From: owner-joni-digest@smoe.org (JMDL Digest) To: joni-digest@smoe.org Subject: JMDL Digest V2012 #1548 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, October 8 2012 Volume 2012 : Number 1548 ========== TOPICS and authors in this Digest: -------- Review of THOSL ["Jim L'Hommedieu" ] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 08 Oct 2012 22:59:29 -0400 From: "Jim L'Hommedieu" Subject: Review of THOSL http://www.connollyco.com/discography/joni_mitchell/hissing.html "Beginning with Miles of Aisles, Joni's genius grew a little prickly, her impressive intellect a little intimidating. Court and Spark asked a lot of audiences and gave them twofold payment if they stuck around long enough. The Hissing of Summer Lawns is even smarter, but the returns are a little different this time. There are no sweet treats like ("Twisted" and "Raised on Robbery"). Instead, you get the colliding cultures of "The Jungle Line" (which I'll get to later) and complex poetry couched in lovely and often languid arrangements ("This Hissing of Summer Lawns," "Shades of Scarlet Conquering"). It's a brilliant record, literally if you listen to the sparkling sounds that surround her minor-key melodies. She rarely sings the obvious note, takes chances and nearly never stumbles; if Blue was painting, Hissing is figure skating. Early in the routine, Joni invents a new move that raises the bar for every performer after her: "The Jungle Line." Fusing her own poetry (and moog) with African music, the two merge in a strange and (sometimes) chilling way that has to be heard to be believed. It's a fearless moment, but not the only one on The Hissing of Summer Lawns. For example, "Shadows and Light" and "Harry's House - Centerpiece" capture a dramatic element more akin to stagecraft than music. Joni Mitchell has always followed the beat of a different drummer, but the rhythms were growing increasingly complex for mainstream audiences. Half of Hissing remains in Court, notably "In France They Kiss On Main Street" and "The Boho Dance." The other half is slightly out of bounds, off the beaten path, well worth following if you would a genius in one." ------------------------------ End of JMDL Digest V2012 #1548 ****************************** ------- To post messages to the list, sendtojoni@smoe.org. Unsubscribe by clicking here: mailto:joni-digest-request@smoe.org?body=unsubscribe -------