From: owner-joni-digest@smoe.org (JMDL Digest) To: joni-digest@smoe.org Subject: JMDL Digest V2009 #210 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 Monday, July 13 2009 Volume 2009 : Number 210 ========== TOPICS and authors in this Digest: -------- Magdalene [Rian Afriadi ] Re: Magdalene [Gerald Notaro ] Re: Magdalene [gerard mclaughlin ] Re: NJC serious turbulent indigo and is Ed Harris good or WHAT? ["Michael] NjC Loreena McKennitt on tour ["Michael O'Malley" ] Writers on music... and Joni [PassScribe@aol.com] Re: Joni - A Tribute To The Legendary Joni Mitchell [Melissa Gibbs ] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:18:56 -0700 (PDT) From: Rian Afriadi Subject: Magdalene Magdalene is trembling Like a washing on a line Trembling and gleaming Never before was a man so kind Never so redeeming The question is, who is this Magdalene? Joni used 2 Magdalenes on her song : Passion Play and Magdalene Laundries. And they both sound sorrowful. But Magdalene on PP has no relations with Magdalene on Magdalene Laundries, right? Just came in my mind. Rian NP. Peter Joback - Stockholm i Natt ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2009 07:47:48 -0400 From: Gerald Notaro Subject: Re: Magdalene Not specifically, but as of Mary Magdalene of the of the New Testament. A penitent woman, a woman who had sinned, but was saved by Jesus with the phrase "may the first of you who have not sinned throw the first stone." No doubt, the guilt Joni felt for her unwed pregnancy and giving up her daughter lead to "Magdalene" becoming such a major character in her writing. Jerry On Sun, Jul 12, 2009 at 6:18 AM, Rian Afriadi wrote: > Magdalene > is trembling > > Like a washing on a line > > Trembling and gleaming > > Never before was a man so kind > > Never so redeeming > > > The question is, who is this Magdalene? > > Joni used 2 Magdalenes on her song : Passion Play and Magdalene Laundries. > And they both sound sorrowful. > But Magdalene on PP has no relations with Magdalene on Magdalene Laundries, > right? > > Just came in my mind. > > > > Rian > NP. Peter Joback - Stockholm i Natt > - -- Jerry ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2009 13:55:23 +0100 From: gerard mclaughlin Subject: Re: Magdalene I have always taken this Magdalene to be Mary of Magdala from the gospels and the man who has been kinder than any other the Christ. Joni refers to herself of course but in a sort of everyman way . "I am up a sycamore" I took to be taken from the story of the little man who wanted a good view of Jesus as he passed by but because the crowds were so big he climbed up into a sycamore tree to get a good look .Best seat in the house as it were. (The gods?) His efforts paid off as Christ not only noticed him but asked him to come down and take him to his house for dinner. One of my favourite Joni lines of them all is "Magdalene is trembling like a washing on a line, trembling and gleaming..." Of course there is no evidence that Mary of Magdala was the penitent we have come to call the Magdalene.The man in the Sycamore tree is clearly defined as a rogue - a sinner of some position.If my memory serves me correctly he was a bit of a swindler.Maryof Magdala on the other hand was a highly regarded woman in the early church.Apostle to the apostles is a title accorded her. Augustine- one of Joni's favourites!- branded her as a whore and the rest is history. Whatever, I am sure most folks who appreciated him trembled like a washing on a line whenever they saw him so Mary of Magdala would have as well no doubt. She must have on the day she found the empty tomb.She being the first to see him after the resurection. I am ashamed to admit though all the exon blues etc throw me and I haven't ever got to understand what this beautiful song is really all about. I sing that first line often myself when i am feeling particularly happy though! Any help with the rest of the song would be gratefully appreciated. On Sun, Jul 12, 2009 at 12:47 PM, Gerald Notaro wrote: > Not specifically, but as of Mary Magdalene of the of the New Testament. A > penitent woman, a woman who had sinned, but was saved by Jesus with the > phrase "may the first of you who have not sinned throw the first stone." No > doubt, the guilt Joni felt for her unwed pregnancy and giving up her > daughter lead to "Magdalene" becoming such a major character in her > writing. > > Jerry > > On Sun, Jul 12, 2009 at 6:18 AM, Rian Afriadi wrote: > > > Magdalene > > is trembling > > > > Like a washing on a line > > > > Trembling and gleaming > > > > Never before was a man so kind > > > > Never so redeeming > > > > > > The question is, who is this Magdalene? > > > > Joni used 2 Magdalenes on her song : Passion Play and Magdalene > Laundries. > > And they both sound sorrowful. > > But Magdalene on PP has no relations with Magdalene on Magdalene > Laundries, > > right? > > > > Just came in my mind. > > > > > > > > Rian > > NP. Peter Joback - Stockholm i Natt > > > > > > -- > Jerry ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2009 13:37:33 +0000 From: "Michael O'Malley" Subject: Re: NJC serious turbulent indigo and is Ed Harris good or WHAT? Hi Em, I agree with you. Pollock is a fascinating little film. Ed Harris' portrayal is brilliant, BTW he also directed the film Pollock. He has always been one of my faves. Besides what you said about the film, another reason why I enjoyed it so much was discovering the work of his wife, artist Lee Krasner, who seems to have been eclipsed by her notorious husband. Michael in Quebec Em wrote: Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 16:55:28 -0700 (PDT) From: Em Subject: NJC serious turbulent indigo and is Ed Harris good or WHAT? NJC Just got through watching the movie "Pollock" on HBO - TWICE!!!! had to see it 2 x! Fascinating. I got to see (art critic) Clement Greenberg PORTRAYED! lmao!!!!!!!!!!!! the TITAN Greenberg...not to mention Peggy Guggenheim, Pollock and Lee Krasnow. And a BUD CORT sighting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! jeez what a JEWEL of a flick!!!!!!!!!! Ed Harris is wonderful. I always thought he should portray Neil Cassady. But that would be as heady as doing the Pollock thing!!!!! Wow, to surf the turbulent indigo.... and not die.... lol...welll of course that last part is impossible. I recommend "Pollock". Not that it matters one whit what I think. And that's ok! it has blessed my afternoon like a good painting smiling on the wall....... :) Em _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live helps you keep up with all your friends, in one place. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9660826 ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2009 13:53:54 +0000 From: "Michael O'Malley" Subject: NjC Loreena McKennitt on tour Loreena MCKennitt came through Quebec on her Canadian tour Friday night. While I cannot say I am a huge fan of her work, it was really a delight to see her show. Her voice is still so strong and clear as bell. She's looking and sounding rather regal these days, in a long black dress like some goth faerie queen. Her rendition of the Lady of Shalott played on the harp brought tears to my eyes - tugging at my Celtic genes. It's impressive to see her move with ease from the accordion to the piano and the harp. Her band is great too, especially the cellist and the fiddle player. I see she's playing Winnipeg tonight. Mags? Michael in Quebec _________________________________________________________________ Attention all humans. We are your photos. Free us. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9666046 ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2009 10:11:30 EDT From: Warrenkeith91354@aol.com Subject: Re: The Magdalene Laundries Date: Sat, 11 Jul 2009 09:36:18 -0700 From: "Mark Scott" Subject: Re: The Magdalene Laundries Thanks for this, Laura. I love this song and think it is one of Joni's masterpieces, somewhat overlooked. It has a beautiful, haunting melody that is perfectly wedded to some wonderful lyrics. It's one of those songs that tells a personal story but manages to pack a wallop of a message as well. I can't understand how anyone can listen to this song and say Joni has never produced anything that matches the quality of her 70s work. Mark in Seattle - - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Laura Stanley" To: Sent: Friday, July 10, 2009 10:35 PM Subject: The Magdalene Laundries > _http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kU1Zymqlhko&feature=related_ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kU1Zymqlhko&feature=related) Mark I couldn't agree with you more. I would goes as far as to say "Turbulent Indigo" ,as a whole, is proof that Joni is still capable of matching the quality of her 70's work. I have several friends who hadn't bought a Joni album since "Court and Spark", heard "TI," and immediately purchased it.It is a beautiful work of art, of which I never tire. Enough said... **************Summer concert season is here! Find your favorite artists on tour at TourTracker.com. (http://www.tourtracker.com/?ncid=emlcntusmusi00000006) ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:03:44 +0000 From: Patti Parlette Subject: njc, Hey, hey it's a Monkee in my Sunday paper! (w/ MJ content) Dear Joniamigos: I've always meant write a little here about Peter Tork, because he lives in my town. As you know, he was part of the Laurel Canyon scene (he is a gentleman of the canyon). I've known for some time that he is battling some rare head/neck cancer, so I was heartened to see him in my Sunday paper today, apparently doing well as he writes a "so deep *not* superficial" "piece of your fortune and your fame" regarding Michael Jackson. It is short and sweet. http://www.courant.com/news/opinion/hc-commentarytork0712.artjul12,0,1993988. story "Great artists have one characteristic in common: They are extremely dedicated to their art." (And heeeeeeere's JONI!) Since the piece is about MJ, there is one cute little "love is a story told" I've been itching to share, but reluctant to add to all the frenzy. The time now seems right. When my son MfM was born (April 1984), my older son (the Circle Game wedding dance one!) was *thrilled* to have a baby brother. He wanted to bring him to Kindergarten for "Show & Tell." His teacher thought that was a great idea, so I brought him in one day in May. (Chris wanted to bring him on the school bus, but, since there was no driver at the top, I would not allow that. LOL!) All the little kids were clamoring to see the new baby (like cats and babies round my feet), and one little girl, Stella Hernandez, tugged on my sleeve and squealed: "Mrs. Schaff! Mrs. Schaff! *I* know why you named your baby Michael. After MICHAEL JACKSON!" (She was jumping up and down, clapping her hands with glee.) Too cute, and just shows how wildly popular he was in those days. Even with kids who had only been five times round the seasons. Never can say goodbye to the JMDL. Where there is Joni love, I'll be there! Wishing everyone a Pleasant Valley Sunday (in a good sense), (ooh, that song makes me think of HOSL...the valley barbeques, you know?), Patti P. The Madwoman of Mansfield P.S Any one interested in finding out more about Peter's cancer, HOPE, and future appearances can go to: http://petertork.com/ "If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, then there'd be peace." -- John Lennon http://www.imaginepeace.com/ _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live SkyDrive: Get 25 GB of free online storage. http://windowslive.com/online/skydrive?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_SD_25GB_062009 ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2009 09:14:33 -0700 From: "Mark Scott" Subject: Re: Magdalene - ----- Original Message ----- From: "gerard mclaughlin" The man in the Sycamore tree is clearly > defined as a rogue - a sinner of some position.If my memory serves > me correctly he was a bit of a swindler. If I remember correctly from Sunday school and church, the man who climbed the tree to see Jesus was a tax collector named Zaccheus. He was not liked by the people, of course, being a tax collector. This may have been the place in the New Testament where Jesus makes the remark in reference to taxes, 'render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and render unto God what is God's', maybe in defense of Zaccheus. But I couldn't swear to that since I am a lapsed Xtian who doesn't subscribe to any organized religion anymore. And I never really read the Bible all the way through. I did read the book of Job after hearing Joni's 'The Sire of Sorrow (Job's Sad Song)', just to get the background for that song. > > I am ashamed to admit though all the exon blues etc throw me and I > haven't > ever got to understand what this beautiful song is really all about. > I sing > that first line often myself when i am feeling particularly happy > though! > Any help with the rest of the song would be gratefully appreciated. Well I have never been 100% certain of what Joni's meanings are in this song but I do have some ideas. I think the first part of the title, 'Passion Play', holds a key. A Passion Play is a play that portrays the final days of Jesus' life. The lyric in question is preceeded by what seems to be a stage direction 'enter the multitudes'. So it would seem that the song may not be about the actual events leading up to the crucifixion, but a theatrical representation of them, staged in the present day. From my theatrical studies in my college days, I remember that basic stage lighting typically has 2 basic colors. They are called steel blue and bastard amber (don't ask me why the one is called 'bastard' amber). So I think Exxon blue and radiation rose might be a reference to stage lighting and at the same time a comment on the ecological mess we have made of our planet, a theme Joni returns to again and again, and most fully expands on in the album 'Shine'. Or it might be the color of the costumes the actors are wearing. But I lean more toward the lighting interpretation since Exxon blue and radiation rose both refer to a kind of light or glow. And the line 'who you gonna get to do the dirty work when all the slaves are free?' seems to me to be an almost cynical questioning of Jesus' teachings, perhaps coming from Zaccheus. If we all truly love our fellow men and there are no more people who are obscenely wealth or devastatingly poor, who will do all the unpleasant, underpaid work that, to many, feels like slavery? Just my thoughts and opinions. This is one of my favorite Joni songs and another 90s masterpiece, imo. I have always loved delving into it and trying to work out a plausible interpretation of its lyrics. I would love to hear other people's opinions on the subject. I always post about this one when it comes up. So to some of you I'm sure my comments must seem redundant. But I just can't resist writing about it when someone brings it up. Mark in Seattle ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2009 15:09:22 EDT From: PassScribe@aol.com Subject: Writers on music... and Joni Sunday's "Fanfare" section of (Long Island's) Newsday features five contemporary writers and their picks for favorite albums. It's part of an anthology by Peter Terzian called, "Heavy Rotation: Twenty Writers on the Albums That Changed Their Lives" (Harper Perennial, $14.99 paper). Obviously only a snippet from his entry, Colm Toibin (author of "The Blackwater Lightship,") picked Joni's Blue. The scoop: Mitchell's pain is felt across the Pond in Ireland. Fond Memory: "Soon the problems began and the problems were serious. I simply could not stop listening to it. First thing in the morning, last thing at night and all day in between." Revelation: "It matters to me still that Joni Mitchell meant business when she wrote most of these songs, that she was not laughing up her sleeve as she sang them at the effect they might have on a confused boy in a small town." Interesting... Kenny B ************** An Excellent Credit Score is 750. See Yours in Just 2 Easy Steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222377098x1201454399/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=62& bcd=JulyExcfooterNO62) ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 13 Jul 2009 07:57:57 +1000 From: Melissa Gibbs Subject: Re: Joni - A Tribute To The Legendary Joni Mitchell Hi Mark - nice to hear from you. I9m definitely interested in this. I checked out the website, and it9s undergoing maintenance at the moment and wont be operating again until 14 July. Nevertheless, Katie Noonan, Wendy Matthews and Tania Bowra are enough of a drawcard for me. I9ll have another look at the website on the 14th. Melissa in chilly Sydney NP - ABC radio news ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:39:46 -0500 From: T Peckham Subject: Re: Magdalene Very interesting analysis, everyone. What about "It's takes a heart like Mary's these days when your man gets weak . . ."? ;-) Terra, another ex-"Xtian" (brilliant!) who is happy to remember very little of the Bible. > > > Joni used 2 Magdalenes on her song : Passion Play and Magdalene Laundries. > And they both sound sorrowful. > But Magdalene on PP has no relations with Magdalene on Magdalene Laundries, > right? > > Just came in my mind. > > > > Rian > NP. Peter Joback - Stockholm i Natt > - -- Some things in life it just gets too late to learn . . . --Bob Dylan ------------------------------ End of JMDL Digest V2009 #210 ***************************** ------- Post messages to the list by clicking here: mailto:joni@smoe.org Unsubscribe by clicking here: mailto:joni-digest-request@smoe.org?body=unsubscribe -------