From: les@jmdl.com (JMDL Digest) To: joni-digest@smoe.org Subject: JMDL Digest V2004 #501 Reply-To: joni@smoe.org Sender: les@jmdl.com Errors-To: les@jmdl.com Precedence: bulk Unsubscribe: mailto:joni-digest-request@smoe.org?body=unsubscribe Archives: http://www.smoe.org/lists/joni Websites: http://www.jmdl.com http://www.jonimitchell.com JMDL Digest Wednesday, December 22 2004 Volume 2004 : Number 501 ========== TOPICS and authors in this Digest: -------- Re: JT's River and other Christmas songs ["Steven Polifka" ] Re: An idle thought (NJC) [colin ] Re: An idle thought (NJC) [Jerry Notaro ] (NJC) Happy Holidays [Lori Fye ] RE: An idle thought (NJC) ["Wally Kairuz" ] Joni song story on "Regis" show Tuesday, 21 Dec. ["J Harney" ] Re: bruce njc [Randy Remote ] My Picks 2004 vljc [Randy Remote ] Re: My Picks 2004 vljc [SCJoniGuy@aol.com] Re: bruce njc [SCJoniGuy@aol.com] RE: An idle thought (NJC) ["Bree Mcdonough" ] Mack Watson Bush ["Bree Mcdonough" ] njc ["Bree Mcdonough" ] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 21 Dec 2004 08:20:45 -0600 From: "Steven Polifka" Subject: Re: JT's River and other Christmas songs You forgot Facelift!! Hugs, Steve >>> "Anne Sandstrom" 12/20/2004 4:30:38 PM >>> I bought JT's Christmas CD a few weeks ago, and finally got around to downloading River. I really like it (River, that is). I think he's done some inventive things with it, staying true to the original, but making it his own too. And, while I'm talking about River, does anyone remember a version from about 5-6 years ago that was played on "new age/smooth jazz" type stations? (And, while we're at it, if Joni were to actually record a Christmas album (record execs would probably have to put a gun to her head or some such thing), what songs do you think she'd record? As for James' Christmas album - I'm kind of underwhelmed. My favorites are "Some Children See Him" (which I probably know best from George Winston's December) and Auld Lang Syne. Maybe I need to listen a few more times, but I'm just not that thrilled with it. (Even though I've contended lately that James could sing the ABCs and I'd swoon...) Oddly enough, I had a similar reaction to Shawn Colvin's Holiday Songs and Lullabies CD. Actually, I find her voice kind of grating on some of it. Not to get too personal, but I've often wondered if her being pregnant made it harder for her to breathe from the diaphram. It just sounds like she's singing closer to her throat, which makes her sound a bit shrill sometimes. So, back to Joni's imaginary Christmas CD: River (of course...) Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel (minor key enough for our Joan) I Wonder As I Wander Christmas Bells (which John Gorka does on the Windham Hill "A Winter's Solstice III") Another Auld Lang Syne (the Dan Fogelberg song w/ lyrics adapted by Joni) Old City Bar (from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra CD "Christmas Eve and Other Stories") Do They Know It's Christmas/Ethipa (done as a sort of medley) I Believe in Father Christmas (the ELO song) Awaiting the Snow (the Lui Collins song) Chinese Cafe / Christmastime is Here (instead of Unchained Melody, use the song from the Charlie Brown special) So, there you go. Do you suppose Joni ever sings along to the radio - or maybe she avoids Christmas music altogether (hard to do, but you never know...) lots of love Anne ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 21 Dec 2004 06:25:14 -0800 (PST) From: Loren Carter Subject: An idle thought (NJC) All, We were decorating the house some last night, and had a CD with holiday songs on it playing, and, I stopped in my tracks and thought, Karen Carpenter has to have one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard. I know it's been said many times before, but jeeesch could that woman sing. Hope that all your wishes come true, and you all enjoy a safe and joyous holiday season. humbly, Loren...... __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Dress up your holiday email, Hollywood style. Learn more. http://celebrity.mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 21 Dec 2004 17:00:39 +0000 From: colin Subject: Re: An idle thought (NJC) Loren Carter wrote: > Karen Carpenter has to have >one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard. > > I agree and I am sure I am not the only one. Other than Carly, whose voice vibrates my soul, I can't think of another voice I prefer to Karen's. - -- bw colin http://www.btinternet.com/~tantraapso/ ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 21 Dec 2004 13:30:45 -0500 From: Jerry Notaro Subject: Re: An idle thought (NJC) > Loren Carter wrote: > >> Karen Carpenter has to have >> one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard. >> >> > I agree and I am sure I am not the only one. Other than Carly, whose > voice vibrates my soul, I can't think of another voice I prefer to Karen's. I went to see Vanessa Williams' Christmas Show on Saturday. She sang Merry Christmas Darling and all I could think about was how wonderfully Karen Carpenter sang that song. Though Vanessa is incredible to look at. One of the few women who actually take your breath away with her beauty. Jerry ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 21 Dec 2004 13:31:00 -0500 From: Lori Fye Subject: (NJC) Happy Holidays Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, our best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasions and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. In addition, please also accept our best wishes for a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2005, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make this country great (not to imply that this country is necessarily greater than any other country or area of choice), and without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual orientation of the wishers. This wish is limited to the customary and usual good tidings for a period of one year, or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first. "Holiday" is not intended to, nor shall it be considered, limited to the usual Judeo-Christian celebrations or observances, or to such activities of any organized or ad hoc religious community, group, individual or belief (or lack thereof). Note: By accepting this greeting, you are accepting these terms. This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal, and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher at any time, for any reason or for no reason at all. This greeting is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. This greeting implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for the wisher her/himself or others, or responsibility for the consequences which may arise from the implementation or non-implementation of it. This greeting is void where prohibited by law. ; D Love, Lori & Mary ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 21 Dec 2004 17:10:31 -0300 From: "Wally Kairuz" Subject: RE: An idle thought (NJC) oh yes!!!! karen's double xmas cd has been on my player for the last two weeks. her rendition of white xmas is so beautiful. have you noticed how her voice is always tinged with melancholy, no matter how happy the tune? and her range was so wide. if you listen carefully to the background voices, you'll hear she's doing very high treble lines while she sings contralto in the lead. karen would have turned 54 come next march. i always think she would have been a great interpreter of the standards (she got to record two or three when her brother was not looking. and there's a great medley with ella from one of the carpenters' tv specials -- karen sounds so happy and comfortable singing the old tunes with ella!). it's such a shame that she had a family and a psychological structure that could only destroy her in the end. her brother is still making money on her. he's a necrophiliac pimp. i am happy to read that some people on the list appreciate karen's voice and singing style. she must have been something really special if we can still focus on her despite richard's cheesy arrangements and choices. wally ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 21 Dec 2004 20:28:31 +0000 From: "J Harney" Subject: Joni song story on "Regis" show Tuesday, 21 Dec. I'm jumping out of /lurkdom\ to relay the following story from a random TV experience this morning. Regis Philbin was joined by guest co-host Jill Hennessy, the comely Canadian from the TV show "Crossing Jordan," on his morning TV show, "Live with..." Sitting on stools in front of the studio audience, Regis asked Ms. Hennessy about her husband and the young son they have together, who it turns out is quite musical. Then Jill Hennessy mentioned that she used to sing in the subways of Toronto and New York when she was just starting out. "Begging?" Regis Philbin asked when Jill Hennessy said that she sang for money, which was a characterization that didn't sit too well with Jill Hennessy. Anyway, then Regis Philbin asked: "What was your best tip?" when she was singing like this. "Fifty bucks," Jill Hennessy said, still proud of the windfall, "and it was for a Joni Mitchell song." Unfortunately, neither of them mentioned which Joni Mitchell song, but I was happy that Joni got a mention and her song got a special reward nonetheless. One other bit: if anyone remembers the TNT "An All Star Salute to Joni Mitchell" from four years ago, Jill Hennessy was in the audience (I was at the taping too, but never saw her) and briefly appears on camera sort of in the shadows in the audience. ** * Happy Holidays to all! Jack ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 21 Dec 2004 21:12 +0000 (GMT Standard Time) From: steph@cix.co.uk (Anita Gabrielle Tedder) Subject: Thank you Joni Mitchell Dear Joni Mitchell Since 1968 when I first heard your music you have been alongside me with some insight about whatever I have endured. It's been a very hard time again. You know it's coming on Christmas, they're cutting down trees - but thank you once again for all you have given me and please forgive me for writing with thanks whenver I drink too much Love Anita xx ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 21 Dec 2004 16:36:21 -0500 From: Subject: bruce njc THE RIVER ======== It's funny that so many people have been talking about "The River". I've been playing it every day for a couple of weeks. When it was new I liked the roadhouse songs best but now I like 'em all. The roadhouse songs sound like "full band" songs. They sound like they might have grown out of sound checks. I like 'em for what they are: a great rock band having romping fun. I don't care about the words and sure don't think less of Springsteen as a writer because he turned in some fun songs. I don't think of any of them as filler, (no offense to anyone who feels differently, of course.) The "serious" songs are completely different. They sound like they were built up thoughtfully, one instrument at a time. They are quieter and the sound is richer, with much truer bass. Any one of these tracks could prove Fred's point that note-perfect production doesn't always mean over-production if it's done at the service of the song. The serious songs sound like they could have come from the "Darkness On the Edge Of Town" sessions. I like the mixture but I can see how some people would prefer one variety over the other, and call for a single album. ======== TUNNEL OF LOVE ======== I think the songwriting on this album is really strong. He's got some duality working on these songs where he loves his wife but has some second thoughts. He loves his Dad but everybody has to have an Independence Day. My favorite song is the title track. There's a great touch near the end, when Patti is wailing, then you hear his wife calling him. I know it's just an out-of-phase studio trick but it always sounds exactly I'm asleep and my ex girlfriend is calling me from outide the dream. I love the extended ending too. I think of Rose, Tilly, and Asbury Park during that sound effect at the end. That song is like "Harlem in Havana" in that it is a latter-day miracle. ======== THE RISING ======== I guess I'm in the minority but I think the songwriting (about rebuilding Faith and Hope after 911) is excellent. He was smart enough to write in metaphors so the work endures beyond the post-911 shock. If "The Rising" was written about Asbury Park, then it's already in its first incarnation, transposed on the entire US... Every time I've seen him with (or without) the E Street Band, it's been great. He seems to know how to write about topics that translate well to hockey arenas and that is a miracle in itself. Near the end of a show when everybody takes a line on "41 Shots" or "Wait For Me", it's always... sorta... beyond words. Enough from me, Lama ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 21 Dec 2004 14:05:56 -0800 From: Randy Remote Subject: Re: bruce njc jlamadoo@fuse.net wrote: > THE RISING > ======== > I guess I'm in the minority but I think the songwriting (about rebuilding Faith and Hope after 911) is excellent. Maybe stating the obvious, here, but I was immediately struck, no pun intended, by the fact that The Rising was to the tune of Steve Miller's "Big Old Jet Airliner". ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 21 Dec 2004 15:11:42 -0800 From: Randy Remote Subject: My Picks 2004 vljc MUSIC: RAY CHARLES"Genius Loves Company"-duet one more time with feeling BOB DYLAN"Bootleg Series v6 Concert at Philharmonic Hall"-2CD- Dylan mesmerizes with just his guitar, harp and incredible songs 10/31/64 on the verge of shedding his folkie icon status. DAN HICKS"Selected Shorts"-duets with Buffet, W Nelson, plenty help from Hot Licks virtuoso violinist Sid Page. NORAH JONES"Feels Like Home"-The real "anti-Britney", becoming a better songwriter "What Am I To You" THE BEATLES"The Capitol Albums vol.1"-George Martin made separate mixes in stereo and mono (up to and including the White Album). Many revelations hearing the guitars separated, etc dispite some added processing by Capitol in '64. Until (if ever) the original albums are remixed/mastered this will have to do. BEBEL GILBERTO-(same)-not as edgy as Tanto Tiempo, still lovely Brazilian tuneage. JOHN MCLAUGHLIN"Thieves and Poets"-(okay, it came out Oct. 03, but I just discovered it). Beautiful acoustic workouts and new orchestral compositions. BEST GUILTY PLEASURE SINCE THE 1st SPICE GIRLS CD: Gwen Stefani"Love, Angel, Music, Baby" NOT ON SANTA'S LIST: BRIAN WILSON"Smile"-lost/yes, legendary/yes, masterpiece/no JOHN LENNON"Acoustic"-too short CD of mostly demos, many ruined by adding tasteless effect processing.Much prev avail on JL Anthology. DVD: JONI MITCHELL"Refuge of the Roads"-her short-lived rock combo period captured on LA soundstage. Peak Joni. Skimpy extras, but so what. "FARENHEIT 9/11"-still moving, lots of good extras MOVIN' ON: Ray Charles/Herbie Mann/UK DJ John Peel/string maven guitarist Ernie Ball/Ronald Reagan/Arafat ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 21 Dec 2004 19:38:49 EST From: SCJoniGuy@aol.com Subject: Re: My Picks 2004 vljc **NORAH JONES"Feels Like Home"-The real "anti-Britney", becoming a better songwriter "What Am I To You" Thanks for the list, Randy...I left off the Norah but it's an excellent disc of course. She beats the sophomore jinx and proves herself a force to be reckoned with, in terms of her singing and writing. Can't wait for the next one but I imagine it will be a fairly long wait. She makes it look deceptively easy. Bob NP: Joni, "Moon At The Window" ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 21 Dec 2004 19:46:54 EST From: SCJoniGuy@aol.com Subject: Re: bruce njc Right on, Jim...once you've heard songs like Ramrod & Cadillac Ranch in concert, you realize their true strength. Believe me, if folks could write songs as good, they would. Not to mention selling them the way he does. As for The Rising, I thought it was a real watershed. Like you say, it deals not just with post 9-11 but tackles some bigger themes, like Born In The USA does. Like Joni's best work, it takes something personal and makes it universal...thinking about songs like "You're Missing" and "Empty Sky", and even "My City of Ruins". And Mary's Place has become a Gary US Bonds sort of rave up that always brings the house down live. Perhaps we're a minority of 2. Bob NP: Joni, "Magdalene Laundries" ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 21 Dec 2004 19:56:51 -0500 From: "Bree Mcdonough" Subject: RE: An idle thought (NJC) Hi all.. Yes..Karen Carpenter was superb. Even if a song was mediocre she did wonderful things with it. I've heard her more on the radio because of the time of year and I turn my radio way up whenever I hear that voice come on. The last couple of days I have been revisiting Jonifest 2001 videotapes. Enjoying them more the second time around. I think is probably do to the fact that I have met many of you...and there is a lot of talent here. NO DOUBT!! Yes...good one Wally..."tinged with melancholy" good things to all.. Bree >oh yes!!!! karen's double xmas cd has been on my player for the last two >weeks. her rendition of white xmas is so beautiful. have you noticed how >her >voice is always tinged with melancholy, no matter how happy the tune? and >her range was so wide. if you listen carefully to the background voices, >you'll hear she's doing very high treble lines while she sings contralto in >the lead. > .> >wally ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 21 Dec 2004 20:22:56 -0500 From: "Bree Mcdonough" Subject: Mack Watson Bush Christmas cheers everyone! I believe when you feel something so strongly you should shout it to the world. Well even though the Jmdl isn't the world... it is close to it. ...my world. Sometimes. ;-) Does everyone here realize what we have? WE have Mack!! He writes like Gatsby. but has the heart of Dickens..and throw in a little Emily Dickerson... we have talked on the phone but have never met....in 2005..perhaps? we touched ...we touched.. I don';t know why exactly..I know only that we did.. Bree ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 21 Dec 2004 21:11:49 -0500 From: "Bree Mcdonough" Subject: njc So sorry..I forgot to njc my last post. Bree ------------------------------ End of JMDL Digest V2004 #501 ***************************** ------- Post messages to the list by clicking here: mailto:joni@smoe.org Unsubscribe by clicking here: mailto:joni-digest-request@smoe.org?body=unsubscribe ------- Siquomb, isn't she? (http://www.siquomb.com/siquomb.cfm)