Rolling Stone is reporting that Joni Mitchell has a new album coming, which, frankly, is really exciting news.
For those who don't know her legendarily diversified and prolific body of work, here's a list of things to listen to while waiting for the new album.
1. Song to a Seagull - Her 1968 debut album is spare and beautiful, often just her guitar and her ethereal soprano voice rising over the implied hush of a Canadian winter. Highlights for me include Michael from Mountains, Night in the City and Cactus Tree.
2. Clouds and Ladies of the Canyon - These 1969 and 1970 releases, respectively, expand on the concept of Song to a Seagull and include some classic folk revival melodies, establishing Mitchell as a songwriting force to be reckoned with. She also demostrates her considerable painting abilities with the cover art. Highlights: "Morning Morgantown," "Conversation," "Willy," and "Chelsea Morning."
3. Blue - In 1971, Mitchell released this revolutionary, confessional album, written largely in Europe and incorporating the use of a new instrument to Mitchell's repertoire - the Appalachian dulcimer. All Music Guide says it best, "Unrivaled in its intensity and insight, Blue remains a watershed." It's one of my desert-island discs. It's probably in the top 3 of my desert island discs. Hear this album.
... To be continued.
Update: Remember the other day when I was talking about XTC's "You and the Clouds Will Still Be Beautiful"? Well, they have conveniently put that song up on their MySpace page, so go listen!
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