From: owner-joni-digest@smoe.org (JMDL Digest) To: joni-digest@smoe.org Subject: JMDL Digest V2008 #114 Reply-To: joni@smoe.org Sender: owner-joni-digest@smoe.org Errors-To: owner-joni-digest@smoe.org Precedence: bulk Unsubscribe: mailto:joni-digest-request@smoe.org?body=unsubscribe Website: http://jonimitchell.com JMDL Digest Wednesday, June 25 2008 Volume 2008 : Number 114 ========== TOPICS and authors in this Digest: -------- Re: Furry sings the blues ["Lori Fye" ] Still Listening (NJC) [Medric Faulkner ] Thoughts on LOTC (long) [Monika Bogdanowicz ] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:03:04 -0700 From: "Lori Fye" Subject: Re: Furry sings the blues This is one of those gems that reminds me why I've loved this list for so long: > But hell, it's such a brilliant song! So simply constructed (every first > section of the verse about the decaying neighbourhood, every second section > about the encounter), I've owned some version of Hejira since 1977, and I never realized that before. Thanks, Michel! > but full of those 'exploding lines' folk were discussing > recently, and also totally aware of the awkwardness of the meeting, > the power imbalance that couldn't make this a successful encounter Absolutely, as she wrote: Furry sings the blues Why should I expect that old guy to give it to me true Fallen to hard luck And time and other thieves While our limo is shining on his shanty street Old Furry sings the blues Joni completely recognized the disparity in their circumstances. The second line of that half of the verse is particularly interesting though, don't you think? Furry said, "She wanted to hear 'bout the old days, said it was for her own personal self, and I told it to her like it was, gave her straight oil from the can." Joni said, "Why should I expect that old guy to give it to me true?" Apparently they had different viewpoints regarding the exchange ... : ) Lori (looking out the window at all the smoke near) Santa Rosa ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:45:10 -0700 (PDT) From: Medric Faulkner Subject: Still Listening (NJC) It's good to see one's name in print from time to time. I'm still listening, y'all. Medric Faulkner ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:04:41 -0700 (PDT) From: Monika Bogdanowicz Subject: Thoughts on LOTC (long) I noticed a couple of people had said they enjoyed listening to LOTC during the summer. Well, it was a beautiful day today so I decided to bring LOTC with me for the drive to and from work. I've got to say that LOTC is probably one of Joni's albums that I listen to the least. There's no particular reason as I do like the album but it isn't one of my favorites. There aren't too many songs that really give me a thrill as different songs on other albums have. However, today after not listening to it in a while, it was very refreshing. There were many different ideas within the lyrics that I hadn't noticed before. I was concentrating more on the content than my driving! It was actually that entrancing. Perhaps it was the nice weather....or the fact I hadn't listened to the album in a while....or the luxury of being able to listen to some Joni in my car.....or the mood I was in or most likely a combination of all of the above. First off, I found myself listening to "For Free" again even more closely and thinking about how Joni's attitude towards fame and success sort of changed within her career yet there remained a few constants. Whereas in for "For Free," Joni is almost guilty and apologetic in a sense of her musical success while she notices a man who plays just for the sake of playing without any sort of payment or reward. Joni tends to return to the concept of looking at other musicians new in the game from the standpoint of not a "been there, done that" as you might presume but a sense of a loss in that innocence....a longing in a way but also a warning for times to come. She does so in For The Roses as was discussed on the list not too long ago. I also enjoyed, for the first time (other than at the song circle at the last Jonifest), "Conversation." I really enjoy the vocal melody on the following lines: "And I only say hello And turn away before his lady knows How much I want to see him" AND the other lines that have the same melody... You can also hear Joni's Canadian accent on some of her words in this particular song. I must also mention, what a fun song! I love the end singing which proves to be a sing along! It is also well known that "Willy" was a song written for and about Graham Nash. However, given what is known about their relationship (and specifically how it ended since Joni decided she didn't actually want to get married then) I find it curious she makes "Willy" the one with all the doubts. It makes perfect sense in a new relationship where you don't quite know where you stand with someone though. I love these lines: "But you know it's hard to tell When you're in the spell if it's wrong or if it's real" No kidding! Anyway, it is almost midnight and I still have some of the songs in my head. I've been singing them to myself while doing mundane chores all day (laundry, taking the dog out, etc). Music makes the time worthwhile in a way. That's all folks as its coming on midnight. G'night. -Monika, in a rambling mood ------------------------------ End of JMDL Digest V2008 #114 ***************************** ------- Post messages to the list by clicking here: mailto:joni@smoe.org Unsubscribe by clicking here: mailto:joni-digest-request@smoe.org?body=unsubscribe -------