Joni Mitchell — Cold Blue Steel And Sweet Fire
Album: For The RosesAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2189
Length: 4:13
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Cold Blue Steel out of money
One eye for the beat police
Sweet Fire calling
"You can't deny me
Now you know what you need"
Underneath the jungle gym
Hollow-grey-fire-escape-thief
Looking for Sweet Fire
Shadow of Lady Release
"Come with me
I know the way" she says
"It's down, down, down the dark ladder
Do you want to contact somebody first?
Leave someone a letter?
You can come now
Or you can come later"
A wristwatch, a ring, a downstairs screamer
Edgy - black cracks of the sky
"Pin-cushion-prick-
Fix this poor bad dreamer!"
"Money" cold shadows reply
Pawnshops crisscrossed and padlocked
Corridors spit on prayers and pleas
Sparks fly up from Sweet Fire
Black soot of Lady Release
"Come with me
I know the way" she says
"It's down, down, down the dark ladder
Do you want to contact somebody first?
Does it really matter
You can come now
Or you can come later?"
Red water in the bathroom sink
Fever and the scum brown bowl
Blue Steel still begging
But it's indistinct
Someone's HI-Fi drumming Jelly Roll
Concrete concentration camp
Bashing in veins for peace
Cold Blue Steel and Sweet Fire
Fall into Lady Release
"Come with me
I know the way" she says
"It's down, down, down the dark ladder
Do you want to contact somebody first?
I mean what does it really matter?
You're going to come now
Or you're going to come later"
One eye for the beat police
Sweet Fire calling
"You can't deny me
Now you know what you need"
Underneath the jungle gym
Hollow-grey-fire-escape-thief
Looking for Sweet Fire
Shadow of Lady Release
"Come with me
I know the way" she says
"It's down, down, down the dark ladder
Do you want to contact somebody first?
Leave someone a letter?
You can come now
Or you can come later"
A wristwatch, a ring, a downstairs screamer
Edgy - black cracks of the sky
"Pin-cushion-prick-
Fix this poor bad dreamer!"
"Money" cold shadows reply
Pawnshops crisscrossed and padlocked
Corridors spit on prayers and pleas
Sparks fly up from Sweet Fire
Black soot of Lady Release
"Come with me
I know the way" she says
"It's down, down, down the dark ladder
Do you want to contact somebody first?
Does it really matter
You can come now
Or you can come later?"
Red water in the bathroom sink
Fever and the scum brown bowl
Blue Steel still begging
But it's indistinct
Someone's HI-Fi drumming Jelly Roll
Concrete concentration camp
Bashing in veins for peace
Cold Blue Steel and Sweet Fire
Fall into Lady Release
"Come with me
I know the way" she says
"It's down, down, down the dark ladder
Do you want to contact somebody first?
I mean what does it really matter?
You're going to come now
Or you're going to come later"
Comments (236)add comment
1972... my then boyfriend now husband adored this album. I was still in high school, he was 5 years older. I bought him this album. It was 20 dollars! I'm talking 1972 dollars. Good Times....
"Rolling Stone called her "one of the greatest songwriters ever"
gee. I don't know why this bothers me but...
it's like saying "Highlights magazine has called the Sun one of the hottest things in the sky"...
maybe it's just me
gee. I don't know why this bothers me but...
it's like saying "Highlights magazine has called the Sun one of the hottest things in the sky"...
maybe it's just me
the guitar chord structure in this piece is captivating.
i don't love every note, but when they're assembled like she did here, it's special.
i don't love every note, but when they're assembled like she did here, it's special.
pinto wrote:
You know exactly why they did it - they don't really hate the song but they're not Joni fans and get tired of the constant play and adulation thrown her way and they feel the need to counteract such high praise. If they post negative comments, they are immediately attacked, so it's much easier to rate her music with a "1" rating in the hopes of bringing the average down. BTW Court and Spark and For the Roses are her best albums IMO, but in no way should that statement diminish the rest of her music.
Hejira never managed to drop out of my top 5 albums. Think of that in the catalogue of Blue, for the roses, Court and Spark - well that's what you call a Canon of music. Unsurpassable in my respects.
You know exactly why they did it - they don't really hate the song but they're not Joni fans and get tired of the constant play and adulation thrown her way and they feel the need to counteract such high praise. If they post negative comments, they are immediately attacked, so it's much easier to rate her music with a "1" rating in the hopes of bringing the average down. BTW Court and Spark and For the Roses are her best albums IMO, but in no way should that statement diminish the rest of her music.
Hejira never managed to drop out of my top 5 albums. Think of that in the catalogue of Blue, for the roses, Court and Spark - well that's what you call a Canon of music. Unsurpassable in my respects.
William wrote:
I've heard -- and loved -- this song for decades, but had never read the lyrics.
Maybe the best song ever written about heroin. That's my take, anyway.
Only surpassed years later by Lucinda Williams' Essence.
I've heard -- and loved -- this song for decades, but had never read the lyrics.
Maybe the best song ever written about heroin. That's my take, anyway.
Only surpassed years later by Lucinda Williams' Essence.
Joni Mitchell ist eine Klasse für sich!
This is one of the reasons I listen to RP... Excellence in so many different genres, world exploding, mind expanding - if you can listen beyond your little mind created fake boxes...
marktberry wrote:
Worth it indeed. Completely different approach, emotionally, compare to Joni's original.
Try here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alMwl0zHRZo
And then there's Tim Curry's cover version on 1979's "Fearless" LP. David Sanborn on sax and Dick Wagner on guitar. Worth a listen if you can find it.
Worth it indeed. Completely different approach, emotionally, compare to Joni's original.
Try here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alMwl0zHRZo
Well....I like verything she's done. Any woman who turned down Graham Nash can't be anything but good!
handyrae wrote:
You know exactly why they did it - they don't really hate the song but they're not Joni fans and get tired of the constant play and adulation thrown her way and they feel the need to counteract such high praise. If they post negative comments, they are immediately attacked, so it's much easier to rate her music with a "1" rating in the hopes of bringing the average down. BTW Court and Spark and For the Roses are her best albums IMO, but in no way should that statement diminish the rest of her music.
I'm kind of worried about the 88 people who gave this a 1 rating.
You know exactly why they did it - they don't really hate the song but they're not Joni fans and get tired of the constant play and adulation thrown her way and they feel the need to counteract such high praise. If they post negative comments, they are immediately attacked, so it's much easier to rate her music with a "1" rating in the hopes of bringing the average down. BTW Court and Spark and For the Roses are her best albums IMO, but in no way should that statement diminish the rest of her music.
She's on Quadra island here.....
Great Joni
It's always a pleasure listening to RP, and especially these days.
TY!
It's always a pleasure listening to RP, and especially these days.
TY!
First heard Joni on an FM station (WMMR when they were good) doing "Urge For Going" (Tom rush) from an older broadcast from The Main Point. I tried looking up the song on any of her record and could not find it. Dammit.
Anyway, I bought "For The Roses" on the recommendation of the record clerk (remember them?) and I was off. Every damned record.
Her last record (Shine) is a wonderful and overlooked record. Hard to believe it's 14 years old.
Anyway, I bought "For The Roses" on the recommendation of the record clerk (remember them?) and I was off. Every damned record.
Her last record (Shine) is a wonderful and overlooked record. Hard to believe it's 14 years old.
This is a song where I stop everything I'm doing and listen intently.
Just one of those tunes. So cool.
Just one of those tunes. So cool.
Lucky James Taylor!
ziakut wrote:
I feel the same way...
When I was younger...didn't care for JM. Now I fully appreciate how amazing she is, with her cool arrangements and beautiful voice. What a naive fool was I.
I feel the same way...
I usually don't care to listen to Jodi Mitchell, but this is a beautiful song.
This probably my favorite JM tune. I have a buddy who's uncle was the co-founder of the National Folk life festival. He and I where at a gathering when he told me that when he was a kid he would go to visit his uncle. Sometimes JM and Judy Collins would be playing in the kitchen. I really though he meant on the radio or stereo. After a couple of minutes I circled back and asked him if he meant to say that they where in the kitchen playing. He said yes.
PSD, as always. I have thrown away my JM cassettes, for I have become fed up with her falsettos and music rolling like ocean and going nowhere and forever. She is outdated. I can read her lyrics, though. I agree with statement, that there is too much of JM on Radio Paradise. It is written everywhere, how important, influential, how good she is. I agree with that. Only her voice is annoying. Thanks for PSD button!
Joni fans (and musicians) will appreciate this dissection of Amelia. Not amongst my favorite Joni songs, but it's a joy just to watch Rick describe his love for all the different parts and understand more about what makes Joni such a stand out.
Taken me a while to 'get' Joni as older muso friends have but, having spent a month in her (home) town of Saskatoon last year, I've been catching up with her catalogue and, as much as her vocals are an acquired taste to some, there are some awesome tracks out there!!! 
The day she passes, I will feel like following her 💙💚❤
This song was about her relationship with James Taylor: how his drug use affected them.
https://www.theguardian.com/mu...
https://www.theguardian.com/mu...
Canadese wrote:
Changed to what...Celine Dion?
No elevator music.
w9dki
Changed to what...Celine Dion?
No elevator music.
w9dkiA lot of RP songs I listened to 1000s of times like this: LP>mix cassette tape>on a walkman or in my car. I've had mostly small cars, all with sunroofs or VW convertibles, so not much in the soundproofing dept. There are moments like this - listening to RP on headphones - that I hear this fresh, appreciating the vocal layering, the separation and the utter cleanness of this production and beauty of the arrangement.
I love Joni. She is like a best friend you can rely on.
Kokoloco53 wrote:
l think we all give our own interpretation to a song, at least I know I do.
As for "live and help others." - a motto for our times! Remember the first two words of 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy': DON'T PANIC! Or as the blitzed Brits said in WWII: Stay Calm & Carry On! :)
I own probably every album Joni ever recorded, either on vinyl, cd, or both. I've pretty much listened to music all my life for the music, thus I didn't pay close attention to the poetry, but in Joni's poetry as in so many others, the lyrics were so personal that I never understood each song for what it was written about, but always attached my own meaning to many of them. I can only feel sorry for the younger generation that weren't baptized in the spirit and soul of the late 60 's music. Joni's not doing so well right now and we can only hope she recovers from her stroke. I just wish I had one of her paintings in print hanging on my wall. Guess I need to frame one of her album covers at least, she painted almost all of them herself. Love, peace, world harmony, joy......don't give up your personal dreams.....live and help others.
l think we all give our own interpretation to a song, at least I know I do.
As for "live and help others." - a motto for our times! Remember the first two words of 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy': DON'T PANIC! Or as the blitzed Brits said in WWII: Stay Calm & Carry On! :)
Among the best of the best. Totally unique and unbeatable. Love you Joni
sfyi2001 wrote:
I was there, and when Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, or early Springsteen came on my clock radio, radio in the car, or radio anywhere - I/We changed the station, same as I do now.
.
Changed to what...Celine Dion?
I was there, and when Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, or early Springsteen came on my clock radio, radio in the car, or radio anywhere - I/We changed the station, same as I do now.
.
Changed to what...Celine Dion?
There is truly ONLY one! Love her sounds and persona!
buddy wrote:
I have her entire catalogue and on any given day I'd have to say this is my favorite song of hers. Written for acoustic guitar in Open G with a drop C on the low end, not the easiest to play, at least with heart & emotion. Lyrically amazing. I can close my eyes and see the scene she's painting. And oh yeah, she's a hell of a painter as well.
Same here... it's hard to choose an absolute favorite but this is amongst them for sure.For me this is really the album where Joni starts for me... not that I don't appreciate earlier albums, but this through Shadows & Light are thrilling in their immense out-of-the-box-ness.
I just started playingBig Yellow Taxi this summer (open D) and I'm attempting Free Man in Paris now (drop D) . I've always avoided learning her songs because the vocals are so challenging and the colors are just so, but I'm starting to be more brave about it. I doubt I'll ever have the chops to go after Cold Blue Steel.
I have her entire catalogue and on any given day I'd have to say this is my favorite song of hers. Written for acoustic guitar in Open G with a drop C on the low end, not the easiest to play, at least with heart & emotion. Lyrically amazing. I can close my eyes and see the scene she's painting. And oh yeah, she's a hell of a painter as well.
Same here... it's hard to choose an absolute favorite but this is amongst them for sure.For me this is really the album where Joni starts for me... not that I don't appreciate earlier albums, but this through Shadows & Light are thrilling in their immense out-of-the-box-ness.
I just started playingBig Yellow Taxi this summer (open D) and I'm attempting Free Man in Paris now (drop D) . I've always avoided learning her songs because the vocals are so challenging and the colors are just so, but I'm starting to be more brave about it. I doubt I'll ever have the chops to go after Cold Blue Steel.
I'm kind of worried about the 88 people who gave this a 1 rating.
Everything that Buddy said below - don't like it? PSD is awaiting your grubby fingertip.
I pity those that can't be bothered to listen closely, to pay attention to the nuances, tones and textures. She paints with sounds and words. Sheer gorgeosity.
As an aside, Tim Curry (yeah - *that* Tim Curry) does a rather lovely cover of this.
Just brilliant.
Listening to her voice is like a pain in the butt, only worse....
ziakut wrote:
Agree. I thought that about Leonard Cohen. It was only after his death did I realize his genius.
When I was younger...didn't care for JM. Now I fully appreciate how amazing she is, with her cool arrangements and beautiful voice. What a naive fool was I.
Agree. I thought that about Leonard Cohen. It was only after his death did I realize his genius.
I appreciated her when I was younger. Now that I'm older, I think, WTF! Life is too short to listen to this whiny, droning crap. I guess I should have been born a few years earlier because all I can think of when I hear voice is, "where is the PSD button?"
When I was younger...didn't care for JM. Now I fully appreciate how amazing she is, with her cool arrangements and beautiful voice. What a naive fool was I.
scottbolten wrote:
Joni Mitchell should not be played as much as she is. Not sure why Bill loves her so much.
Because her artistry & music is genius. And because if he listened to everyone who told him who & who not to play, this site wouldn't have lasted a year. I have to believe he implemented the PSD function as an accommodation to those who don't really get what this place is all about. Nice of him; use it.
I have her entire catalogue and on any given day I'd have to say this is my favorite song of hers. Written for acoustic guitar in Open G with a drop C on the low end, not the easiest to play, at least with heart & emotion. Lyrically amazing. I can close my eyes and see the scene she's painting. And oh yeah, she's a hell of a painter as well.
Joni Mitchell should not be played as much as she is. Not sure why Bill loves her so much.
Because her artistry & music is genius. And because if he listened to everyone who told him who & who not to play, this site wouldn't have lasted a year. I have to believe he implemented the PSD function as an accommodation to those who don't really get what this place is all about. Nice of him; use it.
I have her entire catalogue and on any given day I'd have to say this is my favorite song of hers. Written for acoustic guitar in Open G with a drop C on the low end, not the easiest to play, at least with heart & emotion. Lyrically amazing. I can close my eyes and see the scene she's painting. And oh yeah, she's a hell of a painter as well.
Sublime
scottbolten wrote:
Joni Mitchell should not be played as much as she is. Not sure why Bill loves her so much.
Maybe he is perceptive enough to realize, from the comments, that many of us enjoy her music (and lyrics)....a lot!
Joni Mitchell should not be played as much as she is. Not sure why Bill loves her so much.
Maybe he is perceptive enough to realize, from the comments, that many of us enjoy her music (and lyrics)....a lot!
scottbolten wrote:
It's not just Bill. 10.
Joni Mitchell should not be played as much as she is. Not sure why Bill loves her so much.
It's not just Bill. 10.
it's not the lyrics I hate, it's her horrible voice and god-awful music.... Bill, make it stop!!
Ah Joni.
Thanks for this. I forget how amazing is her voice. Bad grammar is cool.
ExploitingChaos wrote:
Well WE cant, but U sure can so STFU
Joni Mitchell should not be played as much as she is. Not sure why Bill loves her so much.
Well WE cant, but U sure can so STFU
Joni Mitchell should not be played as much as she is. Not sure why Bill loves her so much.
Randomax wrote:
I've heard -- and loved -- this song for decades, but had never read the lyrics.
Maybe the best song ever written about heroin. That's my take, anyway.
again, I will repeat (have a gillion times).....she's a POET first...you haters PLEASE read some lyrics....you'll see!!!
I've heard -- and loved -- this song for decades, but had never read the lyrics.
Maybe the best song ever written about heroin. That's my take, anyway.
dabeyc wrote:
Well WE cant, but U sure can so STFU
can we go one day without joni mitchell?
Well WE cant, but U sure can so STFU
dabeyc wrote:
Sure, try not listening for as many days as you want. Or hey, start your own station and play whatever you want.
can we go one day without joni mitchell?
Sure, try not listening for as many days as you want. Or hey, start your own station and play whatever you want.
And then there's Tim Curry's cover version on 1979's "Fearless" LP. David Sanborn on sax and Dick Wagner on guitar. Worth a listen if you can find it.
I never know how to rate Joni's songs because I'll vacillate anywhere between 4-8 several times, depending on what's happening in the tune. Her lyrics are usually quite engaging though...and although she's not my favorite, I feel quite an appreciation for her contribution...
dabeyc wrote:
I hope not!
can we go one day without joni mitchell?
I hope not!
can we go one day without joni mitchell?
Why now or later? How about now AND later?
nagsheadlocal wrote:
Joni, Jackson Browne, early Springsteen - the list goes on and if you were around in that period you do certainly remember the singer-songwriters who made listening to the radio a 24/7 thing. Wake up to clock radio, radio in the car, over speakers in the student union, all day. To quote Dylan "There was music in the streets."
I was there, and when Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, or early Springsteen came on my clock radio, radio in the car, or radio anywhere - I/We changed the station, same as I do now.
.
Joni, Jackson Browne, early Springsteen - the list goes on and if you were around in that period you do certainly remember the singer-songwriters who made listening to the radio a 24/7 thing. Wake up to clock radio, radio in the car, over speakers in the student union, all day. To quote Dylan "There was music in the streets."
I was there, and when Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, or early Springsteen came on my clock radio, radio in the car, or radio anywhere - I/We changed the station, same as I do now.
.
Kokoloco53 wrote:
Joni, Jackson Browne, early Springsteen - the list goes on and if you were around in that period you do certainly remember the singer-songwriters who made listening to the radio a 24/7 thing. Wake up to clock radio, radio in the car, over speakers in the student union, all day. To quote Dylan "There was music in the streets."
I can only feel sorry for the younger generation that weren't baptized in the spirit and soul of the late 60 's music.
Joni, Jackson Browne, early Springsteen - the list goes on and if you were around in that period you do certainly remember the singer-songwriters who made listening to the radio a 24/7 thing. Wake up to clock radio, radio in the car, over speakers in the student union, all day. To quote Dylan "There was music in the streets."
Kokoloco53 wrote:
I own probably every album Joni ever recorded, either on vinyl, cd, or both. I've pretty much listened to music all my life for the music, thus I didn't pay close attention to the poetry, but in Joni's poetry as in so many others, the lyrics were so personal that I never understood each song for what it was written about, but always attached my own meaning to many of them. I can only feel sorry for the younger generation that weren't baptized in the spirit and soul of the late 60 's music. Joni's not doing so well right now and we can only hope she recovers from her stroke. I just wish I had one of her paintings in print hanging on my wall. Guess I need to frame one of her album covers at least, she painted almost all of them herself. Love, peace, world harmony, joy......don't give up your personal dreams.....live and help others.
Joni's a MUSICAL GOD (my 18 yr old son overheard this piece and agrees! Hope she's well and with us for years to come : )
Kokoloco53 wrote:
I own probably every album Joni ever recorded, either on vinyl, cd, or both. I've pretty much listened to music all my life for the music, thus I didn't pay close attention to the poetry, but in Joni's poetry as in so many others, the lyrics were so personal that I never understood each song for what it was written about, but always attached my own meaning to many of them. I can only feel sorry for the younger generation that weren't baptized in the spirit and soul of the late 60 's music. Joni's not doing so well right now and we can only hope she recovers from her stroke. I just wish I had one of her paintings in print hanging on my wall. Guess I need to frame one of her album covers at least, she painted almost all of them herself. Love, peace, world harmony, joy......don't give up your personal dreams.....live and help others.
Kudos to you, Kokoloco53; what a wonderful post! This plus my enjoyment of this track = a 9 rating on this JM tune.
I am one of those late 70s kids, born in the late-disco, new age, rap and hip-hop and (later) grunge generation, and I continue to search out all the best of the best. Joni has become one of my favorite artists, I find her music evocative of a time I missed out on and I'm so glad for RP (and the utubes, etc.) giving me a chance to catch-up on the likes of Joni, Nick Drake, etc., etc., etc....
Here's to the world harmony, love and peace and joy, for you and me and everyone between.
alvarorb wrote:
Interesting. I know we're supposed to post comments. Come one come all I take it you're not a fan of jazz? For those of us who are. She's always been in the pantheon of greats. Voice and all. A master.
Not a fan of her voice. I like the music, but her voice sounds like a cat whose tail has been repeatedly crushed by a rocking chair...
Interesting. I know we're supposed to post comments. Come one come all I take it you're not a fan of jazz? For those of us who are. She's always been in the pantheon of greats. Voice and all. A master.
To think that this universe has Joni Mitchell... Bonus!
Johnny_Wave wrote:
Yeah, her time has past. Just like Tchaikovsky, Muddy Waters, and the Rolling Stones.
Meh, a 3 at best. Her time has passed.....
Yeah, her time has past. Just like Tchaikovsky, Muddy Waters, and the Rolling Stones.
I own probably every album Joni ever recorded, either on vinyl, cd, or both. I've pretty much listened to music all my life for the music, thus I didn't pay close attention to the poetry, but in Joni's poetry as in so many others, the lyrics were so personal that I never understood each song for what it was written about, but always attached my own meaning to many of them. I can only feel sorry for the younger generation that weren't baptized in the spirit and soul of the late 60 's music. Joni's not doing so well right now and we can only hope she recovers from her stroke. I just wish I had one of her paintings in print hanging on my wall. Guess I need to frame one of her album covers at least, she painted almost all of them herself. Love, peace, world harmony, joy......don't give up your personal dreams.....live and help others.
Me too.
easmann wrote:
Me too.
easmann wrote:
Me too.
alvarorb wrote:
Do you know cats?
Not a fan of her voice. I like the music, but her voice sounds like a cat whose tail has been repeatedly crushed by a rocking chair...
Do you know cats?
Skydog wrote:
Me too.
Thanks Bill
Me too.
E X C R U C I A T I N G
I never cared for Joni when I was a kid, through my teens, and into my 20s. And then somewhere in my 20s, I suddenly "got" her. Not because someone talked me into it, or that I was brainwashed, or that I was trying to be cool. No, I just started listening to her lyrics, and started appreciating her pure, distinctive, unique voice. Since I did a LOT of theatre in my 20s, I also understood how Joni makes it sound effortless to sing beautifully... which is NOT effortless for most people! I realize that she's an acquired taste for some people, but I just love her. Thanks for keeping her in the rotation regularly, Bill!
Not a fan of her voice. I like the music, but her voice sounds like a cat whose tail has been repeatedly crushed by a rocking chair...
That song made my day.
Yes she is an incredible songwriter and musician, but I just cannot listen to her without feeling like I cannonballed into the 70's pool! It is so not timeless music IMHO.
Joni's vocals evoke memories of late, sunny summer afternoons when mom would spin some vinyl.
Comfort food!
Comfort food!
Thanks Bill
Fantastic!
Not a fan of her music, but I respect her song writing.
Johnny_Wave wrote:
Ha ha....so what are you saying? You only want to hear music from the past few years?
Meh, a 3 at best. Her time has passed.....
Ha ha....so what are you saying? You only want to hear music from the past few years?
SanFranGayMan wrote:
I would respectfully disagree. It hasn't so much passed as it hasn't arrived for you. That is not a dis, either. Every era of music that communicates the zeitgeist of the time will be timeless. it's just that each era is either more or less remarkable than others or the experiences they had to deal with drive the music. Her/our era was marked by a fodder war of Viet Nam, a discovery of self and community that was fueled by drugs and a new world of ecology, real food and travel outside our little boundaries. You are used to all that-thank non-god, but it was new and experiential for us. Go make something new and exciting for the next gen—and I believe the Millennials are doing just that. The new hippies-own nothing, everything should be free, socially liberal, share what you have. Sweet!
Well said.
I would respectfully disagree. It hasn't so much passed as it hasn't arrived for you. That is not a dis, either. Every era of music that communicates the zeitgeist of the time will be timeless. it's just that each era is either more or less remarkable than others or the experiences they had to deal with drive the music. Her/our era was marked by a fodder war of Viet Nam, a discovery of self and community that was fueled by drugs and a new world of ecology, real food and travel outside our little boundaries. You are used to all that-thank non-god, but it was new and experiential for us. Go make something new and exciting for the next gen—and I believe the Millennials are doing just that. The new hippies-own nothing, everything should be free, socially liberal, share what you have. Sweet!
Well said.
Johnny_Wave wrote:
I would respectfully disagree. It hasn't so much passed as it hasn't arrived for you. That is not a dis, either. Every era of music that communicates the zeitgeist of the time will be timeless. it's just that each era is either more or less remarkable than others or the experiences they had to deal with drive the music. Her/our era was marked by a fodder war of Viet Nam, a discovery of self and community that was fueled by drugs and a new world of ecology, real food and travel outside our little boundaries. You are used to all that-thank non-god, but it was new and experiential for us. Go make something new and exciting for the next gen—and I believe the Millennials are doing just that. The new hippies-own nothing, everything should be free, socially liberal, share what you have. Sweet!
Meh, a 3 at best. Her time has passed.....
I would respectfully disagree. It hasn't so much passed as it hasn't arrived for you. That is not a dis, either. Every era of music that communicates the zeitgeist of the time will be timeless. it's just that each era is either more or less remarkable than others or the experiences they had to deal with drive the music. Her/our era was marked by a fodder war of Viet Nam, a discovery of self and community that was fueled by drugs and a new world of ecology, real food and travel outside our little boundaries. You are used to all that-thank non-god, but it was new and experiential for us. Go make something new and exciting for the next gen—and I believe the Millennials are doing just that. The new hippies-own nothing, everything should be free, socially liberal, share what you have. Sweet!
I am not her biggest fan, but this is very good, produced, arangment everything nice!
Meh, a 3 at best. Her time has passed.....
dragon1952 wrote:
oh c'mon, don't ya just love the whisper and squeak style of the singers in the 21st century?
Joni Mitchell, to me is just about the best singer ever
Joni Mitchell is so brilliant and has a such a sweet and wonderful voice as well. A wise man once said, "those that don't know, don't know that they don't know". I'll place the diss'ers in that category. Maybe you actually have to be back from that era when music was music.
oh c'mon, don't ya just love the whisper and squeak style of the singers in the 21st century?
Joni Mitchell, to me is just about the best singer ever
Goodness, the hate for Joni. Turn it off or go elsewhere
Just tuned in on a Monday morning right as this came on. Time to move on down the "virtual dial" and find something else, something good to listen to. She has a voice that reminds me of a cat with it's tail caught under a rocking chair.
GODDESS : )
dragon1952 wrote:
I'll concede she's the kindest, warmest, bravest, most wonderful human being I've ever heard sing a song, but her music does nothing for me except make me pound the PSD button for relief.
Joni Mitchell is so brilliant and has a such a sweet and wonderful voice as well. A wise man once said, "those that don't know, don't know that they don't know". I'll place the diss'ers in that category. Maybe you actually have to be back from that era when music was music.
I'll concede she's the kindest, warmest, bravest, most wonderful human being I've ever heard sing a song, but her music does nothing for me except make me pound the PSD button for relief.
dragon1952 wrote:
Some people love her music, some people like a lot of her music, some people hate her music - that's just the way it is. It generally has little to do with the era when a person was born, but if you want to engage in ageist speculation, go ahead. Keep in mind, people who were adults (and particularly parents) in the 1950s and '60s also claimed that the popular music of those eras was not "music", especially when compared to their music of the 1930s and '40s. Music is always music. Anyhow, I think this is a good tune and a very good album as well.
Joni Mitchell is so brilliant and has a such a sweet and wonderful voice as well. A wise man once said, "those that don't know, don't know that they don't know". I'll place the diss'ers in that category. Maybe you actually have to be back from that era when music was music.
Some people love her music, some people like a lot of her music, some people hate her music - that's just the way it is. It generally has little to do with the era when a person was born, but if you want to engage in ageist speculation, go ahead. Keep in mind, people who were adults (and particularly parents) in the 1950s and '60s also claimed that the popular music of those eras was not "music", especially when compared to their music of the 1930s and '40s. Music is always music. Anyhow, I think this is a good tune and a very good album as well.
helgigermany wrote:
Me too , wore is out that summer
7th grade I believe 🌻
Back in the day, great part of my life!
Me too , wore is out that summer
7th grade I believe 🌻
"Come with me
I know the way" she says
"It's down, down, down the dark ladder"
I know the way" she says
"It's down, down, down the dark ladder"
I love when this song ends.
wgsu_1978 wrote:
More than The Knack, believe it or not.
Did you seriously mean to give "My Sharona" a 10?
Did you seriously mean to give "My Sharona" a 10?
Joni Mitchell is so brilliant and has a such a sweet and wonderful voice as well. A wise man once said, "those that don't know, don't know that they don't know". I'll place the diss'ers in that category. Maybe you actually have to be back from that era when music was music.
I'm told it's better than it sounds.
finoufk wrote:
More than The Knack, believe it or not.
Did you seriously mean to give "My Sharona" a 10?
did that woman sell any record in her time ?? this is terrible...
More than The Knack, believe it or not.
Did you seriously mean to give "My Sharona" a 10?
Randomax wrote:
That may be true, but she also has that VOICE — pure perfection when put together. Now take Dylan. He's also a poet first, but may or may not (depending on your point of view) have the voice to make the poetry fly.
again, I will repeat (have a gillion times).....she's a POET first...you haters PLEASE read some lyrics....you'll see!!!
That may be true, but she also has that VOICE — pure perfection when put together. Now take Dylan. He's also a poet first, but may or may not (depending on your point of view) have the voice to make the poetry fly.
This is one of my favorite songs from my all-time favorite female artist. The imagery!!!
"She says "come with me, I know the way;
It's down, down, down... the dark ladder.""
Sadly, not everyone visualizes easily from words. After playing this for friends and inquiring often into a (puzzling to me) lack of appreciation, I have learned that this aptitude is the "missing piece."
This also helps me understand why some folks just have no "use" for poetry.
'Tis just a pity. No cause, on either side, for acrimony.
Rock on!
"She says "come with me, I know the way;
It's down, down, down... the dark ladder.""
Sadly, not everyone visualizes easily from words. After playing this for friends and inquiring often into a (puzzling to me) lack of appreciation, I have learned that this aptitude is the "missing piece."
This also helps me understand why some folks just have no "use" for poetry.
'Tis just a pity. No cause, on either side, for acrimony.
Rock on!One of the greatest things ever recorded.
The live version on Miles of Aisles is also stunning and beautiful.
The live version on Miles of Aisles is also stunning and beautiful.
colt4x5 wrote:
My daughter is 23 and is a huge fan of For the Roses. It's not only age.
Mine too! When she was 7 she wanted to learn Circle Game on guitar. Joni will live forever.
My daughter is 23 and is a huge fan of For the Roses. It's not only age.
Mine too! When she was 7 she wanted to learn Circle Game on guitar. Joni will live forever.
Back in the day, great part of my life!
again, I will repeat (have a gillion times).....she's a POET first...you haters PLEASE read some lyrics....you'll see!!!
Every now and then the AMA tells me to turn off Joni Mitchell. How? I wear headphones @ work while I program and every couple hours I'm told a break is a good idea. Well Joni is when the headphones go off :)
Pure ten-ness.
KevinM wrote:
Get over yourself. We have.
I was going to give this p.o.s. a well deserved 1, then I logged in and saw I already did.
Get over yourself. We have.
42 years later. A fine song that is now a classic.
johnjconn wrote:
This stinks
Please go elsewhere
This stinks
Please go elsewhere
oh, croon! more Joni please B&R, love RP! ;)*
Oh. This is perfect. Joni is wonderful. This may have been the first LP I ever bought.
unclehud wrote:
I was just thinking the same thing!
Dear Lord in heaven, is there a smoother voice anywhere in recorded history? (Probably, but hers is pretty amazing.)
I was just thinking the same thing!
One reason I love Joni's music is that none of it is three-chord rock and roll. This may be why some consider it no so "accessible". I can listen to it many times and never get bored because the structure is complex and unconventional and her voice is so effortless and marvelous. This might be Pete Fountain playing clarinet; he did play on at least one of her albums.
The ratings distribution should almost look like this (after reading the comments):
* *
* *
* *
* *
*********
* *
* *
* *
* *
*********
dputlak wrote:
My daughter is 23 and is a huge fan of For the Roses. It's not only age.
Too bad to see some lousy comments about Joni, but to each his/her own. Maybe its an age thing. I'm 50+ and I still haven't heard anything quite like her, and I like her music a lot.
My daughter is 23 and is a huge fan of For the Roses. It's not only age.
I was going to give this p.o.s. a well deserved 1, then I logged in and saw I already did.
bev wrote:
Joni Mitchell is so phenomenal, it's ridiculously hard to imagine anyone even attempting a cover of this. Joni is such a remarkable artist and you can feel all of her emotions rawly exposed.
However, that being said, I used to own Tim Curry's Fearless album (yes, kids, vinyl...) and I do recall that Curry handled himself admirably on this tune. IIRC, his version was just edgy enough that you fully understood the song was all about heroin addiction. (Aside: I loved "I Do The Rock" from that same album! Thanks for the memories, marktberry.)
Tim Curry had a great voice. "I Do The Rock" was a lot of fun. I keep reminding myself to find out who's running against House Majority Leader John "Permatan" Boehner, call up the campaign offices of his opponents, and tell them to use Tim's "Working on My Tan" in ads against Boehner. Funny song--check it on YouTube.
If anyone can explain Boehner's tanning addiction or the occasional public crying jag, I'd love to hear your take.
And yes, Joni sold a boatload of albums in the 70s. At the height of her fame, she was pretty much a household name. Rolling Stone has apparently clashed with Joni over the years but did call her "one of the greatest songwriters ever."
Joni Mitchell is so phenomenal, it's ridiculously hard to imagine anyone even attempting a cover of this. Joni is such a remarkable artist and you can feel all of her emotions rawly exposed.
However, that being said, I used to own Tim Curry's Fearless album (yes, kids, vinyl...) and I do recall that Curry handled himself admirably on this tune. IIRC, his version was just edgy enough that you fully understood the song was all about heroin addiction. (Aside: I loved "I Do The Rock" from that same album! Thanks for the memories, marktberry.)
Tim Curry had a great voice. "I Do The Rock" was a lot of fun. I keep reminding myself to find out who's running against House Majority Leader John "Permatan" Boehner, call up the campaign offices of his opponents, and tell them to use Tim's "Working on My Tan" in ads against Boehner. Funny song--check it on YouTube.
If anyone can explain Boehner's tanning addiction or the occasional public crying jag, I'd love to hear your take.
And yes, Joni sold a boatload of albums in the 70s. At the height of her fame, she was pretty much a household name. Rolling Stone has apparently clashed with Joni over the years but did call her "one of the greatest songwriters ever."
daisymaybee wrote:
OK. I'm starting to cringe. See you later.
I fall into the camp - "Never too much Joni.........."
That is why RP started the PSD button. Go for it you neigh-sayers!
That is why RP started the PSD button. Go for it you neigh-sayers!
OK. I'm starting to cringe. See you later.
I fall into the camp - "Never too much Joni.........."
That is why RP started the PSD button. Go for it you neigh-sayers!
That is why RP started the PSD button. Go for it you neigh-sayers!
Cold Blue Steel And Sweet Fire could play forever for me, I so love this album! 
I'm hoping the Joni Mitchell bender Bill is on ends soon. I'll be muting the sound and back later.
bam23 wrote:
I guess it is necessary to add to the small pile of astonished responses. It can only be that she uses the same vocal chords in every song that you could even imagine this statement to be true. Try actually listening, unless you simply don't like the music. Which is fine, but your specific complaint is nonsensical. Back then albums were not really cheap. A couple of bucks? Maybe as a cutout, but I never saw any of her albums in the discount bins. I could rarely afford to pay the full price, so the cutouts or used records (not so great, since unlike CDs the quality deteriorated with use) were my primary purchases. It amazes me to read the confident statements, often incorrect, that my fellow planetary residents make about things they clearly do not actually know.
These kids today...
I guess it is necessary to add to the small pile of astonished responses. It can only be that she uses the same vocal chords in every song that you could even imagine this statement to be true. Try actually listening, unless you simply don't like the music. Which is fine, but your specific complaint is nonsensical. Back then albums were not really cheap. A couple of bucks? Maybe as a cutout, but I never saw any of her albums in the discount bins. I could rarely afford to pay the full price, so the cutouts or used records (not so great, since unlike CDs the quality deteriorated with use) were my primary purchases. It amazes me to read the confident statements, often incorrect, that my fellow planetary residents make about things they clearly do not actually know.
These kids today...
Did not listen to a lot of Joni beyond the radio tracks - which I always dug - back in the day.
But have come to appreciate her amazing talent as a songwriter.
Can imagine my man Elvis C. listening to this and sticking some of this in his head for future reference.
But have come to appreciate her amazing talent as a songwriter.
Can imagine my man Elvis C. listening to this and sticking some of this in his head for future reference.
There was a time and a place and Joni.
She's an acquired taste. A unique voice and talent.
Thanks RP!
She's an acquired taste. A unique voice and talent.
Thanks RP!
johnjconn wrote:
How bout it!
Every Joni song sounds like the last Joni song.
I'll assume she sold some records in her day, after all, an album back then only cost a couple bucks
I guess it is necessary to add to the small pile of astonished responses. It can only be that she uses the same vocal chords in every song that you could even imagine this statement to be true. Try actually listening, unless you simply don't like the music. Which is fine, but your specific complaint is nonsensical. Back then albums were not really cheap. A couple of bucks? Maybe as a cutout, but I never saw any of her albums in the discount bins. I could rarely afford to pay the full price, so the cutouts or used records (not so great, since unlike CDs the quality deteriorated with use) were my primary purchases. It amazes me to read the confident statements, often incorrect, that my fellow planetary residents make about things they clearly do not actually know.
How bout it!
Every Joni song sounds like the last Joni song.
I'll assume she sold some records in her day, after all, an album back then only cost a couple bucks
I guess it is necessary to add to the small pile of astonished responses. It can only be that she uses the same vocal chords in every song that you could even imagine this statement to be true. Try actually listening, unless you simply don't like the music. Which is fine, but your specific complaint is nonsensical. Back then albums were not really cheap. A couple of bucks? Maybe as a cutout, but I never saw any of her albums in the discount bins. I could rarely afford to pay the full price, so the cutouts or used records (not so great, since unlike CDs the quality deteriorated with use) were my primary purchases. It amazes me to read the confident statements, often incorrect, that my fellow planetary residents make about things they clearly do not actually know.