like sitting down to read Chaucer or Milton. It feels like work to me. So I pluck the songs I like from it and leave the rest for others to enjoy. I'm glad I've got Be Cool, Flat Tires, Hejira, Refuge and Otis and Marlena, after all. The really big, epic songs like Sire of Sorrow and Slouching are too much. I expect a new album of fresh material from Joni will be on its way to us in due time. -Andrew --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > I really joined in again to see what the die-hards > all > thought, but things have been eerily silent on the > subject. > > > 'Cuz our Mama's taught us - "if you can't say > something nice about something, > don't say anything at all" ;~) > > OK, not totally true about the lackluster (to me) > T'log. Firstly, it's > disappointing to me that Joni must consider herself > 'used up' to continue to > recycle her old material. By doing so, she's just > playing into the hands of > the biz that says that when a performer hits 6-0 or > thereabouts they're good > for revues and that's about it. Personally I think > Joni is capable of her > best work yet, so I wish she would push herself > harder than she's doing, > working with the same songs, the same players, and > adding Mendoza's > predictable & mostly tiresome arrangements to some > of her best work. > > On the upside, I LOVE what she does with "Flat > Tires", she should have > employed Billy Preston's organ-playing more than she > does, and I also love > her expansion of the audio colors on "Dawntreader". > Both of these tracks hint > at what a creative expression Travelogue COULD HAVE > been, instead of the > tedium that it actually is. > > Of course, lots of folks here love every nanosecond > of it, and I couldn't be > happier for them. > > Bob > > NP: Jackson Browne, "These Days", live '73 Yahoo! Web Hosting - establish your business online http://webhosting.yahoo.com
Back to T'log
I really joined in again to see what the die-hards all thought, but things have been eerily silent on the subject. 'Cuz our Mama's taught us - "if you can't say something nice about something, don't say anything at all" ;~) OK, not totally true about the lackluster (to me) T'log. Firstly, it's disappointing to me that Joni must consider herself 'used up' to continue to recycle her old material. By doing so, she's just playing into the hands of the biz that says that when a performer hits 6-0 or thereabouts they're good for revues and that's about it. Personally I think Joni is capable of her best work yet, so I wish she would push herself harder than she's doing, working with the same songs, the same players, and adding Mendoza's predictable & mostly tiresome arrangements to some of her best work. On the upside, I LOVE what she does with "Flat Tires", she should have employed Billy Preston's organ-playing more than she does, and I also love her expansion of the audio colors on "Dawntreader". Both of these tracks hint at what a creative expression Travelogue COULD HAVE been, instead of the tedium that it actually is. Of course, lots of folks here love every nanosecond of it, and I couldn't be happier for them. Bob NP: Jackson Browne, "These Days", live '73
T'LOG PROLOGUE
It's true, isn't it, that T'LOG doesn't stand up to the test of time? There's a lot on it I can't bear to listen to -- even some tracks I additionally liked. Somehow, the arrangements GRATE. Still, there are tracks I can't do without: trouble child god must be a boogie man refuge of the roads hejira cherokee louise the dawntreader the last time I saw richard Still, 7 out of 22...IS bad. Oh well, No one is perfect, right?
Re: T'log mix
Interesting selection, Michael, but you missed Be Cool - probably the album's most relevant and exciting track. I have to say you were more generous than I would have been. It's occurred to me recently that Travelogue really doesn't have that many tracks with lasting power. I only listen to Otis & Marlena, Amelia, Flat Tires, Be Cool and Hejira on a regular basis. The rest I never listen to. It doesn't have longevity, probably because it consists of songs that we've lived over and over again in past lives. And there is something a little bit pretentious about the project, a little bit bloated and overworked that becomes more apparent the more you listen to it. It takes itself a little too seriously. Travelogue is nearing the end of its cycle for me. It will soon be tucked away for a long, long nap. -Andrew Yahoo! Tax Center - forms, calculators, tips, and more
Joni's singing rhythm on T'log
I was listening to Travelogue this afternoon, for the first time in a few weeks, and was struck by some interesting rhythms in Joni's singing on certain lines of some songs. I love how she sings, "In the church they light the candles" on Hejira and "Slippers are shufflin' into folding chairs" on Otis and Marlena. I assume that with the bigger orchestra that she needs to be a bit more careful about fitting the lines into the rhythm of the music, which is why it sounds a bit more fluid and modulated than her usual singing rhythms. I also love it on Otis and Marlena when she sings, "Otis ... empties out the trunk," with the pause punctuated by that little burst of strings. Travelogue is a time-consuming album to listen to and I've been busy, which is why I haven't been particularly able to sit down and digest it all. But little subtleties are starting to make themselves known. I love it. As for artists sticking up for Joni I heard an interview with Natalie Merchant a few years ago who cited Joni as someone who is creating new roles for female pop musicians as they age, saying she is one of the few artists who is composing music about the processes of age and life. So, Joni's tactics are not going unnoticed by all. -Andrew Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com
performing songwriter t'log review
Joni Mitchell
Travelogue
[Nonesuch]
Joni goes philharmonic. This September of My Years re-imagining of 22 songs
from her back catalog finds the grand dame floating her nicotine angel voice
on a sea of strings, horns and choir harmony (more than 80 pieces in all).
The lush, windswept style mostly flatters the material ("Amelia" and "The
Sire of Sorrow" are standouts), occasionally overwhelms it ("Hejira" is
jarring, like beat poetry meets Victory at Sea), but ultimately does not
better the originals. Still, any new release from Joni Mitchell is cause for
celebration. The whole affair was filmed by director Allison Anders for an
upcoming PBS American Masters special. -BD
For Fans Of:
Marianne Faithfull - 20th Century Blues
Frank Sinatra - Sings for Only the Lonely
Nat King Cole - Wild Is Love
Rating: B-
http://www.performingsongwriter.com/
Kate Bennett: www.katebennett.com
Sponsored by Polysonics/Atlantis Sound Labs
Over the Moon-
"bringing the melancholy world of twilight
to life almost like magic" All Music Guide
Re: T'Log NJC
Ron Greer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: <<>> yea Ron, Waterlog has the song Don Juan's Shipwrecked Daughter on it ;-) Mags, inspired to write You open my heart, you do. Yes you do. - JM Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now
Re: T'Log
--- Ron Greer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Hi > > first off happy christmas, new year, hannukah, eid, > whatever, etc to > everyone!!! :-) ( i had a dead pc at home so i > guess i missed all the > festive stuff!!) > Consider yourelf blessed - you didn't miss much. [...] > > so off i go to the somewhat distant major cd chain > which stocks quality cds. > i was most amazed to see that they have it in stock, > and at a reasonable > price. so i take a listen to it through the > headphones in the shop. > > strangely enough - "WATERLOG" is probably a very apt > name for the album... > :-) > > probably nice - but not my cup of tea. compare it > back to back with "hejira" > and its just not even in the same league. Oh, c'mon. In all fairness, one listen probably isn't a good way to judge. You're probably going to have to spring the cash and just buy the damn thing. No guarantees you'll love it and maybe it really isn't your cuppa tea, but give it a go anyway. It's not my favourite of all time, but the first time I heard it, it didn't do much for me either, with the exception of a few songs. Since then, on subsequent listens, it has got better, although there are still some that don't do it for me and maybe never will. (Wait 'til it goes on sale, though.) = Catherine Toronto __ Post your free ad now! http://personals.yahoo.ca
T'Log
Hi first off happy christmas, new year, hannukah, eid, whatever, etc to everyone!!! :-) ( i had a dead pc at home so i guess i missed all the festive stuff!!) so the other day i stopped at my local independendent cd shop to see about these special offers they were advertising. they proudly informed me that they had all the cds being advertised on tv at good prices. ignoring those racks i went straight to the bargain bins - leo kottke, john martyn, roger mcguinn, stevie nicks, inner circle - all for the ridiculous price of R 20.00 (currently around US$2.50) each. plus a further 10% discount for joining their club so just for the hell of it i asked them if they had travelogue. theyd never heard of joni mitchell (!!!) but they offered to phone head office - so he picks up the phone - & asks them if they've got any copies of "WATERLOG" by joni mitchell. once id finished laughing i corrected him & he told me they didnt have it. so off i go to the somewhat distant major cd chain which stocks quality cds. i was most amazed to see that they have it in stock, and at a reasonable price. so i take a listen to it through the headphones in the shop. strangely enough - "WATERLOG" is probably a very apt name for the album... :-) probably nice - but not my cup of tea. compare it back to back with "hejira" and its just not even in the same league. so i went & bought rory block's "confessions of a blues singer" instead. wow - not just in the same league as, but a serious contender with "hejira" & "shadows & light" for the best album i have ever heard! ron
Re: NYT review of T'Log
I have picked up a few things that I really liked after reading a descriptive review. As a Joni fan, the NYT review would not have detered me from buying it. I guess for the casual and curious, it might. I generally like to read reviews, taking them with the appropriate grain of salt. At least the music is being discussed, and I would rather read about music than cooking or football or RR [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > I typically use reviews collectively; that is, if something is getting raves > across the board (as was the case with Beck's "Sea Change") I'll go ahead and > pick it up. And vice versa if I read a lot of bad reviews. BUT I do love a > bunch of stuff that was not reviewed favorably and loathed some stuff that > was highly praised. > > I guess what I'm saying is that I'm somewhat of a sucker for the things. I > used to subscribe to Record Review magazine
Re: NYT review of T'Log
In a message dated 1/6/2003 9:40:15 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > I don't use critics at all and rarely read a movie review or music review > unless I am interested in the movie or the musician being criticized or > reviewed. We wouldn't have read it (at least I wouldn't have) if it hadn't > been about Joni Mitchell, and we definitely wouldn't be discussing it. > I typically use reviews collectively; that is, if something is getting raves across the board (as was the case with Beck's "Sea Change") I'll go ahead and pick it up. And vice versa if I read a lot of bad reviews. BUT I do love a bunch of stuff that was not reviewed favorably and loathed some stuff that was highly praised. I guess what I'm saying is that I'm somewhat of a sucker for the things. I used to subscribe to Record Review magazine Bob NP: Joni, "Two Grey Rooms", playing at Club Passim
Re: NYT review of T'Log
I've always been slightly jealous of critics. They get paid to listen to music, go to movies, read books and see plays. They are also afforded a certain amount of social prestige, as if their opinion counts for just a little more than a mere mortal because they are paid to give it. On the other hand, I've never had much use for them. A lot of people use critics as gages for their own tastes: "If Roger Ebert likes this movie, I'll hate it.," Etc. I don't use critics at all and rarely read a movie review or music review unless I am interested in the movie or the musician being criticized or reviewed. We wouldn't have read it (at least I wouldn't have) if it hadn't been about Joni Mitchell, and we definitely wouldn't be discussing it. The New York Times review of Travelogue was well-written and everything that a critique should be: long-winded, slightly pompous, critical (ahem!) and trying, earnestly, to be interesting. I've never read a critic's work that wasn't in some way trying to sound worthy of being read. There's nothing wrong with that - it's the nature of the artform. If the writer had said: "Travelogue is bad. Don't listen to it," would he be a critic? No - just a regular joe saying he thinks this record sucks, which is really what every critic is behind their white-collars, good vocabulary and rhythmic syntax. Just some thoughts on criticism. -Andrew Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now
Re: JMDL Digest V2003 #5 - Public displays of T'log affections
I've had three experiences in the last couple of months with people asking me if Joni Mitchell was dead. From the arse cashier at Borders..then my brother-in-law..and a niece. The inquiry from my brother-in-rile..was *probably* legitimate. The other two.. was to get my reaction..knowing damn well she is very much alive. Yes..this upsets..really upsets me..but I try to not let it show. Bree I> will say this - I'm tired of folks who know my fascination with JM coming > up to me and asking me (with expressions on their faces as though somebody > where holding a plate of shit under the nose...) "Did you HEAR the new Joni > CD?" - of course I've heard it, and once again will stand up as the > underdog, take the critique personally (I can't help it), and defend this > piece. I haven't experienced this sort of thing -- but I was sitting in Starbucks the other day when a friend passed by and excitedly mouthed something indecipherable through the windowhe came in announced that T'log is totally marvelous and his favorite Joni album Bryan _ The new MSN 8: smart spam protection and 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail
RE: JMDL Digest V2003 #5 - Public displays of T'log affections
In the same vein, I just came into work and my boss handed me the piece from yesterday's New York Times. She was almost apologetic about it, like I would be hurt to hear that a fan doesn't like Joni's latest work. I had to break it to her that John Rockwell was not the first fan to negatively review Travelogue. This is from the same person who came to me the other day to tell me about the Joni tribute concert (covers concert?) at Passim tonight. Exasperated, she declared that she couldn't tell me anything I didn't already know about Ms. Mitchell. True, at least so far, thanks to this list. Maggie > -Original Message- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] > Sent: Monday, January 06, 2003 4:42 AM > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: Re: JMDL Digest V2003 #5 - Public displays of T'log > affections > > > I> will say this - I'm tired of folks who know my > fascination with JM coming > > up to me and asking me (with expressions on their faces as > though somebody > > where holding a plate of shit under the nose...) "Did you > HEAR the new Joni > > CD?" - of course I've heard it, and once again will stand up as the > > underdog, take the critique personally (I can't help it), > and defend this > > piece. > > I haven't experienced this sort of thing -- but I was sitting > in Starbucks > the other day when a friend passed by and excitedly mouthed something > indecipherable through the windowhe came in announced > that T'log is > totally marvelous and his favorite Joni album > > Bryan
Re: JMDL Digest V2003 #5 - Public displays of T'log affections
I> will say this - I'm tired of folks who know my fascination with JM coming > up to me and asking me (with expressions on their faces as though somebody > where holding a plate of shit under the nose...) "Did you HEAR the new Joni > CD?" - of course I've heard it, and once again will stand up as the > underdog, take the critique personally (I can't help it), and defend this > piece. I haven't experienced this sort of thing -- but I was sitting in Starbucks the other day when a friend passed by and excitedly mouthed something indecipherable through the windowhe came in announced that T'log is totally marvelous and his favorite Joni album Bryan
Re: NY Time Review of T'log
Kate wrote: > it's one thing not to like a record but this guy is pretty cruel... Quite. The more I read, the more I recoiled. It struck me as incredibly bitchy. Some of these really nasty reviews make me wonder if the people writing them have some kind of real or imagined personal grudge with Joni. Yeesch! Kakki
NY Time Review of T'log
it's one thing not to like a record but this guy is pretty cruel... it is hard to believe him as a long time admirer of joni when he says this: "That said, restless experimentation also suggests a quality of unwelcome self-indulgence that has always marked her music and her personality. When one confronts the really naove paintings that proliferate in the lavish booklet with which these two CD's are packaged - let alone the rudimentary "multi-media content" on the one "enhanced audio CD" - one has to wonder whether Ms. Mitchell has slid too far into her own world. There is usually some kind of healthy link between creator and public, or at least imagined public, a link that sustains even the most private artists and helps dampen the temptation toward vanity projects like "Travelogue." & for someone who claims to know her work, you'd think he'd remember that joni likes to include her artwork on her albums...& as to what the heck he means about a healthy link between the creator & public, well that is one of the most idiotic ideas i've ever read in a review! Kate Bennett: www.katebennett.com Sponsored by Polysonics/Atlantis Sound Labs Over the Moon- "bringing the melancholy world of twilight to life almost like magic" All Music Guide
Re: NY Time Review of T'log
Randy Remote wrote: > > Ouch! Yes. It's too bad Rockwell felt the need to wrap it up so simplistically at the end. Up until then, his reaction was complex, especially regarding a fan's expectations vs. Joni's right to do as she wishes, and I could relate to and agree with much of what he'd written, but not at all with his conclusion. As much as I've enjoyed John Kelly's shows, it's mostly because I realize while listening to him how deeply I love Joni's work, which is all so familiar I often take it for granted. The performance artist aspect of John's work is fun and impressive, but after one of his shows (and sometimes even during) I'm always eager to listen to the "real thing" again. I'd be very happy seeing Joni herself, even singing as she does now. There will never be a substitute for that experience. Debra Shea
Re: NY Time Review of T'log
In a message dated 1/5/03 1:53:05 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > Ouch! > Yeah, that's what I say. That was really mean. bastid!!! Better ask questions before you shoot Deceit and betrayal's bitter fruit It's hard to swallow, come time to pay. That taste on your tongue don't easily slip away Let Kingdom come. I'm gonna find my way Through this lonesome day
Re: NY Time Review of T'log
Ouch!
Re: NY Time Review of T'log
--- Moni Kellermann <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > -> Okay, so here it is > Note: As Mr.Rockwell writes "the entire album, comes > dressed (overdressed) in > orchestral /soft-jazz arrangements by Larry Klein" I > wonder whether he really > knows what he's writing about... > > January 5, 2003 > > Joni Mitchell's Long and Restless Journey > > By JOHN ROCKWELL > Thanks, Moni. I'm in a cranky mood so the thought of creating yet another user name and yet another password set me off. This guy uses far too many words to say he doesn't like the CD at all. And he's awfully patronizing, isn't he? Yeesh! = Catherine Toronto __ Post your free ad now! http://personals.yahoo.ca
Re: NY Time Review of T'log
- Original Message - From: "Catherine McKay" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: NY Time Review of T'log > --- RSM <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > My NY Times > > tracker for "Joni" finally paid off. > > Here is the review, > > middling to negative, for T'log > http://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/05/arts/music/05ROCK.html?tntemail0 > The annoying thing about the NY Times is, you can't > read these things unless you sign up - it's free, but > it's a hassle and then they start sending you e-mails > that you might not want to receive (not spam, just > annoying in its own way.) > Catherine Okay, so here it is Note: As Mr.Rockwell writes "the entire album, comes dressed (overdressed) in orchestral /soft-jazz arrangements by Larry Klein" I wonder whether he really knows what he's writing about... January 5, 2003 Joni Mitchell's Long and Restless Journey By JOHN ROCKWELL JONI MITCHELL'S new "Travelogue" isn't billed as a farewell, but it's hard to see it any other way. Ms. Mitchell is 58, and her once-girlish soprano is now a frail and unsteady mezzo. This personally (not to say idiosyncratically) chosen, newly arranged collection of 22 of her songs from 1966 to 1994 presumably represents some sort of retrospective summa. Of course, it's always dangerous to presume anyone's motivations, let alone those of an artist as hermetically private as Ms. Mitchell. But in addition to this quasi memorial to herself (Nonesuch, two CD's), she has chosen to blast the music industry in a recent interview in Rolling Stone, denouncing the business as a cesspool and MTV's vulgarity, as she sees it, as "tragic." Having now fled her longtime base of Reprise, she didn't flee too far, however, since Nonesuch is also part of AOL Time Warner. As a longtime admirer of Ms. Mitchell - I even lived in her Laurel Canyon neighborhood in the early 70's - I must confess that my first reaction to this new set was one of horror. Asked recently by WNYC-FM to appear on air with some emblematic examples of American music in the 20th century, I thought of her song "Amelia," which was once my prime evidence when I called her a 20th-century American Schubert. The song appears on Ms. Mitchell's 1976 album "Hejira," which is full of songs about flight and wandering and loneliness. "Amelia" is Amelia Earhart, the doomed aviatrix. Ms. Mitchell's words tie together place and heart and mind, myth and history, womanhood and a lost love. She starts by evoking the emptiness of the desert and the sky, six jet vapor trails "like the hexagram of the heavens, like the strings of my guitar." Her "life becomes a travelogue" - you see how central this one song is to this new retrospective travelogue of her life in song. Suddenly she's missing a lover. She equates herself with Amelia and with Icarus, "ascending on beautiful foolish arms." "I've spent my whole life at icy altitudes," she muses. "And looking down on everything/ I crashed into his arms." Finally she pulls in to a desert motel, showers and sleeps "on the strange pillows of my wanderlust," dreaming "of 747's/ Over geometric farms." On the original studio recording, the accompaniment is electric guitars and vibraphones, electronically sustaining Ms. Mitchell's own inimitable vocals, cool and clipped, and almost pushing this sad, intimate, conversational song along to its conclusion. Even better, really, is the live version on her album "Shadows and Light" of 1980, just as nervously forward-moving but with a guitar backing closer to her folkish roots. The new version, indeed the entire album, comes dressed (overdressed) in orchestral /soft-jazz arrangements by Larry Klein. Mr. Klein and Ms. Mitchell were married for eight years, and although they broke up domestically in 1994, they have continued to collaborate professionally, having now completed nine projects together. Having heard "Amelia" in its new guise, I think I called it an abomination on the radio. Now I've listened to the whole album. One must make allowances for an artist's right to evolve and for fans' right to cling, even unfairly, to what they once loved. And one must concede a certain winsome communicativeness in Ms. Mitchell's vocal weaknesses. But I still think this set is pretty terrible. Part of the problem is simple taste. I personally have little use for the kind of bloated symphonic jazz heard here. Ms. Mitchell clearly does have a taste for it, so much so that she now chops up the urgent flow of "Amelia" for soggy orchestral ditherings between the verses. Any artist must constantly question his or her past accomplishments; to repeat oneself risks becom
Re: NY Time Review of T'log
--- RSM <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > My NY Times tracker for "Joni" finally paid off. > Here is the review, > middling to negative, for T'log > > http://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/05/arts/music/05ROCK.html?tntemail0 > The annoying thing about the NY Times is, you can't read these things unless you sign up - it's free, but it's a hassle and then they start sending you e-mails that you might not want to receive (not spam, just annoying in its own way.) = Catherine Toronto __ Post your free ad now! http://personals.yahoo.ca
NY Time Review of T'log
My NY Times tracker for "Joni" finally paid off. Here is the review, middling to negative, for T'log http://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/05/arts/music/05ROCK.html?tntemail0 Ron LA
Re: JMDL Digest V2002 #592 -- npr t'log review
here's the link http://discover.npr.org/features/feature.jhtml?wfId=891774";>http://discover.npr.org/features/feature.jhtml?wfId=891774 bryan
T'log review- Santa Barbara Independent
Joni Mitchell Travelogue-Nonesuch Once she was lonely and lived in a box of paints. Now Jonis canvas and palette are huge and her smoky alto radiates serenity and wisdom. Recorded in a world-class studio with 70-piece orchestra, choir, and top jazzmen, Travelogues meticulous arrangements echo familiar riffs while summoning new emotional landscapes. Many of the 22 songs (selected from her early to more recent works), are astonishingly prophetic and relevant. The double CD also includes her paintings, lyrics and enhanced CD art gallery. Travelogue is a lush cinematic journey best savored by candlelight. Kate Bennett Kate Bennett: www.katebennett.com Sponsored by Polysonics/Atlantis Sound Labs Over the Moon- "bringing the melancholy world of twilight to life almost like magic" All Music Guide
Re: t'log, shorter and blade
J.David Sapp wrote: << I think joni takes a huge risk with T'log - evidence all the debate. I also don't compare with the earlier versions - T'log stands as its own work with a great song cycle. As to Shorter I think the problem is that he is mixed at the same volume as joni, this was a creative choice i don't understand but i think joni may have been trying to move the music away from strictly "classical". Meanwhile i love Blade's work - really fine. He and the other percussionist hit a home run on Hejira. >> Me 3!!! Listening to T'log tonight as background music with friends (the way most people seem to listen to music) I contemplated the huge risk Joni (& Nonesuch) took on making such a low key high production! 2/3rds of the way through, played softly with the 3 of us yapping, Betty commented: "It's so nice to be able to hear ever word she sings." My 70's rock-n-roll snob friend Bill agreed, simply calling T'log "beautiful." I was stunned, assuming that they weren't listening. Betty & Bill gave it 2 thumbs up, having only heard a few of Joni's songs before. Shorter & Blade certainly SHINE (esp on the Hejira stuff)!!! & I think Mendosa did a FANTASTIC job on all of the songs (esp Slouching ~ turn it up real loud at "raging & raging" to relish the Joniesque subtlety). Most people have had major problems grasping Joni's *differentness* ever since her first album & particularly after Hejira. Even big fans have expected her to release another Court & Spark for almost 30 years now. It's like asking Van Gogh to paint another Starry Night. Am I the only Joni fan who thinks she has gotten progressively better on every album that she has released??? I'm not kidding or just saying this out of kindness. I can confidently say that Travelogue is my favorite Joni album yet, being a huge fan since 1973. I think T'log is a combination of several things ~ 9-11, Joni's resistance to a final tribute album, a box set & a strong desire to catalogue her strange tunings with one of the greatest orchestras in history. ET
Re: t'log - Fantasia (njc)
Patrick wrote: >'fantasia 2000' > which is absolutely worth a look. the best sequence is gershwin's 'rhapsody > in blue' animated in the style of al hirschorn, the great broadway > cariacaturist. another great segment is donald and daisy as noah and wife > with the ark. one called flamingos with yoyos that's almost funnier than > hippos and gators. Thanks! I did not know about this and have checked it out and read some raves.. Gershwin, Donald and Daisy are some of my all time favorites. Arrr, I might just have to succumb and get a DVD from Santa this year! ;-) Kakki
Re: t'log
Jimmy said: <> She not only said she had *just* received the tapes, but also kept looking to Klein to get her cue from him as to when to come in singing. Hugs, Ashara
RE: t'log - Fantasia (njc)
oh fantasia is one of my favorites, too. there are parts of it that i don't love as much now (the cutesy flying horses and nymphs in the beethoven) and there are a lot of negative opinions over the years. stravinsky absolutely HATED it, yensid cut parts of 'rite' even... and composers do NOT like that! lots of comments about 'trivializing classical music' etc. but it's a brilliant movie. there finally is a sequel, 'fantasia 2000' which is absolutely worth a look. the best sequence is gershwin's 'rhapsody in blue' animated in the style of al hirschorn, the great broadway cariacaturist. another great segment is donald and daisy as noah and wife with the ark. one called flamingos with yoyos that's almost funnier than hippos and gators. patrick np - echo (joy askew and takura nakamura) - surrender >-Original Message- The next selection, Tschiakovsky's "Nutcracker >Suite", is "performed" by dancing wood-sprites, mushrooms, flowers, >goldfish, thistles, milkweeds and "frost fairies". The Mickey Mouse version >of "Sorcerer's Apprentice" is next, followed by Stravinsky's "Rite of >Spring", which serves as leitmotif for the story of the creation of the >world, replete with dinosaurs and volcanoes. After
Re: t'log, long but 100% JC
The arrangments are vivid and full-bodied if I'm in the dark, open to them. If I'm in a car, or writing a post, they are irritating because they demand attention. They squak, like the thunderstrike in "Paprika Plains". Those at home will want to read along silently, as I read aloud: -- Original message -- Joni wrote: "I dreamed paprika plains. *** K- CRASH * vast and bleak and G-aaahhh-d forsaken. Paprika plains *** K- CRASH * and a torquoise R-iv-er snaking." That's the part that's been on the verge of my memory since I began listening to TRAVELOGUE! If you go back and listen to PP, that part, that overblown, overly dynamic, bombastic pair of crashes is right out of Vince Mendoza's songbook. I'll bet that the folks who don't like TRAVELOGUE generally didn't like PP either. What say ye? Lama Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com
Re: t'log
Well shes been doing that in live performances since the start of her career - I think T'log is an experiment she couldn't resist - and I'm thrilled she didn't. peace, david
Re: t'log
Steve Polifka <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: <> I remember that too, how Joni seemed so focused on Klein, looking to him for support, always turning to him to ask him what he thought of something she said/wanted to do in terms of the tapes. They seem to have a pretty tight rapport/relationship considering they are divorced. I thought that was interesting too, and rare, imho, in my experience certainly. :-/ Mags. You open my heart, you do. Yes you do. - JM Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now
re: t'log, shorter and bade
sorry folks but i have to say a big me too. I think joni takes a huge risk with T'log - evidence all the debate. I also don't compare with the earlier versions - T'log stands as its own work with a great song cycle. As to Shorter I think the problem is that he is mixed at the same volume as joni, this was a creative choice i don't understand but i think joni may have been trying to move the music away from strictly "classical". Meanwhile i love Blade's work - really fine. He and the other percussionist hit a home run on Hejira. peace, david
Re: t'log
>Jimmy wrote: <<>> since you conjured an opinion from me Jimmy...here goes... Yes Joni had the tapes with her and that's what she sang along to when she did the samplings from Travelogue. what I remember most of all is how excited she was about this project...as Ive said many times since last October, she was bursting with exuberance . and then there's the piano...imagine how it felt to have Joni *ask* us if we wanted her to play. Hearing/seeing Joni at the piano again was the absolute highlight for me. no question. Oh yea, Rebecca Jenkins too. Blue and Two Grey Rooms. Mags. You open my heart, you do. Yes you do. - JM Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now
Re: t'log
She said something like that. i knew she was really familear with them as she looked at Klien alot for help/support. At 10:27 AM 12/11/02 EST, you wrote: >In a message dated 12/11/02 8:27:20 AM Eastern Standard Time, >[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > >> Everything I've seen in print, including the Nonesuch website (which has >> done a >> remarkable job of showcasing the album) give Vince Mendoza sole credit for >> arrangement. From what we all know of Joni, if she had been involved, I >> think >> we would have known >> >> > >I think you're right Jerry. If memory serves me correctly, when Joni sang >bits from T-log a year ago October in Toronto, she had tapes of Medoza's >music playing as she sang along. I think she said something about receiving >the tapes recently (in case she missed a queue). Mags, Janine, Ashara, Rick, >Polifka, Stephen, etc Do you remember her saying this or was I >hallucinating after stealing the blotter acid from Kilauren's purse in front >of me :~) > >Jimmy > > Steve
Re: t'log
In a message dated 12/11/02 8:27:20 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > Everything I've seen in print, including the Nonesuch website (which has > done a > remarkable job of showcasing the album) give Vince Mendoza sole credit for > arrangement. From what we all know of Joni, if she had been involved, I > think > we would have known > > I think you're right Jerry. If memory serves me correctly, when Joni sang bits from T-log a year ago October in Toronto, she had tapes of Medoza's music playing as she sang along. I think she said something about receiving the tapes recently (in case she missed a queue). Mags, Janine, Ashara, Rick, Polifka, Stephen, etc Do you remember her saying this or was I hallucinating after stealing the blotter acid from Kilauren's purse in front of me :~) Jimmy
Re: t'log
Kate Bennett wrote: > jerry wrote > >>If she wanted to redo old songs it would have been adventurous for her to > have: > 1. Done the arrangements herself. > 2. Played them herself on the piano or a guitar.<<< > > i'm not sure that we can say whether or not that she had a large, small, or > no part in doing these arrangements- do we have any info on this? Everything I've seen in print, including the Nonesuch website (which has done a remarkable job of showcasing the album) give Vince Mendoza sole credit for arrangement. From what we all know of Joni, if she had been involved, I think we would have known Jerry
Re: t'log - Fantasia (njc)
Kate wrote: > YES! that is what it reminds me of so much! (was the fantasia music by > stravinksy?) such sweet memories of that film...by today's standards it > probably seems lightweight but back then...wow! I just looked it up - the music is very wow and uses some of Joni's favorites! No wonder ;-) From allmovie.com: "Fantasia, Walt Disney's animated masterpiece of the 1940s, grew from a short-subject cartoon picturization of the Paul Dukas musical piece The Sorcerer's Apprentice. Mickey Mouse was starred in this eight-minute effort, while the orchestra was under the direction of Leopold Stokowski. Disney and Stokowski eventually decided that the notion of marrying classical music with animation was too good to confine to a mere short subject; thus the notion was expanded into a two-hour feature, incorporating seven musical selections and a bridging narration by music critic Deems Taylor. The first piece, Bach's "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor", was used to underscore a series of abstract images. The next selection, Tschiakovsky's "Nutcracker Suite", is "performed" by dancing wood-sprites, mushrooms, flowers, goldfish, thistles, milkweeds and "frost fairies". The Mickey Mouse version of "Sorcerer's Apprentice" is next, followed by Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring", which serves as leitmotif for the story of the creation of the world, replete with dinosaurs and volcanoes. After a brief jam session involving the live-action musicians, we are treated to Beethoven's "Pastorale Symphony", enacted against a Greek-mythology tapestry by centaurs, unicorns, cupids and a besotted Bacchus. Ponchielli's "Dance of the Hours" is performed by a Corps de Ballet consisting of hippos, ostriches and alligators. The program comes to a conclusion with a fearsome visualization of Mussorgsky's "Night on Bald Mountain", dominated by the black god Tchernobog (referred to in the pencil tests as "Yensid", which is guess-what spelled backwards); this study of the "sacred and profane" segues into a reverent rendition of Schubert's "Ave Maria". Originally, Debussy's "Clair de Lune" was part of the film, but was cut from the final release print; also cut, due to budgetary considerations, was Disney's intention of issuing an annual "update" of Fantasia, with new musical highlights and animated sequences. A box-office disappointment upon its first release (due partly to Disney's notion of releasing the film in an early stereophonic-sound process which few theatres could accommodate), Fantasia eventually recouped its cost in its many reissues."
RE: t'log
YES! that is what it reminds me of so much! (was the fantasia music by stravinksy?) such sweet memories of that film...by today's standards it probably seems lightweight but back then...wow! kakki >>That is part of the catch/hook for me, too. I hear bits in T'log that remind me stylistically of the music in my favorite movie Fantasia - <<
Re: t'log
Kate wrote: > randy >>I think Vince's sweeping, dramatic arrangements remind her of > the Hollywood movies she saw when she was a kid.<< > > i think that is true, i think that is why i like t'log so much! That is part of the catch/hook for me, too. I hear bits in T'log that remind me stylistically of the music in my favorite movie Fantasia - there is something that takes me back to first childhood (1950s) memories of Disney and the sounds of big, lush dramatic orchestras in movie scores and music of that time. And I suppose to some of a certain, ahem, generation, that does feel comforting. May be hard to believe coming from me (who mostly approves of all Joni's work in the here and now) but I also had many years of being abjectly disappointed in a number of her albums when they first came out. Hissing, Mingus, DJRD, Wild Things Run Fast, all just made my stomach drop out in disappointment on first and 50th listens. At this point, I have finally grown into to all of those albums and now, with the exception of WTRF, consider them masterpieces. But it took years to get there. I still even have problems with Hejira. I know intellectually that it is brilliant on every level, but it is still hard for me to listen to much. Nothing to do with Joni's artistry - rather, there is some kind of sadness in that album for me that I find hard to bear listening to very frequently. It's just a peculiar way it hits me personally. I feel pretty unequivocally good on first listens of T-log - but who knows how I may have felt about it at 20, 30, 40, 45? I may have run screaming from the room. I hear some imperfection but it doesn't bother me. Maybe I relate and embrace imperfection more now! ;-) The negative reviews of it are helpful because they get one to think through their own appraisals of it. I like it too much to think that it is a case of "the Emperor (Empress) has no clothes." The only analogy I could come up with is like those stories you hear of people who were in love at 18 but who lost track of each other, and then somehow they find each other again when they are 80 or 90 years old and all say that the other *looks* to them exactly like they did when they last saw each other. I don't know if this is a good analogy - but in T-log, I truly hear Joni's essence and the absolute beauty of the music through any cloud of vocal changes, orchestras, Wayne Shorter, whatever. Not only that but it is enhanced for me. It is like my internal perception has truly trumped or transcended the external perception. Then I thought about seeing Dylan's fans at concerts and how they still go wild about him even though his voice (to my ears) has long been off-key and atrocious. But they are really not hearing that (and they are not just being blind sychophants) - they may really be experiencing it on another perceptual level. Kakki
RE: t'log
jerry wrote >>If she wanted to redo old songs it would have been adventurous for her to have: 1. Done the arrangements herself. 2. Played them herself on the piano or a guitar.<<< i'm not sure that we can say whether or not that she had a large, small, or no part in doing these arrangements- do we have any info on this? joni has always described her music in orchestral terms so just because she didn't play the instruments she hears does not mean (to me) that she is not being adventurous...what i find adventurous is the new emotional expression of so many of her songs...& the fact that she is making a new statement in the context that she presents her songs this time around... i can understand the desire to have her present her music the way she did when she was starting out & playing her own instrument & i would love to hear that too but i don't expect that anymore...i think joni keeps trying out different ways of expressing her songs (whether we like it or not)- & that is adventurous to me... as a songwriter i can really understand the desire to want to try something different with each new recording...or to evolve something you've experimented with to a different degree...that is the essence of creativity i find by not comparing her arrangements, her voice, her anything to what she has done in the past frees me up to really enjoy these songs the way she has offered them to us in travlogue because to me, she is first & foremost a songwriter... just all my opinion you know
Re: t'log
Quoting Kate Bennett <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: > >>But why do you think Joni is so sold on Vince and Wayne? Is she > mistaken? > Fred<< > > >>My opinion is that she is in the Comfort Zone, a place she never used > to > seek. Jerry<< > > so interesting, i don't see what she did with travelogue as the > comfort > zone...i see her new arrangements of old songs quite adventurous! If she wanted to redo old songs it would have been adventurous for her to have: 1. Done the arrangements herself. 2. Played them herself on the piano or a guitar. Jerry
t'log
>>But why do you think Joni is so sold on Vince and Wayne? Is she mistaken? Fred<< >>My opinion is that she is in the Comfort Zone, a place she never used to seek. Jerry<< so interesting, i don't see what she did with travelogue as the comfort zone...i see her new arrangements of old songs quite adventurous! i have a theory...most criticisms i hear of travelogue compare the songs to her other versions...i think i like t'log so much because i don't really compare the songs & i always love hearing new versions of songs...i can understand that some just don't like the orchestral arrangements overall...but i just love the huge cinematic context of ths songs this way...i've listened to the songs driving in the day...for me, the best way to listen is still at night by candlelight or (now) christmas lights...this is because the music really takes me on a visual journey... Kate Bennett: www.katebennett.com Sponsored by Polysonics/Atlantis Sound Labs Over the Moon- "bringing the melancholy world of twilight to life almost like magic" All Music Guide
t'log
randy >>I think Vince's sweeping, dramatic arrangements remind her of the Hollywood movies she saw when she was a kid.<< i think that is true, i think that is why i like t'log so much! Kate Bennett: www.katebennett.com Sponsored by Polysonics/Atlantis Sound Labs Over the Moon- "bringing the melancholy world of twilight to life almost like magic" All Music Guide
Slouching Towards Bethlehem and Love on T'log!
I think these are my two favorites from the new album. Both are very epic, yet in different ways. "If I had the gift of prophecy, all knowledge, and the faith to move the mountains; Even if I understood all of the mysteries, without love, i'd be nothing..." This song is just gorgeous. The intro reminds me of Ben-Hur for some reason. Pure transcendence. "Slouching Towards Bethlehem to be born..." Can we say powerful! I felt like I was in some film from Hollywood's Golden Age. Almost reminds me of Moses and the Red Sea. In fact I love all three of the WTRF tracks on here. Makes me want to get the album now...lol Damien
RE: T'log Billboard review
thanks magsnbrei & lama...well i do recall suggesting to listen to it in the dark (i guess thats sort of active passive?) i like the suggestion of candlelight someone made (i used that!) & oh yes, i praised it highly...i told the arts editor he HAD to let ME do the review because Joni deserved a good one (at that time most reviews had been not so great...i think they are getting better as a rule which leads me to think that those who liked the release took more time with it...)... fortunately the editor is a fan of Joni's so he let me have the t'log review...but these reviews only get to be 90 words! painful to have to leave so much out...the good news is that everyone in town reads the paper, especially for the arts stuff... Kate Bennett: www.katebennett.com Sponsored by Polysonics/Atlantis Sound Labs Over the Moon- "bringing the melancholy world of twilight to life almost like magic" All Music Guide
TAMING THE T'LOG
What I love about T'LOG, after some time with it, is its richness. I keep discovering new thrills. The orchestration of LUDWIG, which unsettled me at first, is superb. In JOB, Joni's "Oh, where is hope?" sends shivers down my spine. When that trumpet kicks in after "The waves at Malibu" -- h! GOD MUST BE, one of my faves, is here so sprightly and invigorating. And someone comforting. Joni's reading of "Of the roads" in REFUGE gives the song a new tenderness. And her "Dream of a baby" in DAWNTREADER is pure longing distilled to its essence -- very moving. Oh Joni: I love you so much!
t'log finally arrived....
well, well, well... i haven't listened to a damned thing yet but adore this piece of work already. it is so beautifully produced. not since the golden days of LPs with gate-fold sleeves, have i dwelt on how lovingly the whole thing is put together. i think ms mitchell truly gives a damn about her audience to give so much (was there ever any doubt). how easy it would have been, and acceptable to us all indeed were she to have delivered the usual CD, a few pictures in a little plastic case. but this i dont intend to listen to the music in full until i get some peace and quiet to do so. instead, i placed CD1 into my computer - not noticing that the speakers (good ones) were switched on - to look at the picture gallery i knew to be there. a wonderful 'walk-through' accompanied by 'refuge of the road'. oh god, what a lovely thing. i dearly love this. i am so impressed. les (london)
Re: T'log Billboard review
Yeah, that "active listening" aspect was something that you zero'ed in on, first. Like on Day One. I'm glad you submitted your review of TRAVELOGUE. Good for you. You didn't trash it did you? :) Lama np: Fred Simon's "Dreamhouse", available on "The naim Label" from the UK. Just right for enjoying a freak-day off from work! --- Kate wrote, in part: btw, i've > just submitted my review of t'log to our local paper > so i will post it here > when they print it (so its official)...yay! > Kate Bennett: www.katebennett.com Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com
T'log Billboard review
excellent review & i love how they say it takes active listening...something i'm not sure some of the other reviewers took the time to do...btw, i've just submitted my review of t'log to our local paper so i will post it here when they print it (so its official)...yay! Kate Bennett: www.katebennett.com Sponsored by Polysonics/Atlantis Sound Labs Over the Moon- "bringing the melancholy world of twilight to life almost like magic" All Music Guide
T'log Billboard review
Billboard Nov 30,2002 "Noteworthy" section The basic concept for this two-disc set is compelling. 1995 Billboard Century Award Honoree Joni Mitchell revisits 22 songs from her rich catalog, rerecording them with a 70-piece orchestra, a 13 person choir, and a backing band that includes keyboardist Herbie Hancock and saxophonist Wayne Shorter. In this light, songs like "For The Roses" (from the 1972 album of the same name) and "Sex Kills" (from the 10-year old Turbulent Indigo) become even more epic and dramatic. At the same time, a somberness prevails throughout much of Travelouge. And while this isn't a bad thing, it requires active-not passive-listening. Of course, hardcore Mitchell fans wouldn't have it any other way. Other noteworthy gems include "Hejira," "God Must Be A Boogie Man," and "Otis and Marlena."
Re: TTT, BSN, T'LOG
In a message dated 11/28/2002 7:37:08 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > Oh ... one more thing. When the song list was first given on the website, > COYOTE was on it. Wha happened? Damn! Its my all-time favourite song -- > and I can just imagine it orchestrated. > > What? Your copy doesn't have Coyote? It kicks off disc three on mine! ;~) Welcome back! Bob
TTT, BSN, T'LOG
Well. Michael in Toronto here. Haven't been here for a long time. The JMDL site is amazing now. Congrats to all. Some random thoughts. TTT disappointed me, save for LOVE PUTS ON and STAY IN TOUCH. Some of her best work, with a new lilting quality. Love, as songs, CRAZY CRIES and FACE LIFT -- but not her perfromance Im afraid. The live versions she did on MuchMusic in 94 were much better: playful and swinging, rather than ponderous. Hate to say it, Joni, but that damn guitar kinda makes every song sound the same. May God help me for saying that. BSN? Magnifique, save for YOURE MY THRILL. I for one love Jonis new voice -- as she says, she's much more of a storyteller now. Love old Joni, love new Joni. Love Joni period. Which brings me to T'LOG. I honestly believe the voice is more powerful than ever. Sounds stronger than on TTT, when it seemed to be at its weakest. And I find the orchestrations astonishingly beautiful. I immediately loved OTIS, AMELIA, FLAT TIRES, TROUBLE, GOD, BE COOL, REFUGE, HEJIRA, CHINESE, CHEROKEE, DAWNTREADER, RICHARD, CIRCLE. (Her UNCHAINED MELODY here is un-fucking-believable.} FLAT, BE COOL and REFUGE are better than the orginals. At first, I thought the trio of SLOUCHING, LUDWIG and JOB was a disaster -- but these 3 are really growing on me. Just listen to her sing "Oh, where is hope?" on JOB. Shiver time! Magnifique. Hated FTR at first; love it now. You have to "give in" to it, as you do with LOVE, which is growing on me by leaps and bounds. TRAIN and SEX KILLS are just OK. BORDERLINE has never been one of my faves. Hey, WOODSTOCK has never been one of my faves either -- yet I find this version incredibly moving. Did I miss any? Dont think so. Oh ... one more thing. When the song list was first given on the website, COYOTE was on it. Wha happened? Damn! Its my all-time favourite song -- and I can just imagine it orchestrated. Actually, one more one more thing. When I heard Joni was doing this, I made a list of songs I wanted her to do. Many of them made it; these did not: EDITH, SCARLETT, COTTON AVENUE, LUCKY GIRL, TWO GREY ROOMS, LOVE PUTS ON A NEW FACE, FACE LIFE. Michael
t'log on t'day
happy thanksgiving to all who celebrate! fred wrote: >>Being a painter at heart, she sees music as just another set of colors, which, of course, it is. I'm absolutely sure that Mendoza took no license he wasn't issued.<< right on fred! this is what has always made joni stand out...her painterly approach to music & lyrics...i imagine joni had a great deal to do with telling mendoza what she wanted to hear... i can clearly hear her taking lots of good breaths throughout this recording...(but haven't listened in headphones to see if i also hear wheezing as someone noted)... Kate Bennett: www.katebennett.com Sponsored by Polysonics/Atlantis Sound Labs Over the Moon- "bringing the melancholy world of twilight to life almost like magic" All Music Guide
T'log: A non-JMDLer's opinion
Began listening to T'log on Saturday evening with Mary, who has been a Joni fan since high school (graduating in 1975). We weren't even halfway through Disk 1 when Mary proclaimed, "I LOVE her voice now." And later: "I think this may be the best thing Joni has ever done." So ... there!! Lori ~ http://lrfye.lunarpages.com ~
LA Times Review of T'log [short and sweet]
Here is Robert Hilburn's brief take on T'log from the Los Angeles Times: Joni Mitchell "Travelogue" * * * [three out of four starts] Nonesuch The superb singer-songwriter shows us another side of her music in this two-disc set by revisiting some of her older tunes (including "For the Roses" and "Amelia") and more recent ones with the help of a 70-member orchestra and 20-voice choir. The added weight of the arrangements makes some of the tracks feel strained, but the overall effect is liberating and revealing. -- Robert Hilburn http://www.calendarlive.com/music/pop/cl-ca-rack24nov24,0,2159069.story?coll =cl%2Dpop
Re: my take on T'log
Vince writes: << Slouching and Judgment (why the extra "e" on the track listings?) >> Whate extrae "e"e? --Bob
my take on T'log
This review will verify why some people hate critics! T'log was better than I thought it would be based on the sound clips. What I really felt over all was that this was like a very special evening with Rosemary Clooney or Peggy Lee or Frank Sinatra or Tony Bennett... not is not a negative comment, it just had that feel to me. As a fan, I would love it and be on my feet applauding were I in the audience. If I wasn't already a fan, no big deal. The loss of voice really got to me. I don't think it is just aging. Cough. Cough. "Love" did nothing for me the first time around and failed to do it for me on this. And Joni's voice doesn't rise above the orchestration. I finally heard Joni sing a version of Woodstock that I don't care for. And I hated the chorus in Sire of Sorrows and God must be a boogie man. Edit out those chorus singers and I would have loved these versions. All the passion and anger that drove For the Roses, and made it such a great recording,, is missing. The sense of an intimate conversation that was not ever vocalized but more of a continual vapor thought process crystallized in a moment for our hearing which is Amelia is missing. For the rest, I was reminded of why I am a Joni fan, why she is an all-time person with me. Slouching and Judgment (why the extra "e" on the track listings?) were made for this treatment. I'd like to remix them even more with a classical bent. Borderline, Dawntreader, and Last Time I Saw Richard were excellent. Refuge of the Road and Hejira lost their sense of freedom and movement, but these were certainly interesting interpretations. I suspect I won't play this much - I don't have those cultured evenings at home where I listen to classy music, and in the car, I like something that I can sing along to and the phrasing of these interpretations are so particularly Joni that I don't think I'll ever sing along with them. On the other hand, I listened to these while driving on open road in open country and the album lends itself towards that listening location - space does affect our perception of what we hear, and perhaps it was where I was physically that allowed much of T'log to fill up all the space around me with beauty. I'm glad that I did not hear this the first time in an enclosed room. It was just so perfectly set for listening to in the wide open spaces. I sure would like new Joni lyrics for Circle Game. I wrote my own new lyrics years ago. The span of life of the song sounded so vast when I was 20 (and I wasn't as jaded as the boy in the song at 20) but with some new lyrics reflecting a (our) longer life span, it would be a life time anthem. It almost cramps the album to end with a song that thinks turning 20 is a final stage in the circle of life. I was thinking as I was listening about Joni and Eminem. Yes, of course I was. One artist got her ground of being of being in Detroit, one totally developed in Detroit, and both identify heavily with African American music. And for all the rap (clever pun) on Em being white in a black genre, at least he has never appeared on an album cover as black persons of various genders. Joni has always thought of much of her music as African American (I think I have read this in her interviews through the years). So I would like to hear Joni do her next set of remixes and interpretations - not with a rapper, that is just not her - but with a great blues band. I think that would pick up the rhythms and really put her music in some contexts where it would be so natural. Joni with her cigarette singing the blues with a great band at 2 am - now that I would love to see and ever more hear. Joni, come back to Detroit, or Chicago, or Memphis, someplace where the blues are thick and heavy and infuse yourself with some blues rhythms and give us that album... I think your whole oeuvre cries out for you to do that interpretation next. Just my random and meaningless thoughts. Vince
Re: Old hippies, T'log and latest...
Christina Did you brush your teeth? And write in your notebook?? Hee hee Paz on 11/21/02 10:53 PM, Christoffer Gudi Sommer-Gleerup at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > and I'll probably fall through once in a > while. But that's the great thing about coming from another country - people > (except for Paz!) don't expect anything from me, and I can do lots of things > and get away with it! > > Goodnight for now... > Christina
T'log style painting with words and music
I have listened to T'log about 10 times thus far and as with all of Joni's work repeated listening reveals layers. One thing that has jumped out at me is how Joni is painting on a huge canvas with lots of colors. To me it is the prime example of Joni's painting with words and music concept. Sometimes its a short phrase. Examples: O&M "Slippers are shuffling into folding chairs" the strings sound like shuffling slippers. SOS "You're stumbling in shadows" there is a quick, jagged piano chord stumbling. Other times it is the entire arrangement. Woodstock is transformed into a dirge. TLTISR becomes tongue in cheek. Cherokee aches with longing for the lost friend. I think this is the music Joni has always heard in her head and it must have been a powerful and liberating experience for her. This is a major work. peace, david
T'log, first disc, first listen
Kate, I agree that many of the reviewers don't seem to have heard what I'm in the process of hearing. After reading so much about the deterioration of her voice, I was expecting (dreading) some kind of embarrassing rasp. That is not the case at all. I don't know what they're talking about. In fact, I feel her vocals are very effective indeed. And very musical (one critic remarked that she was 'narrating' the songs rather than singing them). Like any good artist, she knows how to make the absolute most of whatever limitations she may be faced with; allowing imagination, intelligence, talent, feeling and artistry to more than make up for any deficiency in technique. No, she doesn't have the range she once had (and frankly some of her early soprano moments get on my nerves), and the long, languorous vocal lines are now clipped, but she sure as hell can sell a song. I'm also pleasantly surprised by the arrangements, orchestrations and production. It seems the orchestra is used for punctuation, rather than the background wash of BSN, which I did not care for. It puts the rhythm and percussion back, which seems so much a part of Joni's musical style. Also, the vocals are more in front. I can hear every word -- which is so much the point. In fact, that's why Sire of Sorrow is such a revelation to me here. For some reason, the lyrics are hard for me to hear on TI. But now, in this new version, every word is clear, and I find it very moving. The emotional content overall is very powerful. Clearly, these songs culled from so many years of songwriting have a lot more going for them than 'picture postcard charms.' They are much more than pop cultural snapshots from the 60s, 70s, etc. I can't wait to hear the rest. But I'm going to listen to disc 1 through 2 or 3 times first. Bruce
t'log reviews
you know i really think so many of these reviewers i have read lately are just not getting it... i am not one of those 'joni can do no wrong' fans, nor do i listen to a lot of classical music or jazz for that matter...my musical tastes these days tend towards simple arrangements of great songs from singer songwriters...so i wouldn't expect me to like this record as much as i do... i have not yet listened to the whole thing & so far have only listened once but it took no warming up to for me...i really love it! it seems to me these are the same reviewers who, as usual, are looking backwards for joni to do what she used to do instead of being open to the fact that she might just be, once again, breaking new groundthey want joni to be singing, arranging, playing, etc songs the way she used to...when she left folk for jazz many resisted & now that she has left that kind of jazz for more more orchestral arrangements, they still resist... some things have not changed since when dylan picked up the electric guitarits so strange to hear people complaining about her voice as if they still want her to be 25 years old...i love the texture & sound of her voice- it is that of a mature woman & has so much warmth & wise beauty to it...i don't even hear limitations...so what if she doesn't have several octaves to work with...since when did that have anything to do with conveying real emotion (reference whitney & all for that) joni has always considered herself to be a composer...reading her reviews throughout the years, she has often described her work in compositional & painterly termsit is so natural she would do this... i really think, once again, she is creating a whole new medium with this release- her voice, the compostion, the paintings... btw, i never did purchase both sides now because i'm not all that interested in hearing her do other people's works...i'm in it for her songwriting & composition i can't believe some of the adjectives that some are using to describe the music & her voice on this record...did they listen to the same one i did? some of these reviewers seem to have had their musical tastes severely hampered by listening to too much below average dreck Kate Bennett: www.katebennett.com Sponsored by Polysonics/Atlantis Sound Labs Over the Moon- "bringing the melancholy world of twilight to life almost like magic" All Music Guide
t'log takes my breath away ...AGAIN
sorry about the previous misfire guys, i guess i was so out of breath that i just lost it ! this would be a good opportunity to say i'm so caught up in T'log i don't know whether i'm coming of going. GASP...a few thoughts as i come up for air: the packaging...do i even need to say how gorgeous the whole thing is. the sound...it fills me , flows through me, and then fills me again ! some standouts...' refuge of the roads ' a stunner to begin with and she has taken it up several notches. the harps in this rendition are superb...i love the change of lyric from ' he drank and womanized ' to ' a drunk with sage's eyes.' ( that joni...always playing around with her lyrics ! ) ' amelia ' the original made me tear up when i heard it...this update touches me so deeply i cry just thinking about it ! ' the sire of sorrow ( job's sad song )' was very cathartic for me when it was first released, having lost my lover to AIDS just a short time before...this new version is even more so. i love the male chorus she has added as the antagonists, it is so the right touch ! and ' the dawntreader ' not one of my choices for all time favorite...has just gotten a rank of " i can't believe this wasn't an all time favorite before, what was i thinking ?" well...gotta go i'm experiencing withdrawl. more later . jonily yours, warren keith p.s. ' otis and marlena ' is the BOMB !!!
t'log takes my breath away...
NJC Re: Old hippies, T'log and latest...
In a message dated 11/22/2002 1:53:21 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > I've also talked to an Swedish singer/songwriter, Theresa > Anderson, > who will pass some songs on to me. And I'm sure you'll do WONDERFUL things with them, Christina! As a covers trivia note, Theresa has also done a cover of "Carey". Thanks for the update - keep 'em coming, and keep Paz out of trouble, if that is even possible! ;~) Bob NP: Burning Spear, "Man In The Hills"
Old hippies, T'log and latest...
Paz wrote: she is getting old herself and right before my eyes. Which might be the reason that I said to Susan that I called y'all old hippies and not old peoples, even though, this was addressed to Maggie. It seems to me like they both would want to slap me for saying either one, so I should probably just ignore the whole thing... Anyway, my 0.2 (or less) on T'log...the album has grown very rapidly on me and I'm discovering the songs 'de nouveau'. I've gone from being somewhat annoyed by the falling quality of her voice to hearing the beauty of it. The songs from TI that I for that same reason wasn't so crazy about before, have become among my very favorites. Others are Judgement..., For The Roses, Just Like This Train, Hejira, Cherokee Louise, and The Dawntreader. These songs as well as the rest of the album are haunting. Nothing by other artists I put on after these CD's can pass the Joni-standard-test, so I usually just press repeat... Also after getting this album, I've decided, though, to give BSN another chance (this album was put back on the shelf shortly after purchase, because I thought the songs were overdone). Hopefully, this one will grow on me too. Ok, so let me also just tell you guys shortly about the latest things happening in my commencing song search for my cd. Within the last few weeks, I've talked to several songwriters, who'll work with me. Beth Patterson has given me some songs in somewhat the same style as the Norwegian song that I sang at Jonifest this year. I've also talked to an Swedish singer/songwriter, Theresa Anderson, who will pass some songs on to me. For those of you who don't know her, she used to be married to and play with Anders Osborne for nine years and she's written some beautiful songs. A third songwriter, I'll be working with, is Will Robinson, who's written for Reba McEntire! I feel deeply flattered that he'll work with me (am actually in a state of disbelief about it)! I generally want to try on lots of different styles, and I'll probably fall through once in a while. But that's the great thing about coming from another country - people (except for Paz!) don't expect anything from me, and I can do lots of things and get away with it! Goodnight for now... Christina
T'log
Hello - I am thrilled with every aspect of Travelogue. This is a first class package, from cover to cover. But, to me what really makes this project so artistically successful is Joni's voice. I love the occasional dry crack in her voice on certain lyrics. This recording is powerful and an emotional listen for me. Thank you Joni! Your artistry continues to amaze and inspire me. Kurt
T'log
Like so many of you I rushed out Tuesday and bought T'log with great aniticipation. I paid full price (something I don't often do)! I listened, and reacted to Amelia by crying (something else I don't often do)! The emotional depth of this performance is immense. When I listen, particularly to Amelia or Dawntreader, my defenses and mind-babble are stripped away. Pretty remarkable. Overall, I'm quite impressed with this recording. Probably one of her finest, though I'm sure it will take months or years for the impact to be fully appreciated. Definitely a couple of notches above BSN, which I quite enjoy. But I'm having trouble with a song or two, mostly Ludwig's Tune. It's the vocal performance that bothers me, it's more like a hoarse recitation. Perhaps JM was simply not up to the task that day -- or is it supposed to be a non-sung song? Perhaps someone can offer clues. By the way, I am hearing-impaired and one of my stereo speakers is ka-put! So I am definitely a challenged listener. It's gorgeous nonetheless. Bryan Bryan
T'log
So, I finally got to hear T'log... very mixed reactions on the first listen. Sometimes I felt it was a Big Band/Jazz rehash of her songs, but as the arrangement's progressed, the feel was more comfortable. Tears ran during Amelia. Just Like This Train was like visiting an old friend. The Hejira pieces were very nice. I was surprised at Flat Tires- I actually liked it! The song that hung with me after the first run was the Dawntreader- haunting, darkly beautiful and evocative... It's going to take many more listenings to fully appreciate this chapter in the life of one Ms. Joni Mitchell... Steve Steve
Re: T'log
--- blonde in the bleachers <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > WOW! Awesome and beautiful, not to sound like a > broken record but I am > floored, exceeds all of my expectations, and have > chills running up and > down my spine. I live in Boston and wrote Matthew > Gilbert a little note, > did he really listen to this? I don't think > so.because Sire of Sorrow > has, imho, never sounded better. I think you have to listen to them at least three or four times each before they start to grow on you. Therein lies the problem with music reviews and reviewers, I guess. They're probably listening, in a hurry, to get a review done - in a hurry. Not conducive to enjoying the music - more like a fast food fix on the run than a nice leisurely sit-down dinner with wine and the whole bit. If I had posted my initial reactions after listening to the pieces on the nonesuch site and those posted by or pointed to by Moni, (because initially I did sit down and type out my comments as I listened, but decided against posting this to the list for a number of reasons), it wouldn't have been all favourable. But I downloaded them and burned them onto a CD and listened to it over and over again and they did indeed grow on me. Now if only the Canadian distributors would get their act together and release the friggin thing at the same time as they did in the U.S., I wouldn't feel like the kid that wasn't invited to the birthday party. I may have to shuffle off to Buffalo if I get impatient enough (like, I guess I could order it online and have it shipped to me super-fast and it wouldn't cost me any more, but never mind about that.) = Catherine Toronto __ Post your free ad now! http://personals.yahoo.ca
Re: T'log ... NJC
I sit here impatient ... and my Mnds-Eye Cam follows my path down Washington Blvd, to State Street, (which by the way IS that great street) - turn to the left Susan, to Randolph Street, to the Borders, walking throught the doors - first floor - looking for the cashiers station - where? ... over there ... under the desk - my name upon it ... soon to be united ... My Travelogue waits for me - and I hurry to run - run - run, and crash into it's arms - allowing it to seduce me! Take me! Take me! Take me away! And afterwards one long drag off of an American Spirit ... and we begin all over again and again and again Do you think we take this all a little too serious? Good I don't either! LOL! Peace, Susan P.S> One hour away from the sprint to Borders! Yahoo! Web Hosting - Let the expert host your site http://webhosting.yahoo.com
T'log
I just spent my lunch hour, sitting in my car, and listening to some of Tblog b damn, why are lunch hours only an hour! Ibve been on a steady diet of the 14 downloads from the Nonesuch website ever since Jonibs birthday (thanks again, Moni!). At first I felt a little guilty listening to these songs, I should have been patient and waited for the official release, but after listening to Tblog this afternoon, I no longer feel bad. Listening to these previews gave me chance to warm up to some of these arrangements, and since they were only in mono, listening to the official CD is almost like listening to them for the first time anyway. Ibve got nothing but superlatives for this release. The packaging is spectacular, and I havenbt even checked out the CD-Rom Gallery yet. The artwork is beautiful b I actually poured through the entire catalog before playing any of the music. It is worthy of a stand alone viewing b besides, once you start playing the music, you will want to focus all of your attention on that. Oh yeahb& and regarding that music! It is at once, rapturously beautiful, emotionally staggering, and 100% Joni. I sat in my car with tears literally pouring down my face - sometimes out of the sheer beauty of the work, other times overwhelmed by the pure emotions of the songs. The sound quality is everything everyone has raved about b this is truly a sonic wonder. I encourage those who were not blown away by this recording to give it some additional time. I had some doubts when I first started listening to the downloads, but after listening to them pretty much non-stop, and now hearing the actual recordings, I am totally sold on this project. As Kakki so aptly put it, this is a gift, and one I will be cherishing for a long, long time! Jack PS. - Ibm almost sorry Ibm going to see Brian Ferry tonight, because I canbt wait to rush home and listen to this on my home system
T'log
WOW! Awesome and beautiful, not to sound like a broken record but I am floored, exceeds all of my expectations, and have chills running up and down my spine. I live in Boston and wrote Matthew Gilbert a little note, did he really listen to this? I don't think so.because Sire of Sorrow has, imho, never sounded better. MSN 8 with e-mail virus protection service: 2 months FREE*
T'log
It exceeds my wildest dreams -GORGEOUS. The music blows me away. When I opened the booklet it smelled of paint. The voices book does also. I wonder how they do that. Talk about a complete package. peace, david
T'log review
In yesterday's NY Daily News, Jim Farber, their pop/rock music critic, called Travelogue 'supernatural theater' in a very positive review. bruce
t'log for uk listers at cd-wow
go to http://www4.cd-wow.com/ http://www4.cd-wow.com/detail_results.php?product_code=4067 for t'log at 12.99 i've ordered from these guys before and it takes 3 days to arrive from hong kong. might be worth if for the cost saving as this price includes delivery. check it out. les (london)
T'log reviewed in EW
Hi This may be old news by now, but the current issue of Entertainment Weekly (Harry Potter hype on the cover) gives Travelogue an A-. Kurt
Re: T'log promotion
T'log! Thanks Bryan, for inventing such a great abbreviation for Travelogue! Lori ~
