Joni Mitchell — Hejira
Album: HejiraAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2214
Length: 6:29
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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I'm traveling in some vehicle
I'm sitting in some cafe
A defector from the petty wars
That shell shock love away
There's comfort in melancholy
When there's no need to explain
It's just as natural as the weather
In this moody sky today
In our possessive coupling
So much could not be expressed
So now I'm returning to myself
These things that you and I suppressed
I see something of myself in everyone
Just at this moment of the world
As snow gathers like bolts of lace
Waltzing on a ballroom girl
You know it never has been easy
Whether you do or you do not resign
Whether you travel the breadth of extremities
Or stick to some straighter line
Now here's a man and a woman sitting on a rock
They're either going to thaw out or freeze
Listen...
Strains of Benny Goodman
Coming through the snow and the pinewood trees
I'm porous with travel fever
But you know I'm so glad to be on my own
Still somehow the slightest touch of a stranger
Can set up trembling in my bones
I know - no one's going to show me everything
We all come and go unknown
Each so deep and superficial
Between the forceps and the stone
Well I looked at the granite markers
Those tribute to finality - to eternity
And then I looked at myself here
Chicken scratching for my immortality
In the church they light the candles
And the wax rolls down like tears
There's the hope and the hopelessness
I've witnessed thirty years
We're only particles of change I know, I know
Orbiting around the sun
But how can I have that point of view
When I'm always bound and tied to someone
White flags of winter chimneys
Waving truce against the moon
In the mirrors of a modern bank
From the window of a hotel room
I'm traveling in some vehicle
I'm sitting in some cafe
A defector from the petty wars
Until love sucks me back that way
I'm sitting in some cafe
A defector from the petty wars
That shell shock love away
There's comfort in melancholy
When there's no need to explain
It's just as natural as the weather
In this moody sky today
In our possessive coupling
So much could not be expressed
So now I'm returning to myself
These things that you and I suppressed
I see something of myself in everyone
Just at this moment of the world
As snow gathers like bolts of lace
Waltzing on a ballroom girl
You know it never has been easy
Whether you do or you do not resign
Whether you travel the breadth of extremities
Or stick to some straighter line
Now here's a man and a woman sitting on a rock
They're either going to thaw out or freeze
Listen...
Strains of Benny Goodman
Coming through the snow and the pinewood trees
I'm porous with travel fever
But you know I'm so glad to be on my own
Still somehow the slightest touch of a stranger
Can set up trembling in my bones
I know - no one's going to show me everything
We all come and go unknown
Each so deep and superficial
Between the forceps and the stone
Well I looked at the granite markers
Those tribute to finality - to eternity
And then I looked at myself here
Chicken scratching for my immortality
In the church they light the candles
And the wax rolls down like tears
There's the hope and the hopelessness
I've witnessed thirty years
We're only particles of change I know, I know
Orbiting around the sun
But how can I have that point of view
When I'm always bound and tied to someone
White flags of winter chimneys
Waving truce against the moon
In the mirrors of a modern bank
From the window of a hotel room
I'm traveling in some vehicle
I'm sitting in some cafe
A defector from the petty wars
Until love sucks me back that way
Comments (349)add comment
When everyone arrives for the recording session, why does Joni Mitchel get given a different song (sheet) to sing to what everyone else is playing? It happens time and again.
Roguewarer wrote:
Oh ya? So when is your album of amazing music that will be a top seller because it's so perfect coming out? Anytime soon?
Logged in specifically to dis this track.
Can we please just settle on a goddamn melody? Please?
Good Criminey’s Sakes!! Her rambling is annoying af.
Oh ya? So when is your album of amazing music that will be a top seller because it's so perfect coming out? Anytime soon?
cropduster wrote:
It's the difference of opinion that makes a horse race interesting. Maybe they just don't understand it. Their sad loss.
People rating this below 6 don't know music 
.
.
It's the difference of opinion that makes a horse race interesting. Maybe they just don't understand it. Their sad loss.
Logged in specifically to dis this track.
Can we please just settle on a goddamn melody? Please?
Good Criminey’s Sakes!! Her rambling is annoying af.
Can we please just settle on a goddamn melody? Please?
Good Criminey’s Sakes!! Her rambling is annoying af.
Joni is one of the most influential spirits in our musical zeitgeist for the last half century, at least n my world. To go from 'roller skates' to capturing to the emotions of the 'woodstock' generation at her 'House' in the 'Canyon' and then morphing into the world of jazz with likes of Metheny, Jaco, Mingus, Shorter, Herbie, her spirit is as fluid as her expression ... for me, this song and album are the most distilled essence of her creative spirit.
When this song comes on,I stop and find this world ... try it with headphones
When this song comes on,I stop and find this world ... try it with headphones
funkyalfonso wrote:
Oh yes. What a magnificent album! When I'm in a certain space and need grounding and some reminder of what joy is, I put that on. Joni speaks to my heart. This is a full 10 for me. Can't imagine how anything could be any better.
People are mentioning Jaco Pastorius here. For one of the finest lineups of any band anywhere please watch 'Shadows and Light' on youtube with Jaco playing his awesome bass. With Pat Matheney, Lyle Mays, Don Elias et al..
Oh yes. What a magnificent album! When I'm in a certain space and need grounding and some reminder of what joy is, I put that on. Joni speaks to my heart. This is a full 10 for me. Can't imagine how anything could be any better.
funkyalfonso wrote:
Heaven on earth. My favorite album, hands down.
People are mentioning Jaco Pastorius here. For one of the finest lineups of any band anywhere please watch 'Shadows and Light' on youtube with Jaco playing his awesome bass. With Pat Matheney, Lyle Mays, Don Elias et al..
Heaven on earth. My favorite album, hands down.
Stunning musicianship from all here.
I moved it from Outstanding to Godlike, bcs imho it is!
This is awful.
I really don't care what others think, TBH. I think this is one of her greatest songs.
Her exodus; this was a record of Joni’s journey to escape the dangerous, the undesirable: “again and again the same situation” brought on by the massive success of her previous album. A chronicle of the road, think Dean Moriarty, updated to the 70’s and containing some of her most evocative lyrics. Oh yeah, and Joni switched to interlocking and hypnotic electric guitars to lay a foundation for the groundbreaking work of perhaps the greatest electric bass player to ever live, Jaco. And line after line of painterly images! A series of them that populate a song I can never forget, as Joni, filled with doubts and “…porous with travel fever, sings of the “…white flags of winter chimneys/waving truce against the moon/in the mirrors of a modern bank/from the window of a hotel room.”
Her exodus; this was a record of Joni’s journey to escape the dangerous, the undesirable: “again and again the same situation” brought on by the massive success of her previous album. A chronicle of the road, think Dean Moriarty, updated to the 70’s and containing some of her most evocative lyrics. Oh yeah, and Joni switched to interlocking and hypnotic electric guitars to lay a foundation for the groundbreaking work of perhaps the greatest electric bass player to ever live, Jaco. And line after line of painterly images! A series of them that populate a song I can never forget, as Joni, filled with doubts and “…porous with travel fever, sings of the “…white flags of winter chimneys/waving truce against the moon/in the mirrors of a modern bank/from the window of a hotel room.”
funkyalfonso wrote:
Agreed, that was a "Supergroup".
Larry Carlton has a way with strings, too. ;)
People are mentioning Jaco Pastorius here. For one of the finest lineups of any band anywhere please watch 'Shadows and Light' on youtube with Jaco playing his awesome bass. With Pat Matheney, Lyle Mays, Don Elias et al..
Agreed, that was a "Supergroup".
Larry Carlton has a way with strings, too. ;)
I'm going to take a journey to the skip button.
Shesdifferent wrote:
Not true! I'm not a die-hard fan but I'm loving it. Joni's lovely vocals mingling with some excellent backing music, what's not to like? (Can't believe it's taken me all these years to hear it.)
You have to be a die-hard Joni fan so get through this...which I am. Not my choice...but I am glad it was played anyway.
Not true! I'm not a die-hard fan but I'm loving it. Joni's lovely vocals mingling with some excellent backing music, what's not to like? (Can't believe it's taken me all these years to hear it.)
Something about her words. I don't know. I can feel them.
Zeekei wrote:
I will second all that emotion.
Thank you our friend.
This always stirs the restless part in me, wanting me to start travelling. We are only particles of change. From the window of a hotel room. Love the lyrics, love the bass, so so so beautiful!
I will second all that emotion.
Thank you our friend.
This always stirs the restless part in me, wanting me to start travelling. We are only particles of change. From the window of a hotel room. Love the lyrics, love the bass, so so so beautiful!
It’s worth an 8 just for Paco’s fret less bass work - some very low marks?
the intention and execution here is flawless; the height of artistic expression. What a gift is this album.
This is a nine for me, which is, of course, irrelevant to other listeners. I am astounded by Joni's mastery of song structure and the assemblage of masterful musicians.
While I understand that she's polarizing, still, when I look at the song ratings distribution graph, I find the high number of one ratings almost disturbing.
While I understand that she's polarizing, still, when I look at the song ratings distribution graph, I find the high number of one ratings almost disturbing.
Wonderful. Thank you RP!
Ya know, this RP web page is worth a visit: https://radioparadise.com/supp...
Ya know, this RP web page is worth a visit: https://radioparadise.com/supp...
cropduster wrote:
Absolutely!!!
People rating this below 6 don't know music .
.
Absolutely!!!
I don't like her ... very annoing song... sorry for the followers and fans.
Joni Mitchell wrote some of the most important music of our lifetimes, and this is a sublime example.
This is beautiful. More like a lyrical poem than a "song" as we normally hear on radio.
I get that it may not be to someone's taste. But what I don't get is anyone who takes the time to write about how much they hate an artist or a song. That negative energy is just poison.
I get that it may not be to someone's taste. But what I don't get is anyone who takes the time to write about how much they hate an artist or a song. That negative energy is just poison.
This song always extracts me away from wherever and whatever I'm doing to some sublime and foreign place. Such a nice balance of space throughout this piece. It nearly always moves me to tears.
Edit: Best listened to at night and preferably during the winter months.
Edit: Best listened to at night and preferably during the winter months.
"We all come and go unknown
Each so deep and superficial
Between the forceps and the stone
Well I looked at the granite markers
Those tribute to finality - to eternity
And then I looked at myself here
Chicken scratching for my immortality"
Some of the greatest lyrics ever written layered on some of the most beautiful and evocative music ever written. It can't get any better.
Each so deep and superficial
Between the forceps and the stone
Well I looked at the granite markers
Those tribute to finality - to eternity
And then I looked at myself here
Chicken scratching for my immortality"
Some of the greatest lyrics ever written layered on some of the most beautiful and evocative music ever written. It can't get any better.
As many others, I am so sad to see the low ratings of and disparaging comments about the music of this genius. Jaco is supreme on these tracks and her syncopated singing of poetry, and that range of her voice. Many of you out there just need to really listen. Keep playing her , Bill
Ain't that Jaco on bass?
Joni is a national treasure.
never heard this joni mitchell song before bill thanks
There's an interesting video series about what makes songs great, and this one about Amelia is worth a view. Amelia is not even amongst my favorite 50 joni jongs, but I can really appreciate it after getting inside it in this way.
This was so annoying that I took a break from cleaning the dishes, logged myself in and gave it a 1 star rating. Now I feel a bit better...
White flags of winter chimneys
Waving truce against the moon
Pure poetry.
Waving truce against the moon
Pure poetry.
funkyalfonso wrote:
Amazing album, one of my faves!
People are mentioning Jaco Pastorius here. For one of the finest lineups of any band anywhere please watch 'Shadows and Light' on youtube with Jaco playing his awesome bass. With Pat Matheney, Lyle Mays, Don Elias et al..
Amazing album, one of my faves!
RabbitEars wrote:
I couldn't agree more. I had no idea about her music until RP. She is awesome. But they seem to like Radiohead and Pearl Jam instead. Who knows.
Joni's RP ratings are heresy. It's so strange to me that people who like a lot of music on this site don't get what a genius she is.
Why is it that Americans need to hear their happiness major and their tragedy minor, and as jazzy as they can handle is a seventh chord? Are they not experiencing complex emotions?
Why is it that Americans need to hear their happiness major and their tragedy minor, and as jazzy as they can handle is a seventh chord? Are they not experiencing complex emotions?
I couldn't agree more. I had no idea about her music until RP. She is awesome. But they seem to like Radiohead and Pearl Jam instead. Who knows.
Joni's RP ratings are heresy. It's so strange to me that people who like a lot of music on this site don't get what a genius she is.
Why is it that Americans need to hear their happiness major and their tragedy minor, and as jazzy as they can handle is a seventh chord? Are they not experiencing complex emotions?
Why is it that Americans need to hear their happiness major and their tragedy minor, and as jazzy as they can handle is a seventh chord? Are they not experiencing complex emotions?
People rating this below 6 don't know music .
.People are mentioning Jaco Pastorius here. For one of the finest lineups of any band anywhere please watch 'Shadows and Light' on youtube with Jaco playing his awesome bass. With Pat Matheney, Lyle Mays, Don Elias et al..
I imagine when Joni recorded this song, she just told the other musicians to play whatever they want to play while she rambles through her lyrics.
And yet more tuneless drivel from Mitchell.
Heartwrenching.
I am pretty sure Jaco and Joni were lovers during this period (according to Jaco biography). Jaco's work on Coyote from this album is simply sublime IMO.
Thursday, first day of November,somewhere in Beijing, listening to Radioparadise again after a long time away. Joni Mitchell, and Pastorius, bliss...
Join Mitchell!!! I guess you had to be there. I wasn't and I don't get it. please for the love God please stop playing this horrific music!!!
I am so glad that my life has overlapped with this incredible artist's time on this planet. It's been 50 years since I first heard her, and I love her music even more than I did then.
johnturner20 wrote:
That's a nice piece of trivia. I wouldn't have known Jaco was on bass.
Love this .. and Pastorius .. heaven
That's a nice piece of trivia. I wouldn't have known Jaco was on bass.
I don't care what the naysayers think. We're each entitled to our own opinions. So I say this is one of beloved Joni's best tracks. And I thank Bill and RP for giving it airtime.
Love this .. and Pastorius .. heaven
Most interesting thing I learned about Joni from reading recent bio Reckless Daughter was that around the time of Hissing, Hejira, she spent time with Chogyam Trungpa and spent a few days in an enlightened state. It makes total sense... there's a certain kind of ego awareness that seeped into her lyrics at this time. "chicken scratching for my immortality"
jbuhl wrote:
Pretty sure that is Pastorius. She has a piece on her web page dedicated to him and working with him.
It absolutely is Pastorius. I knew it the first time I heard this track and confirmed via wikipedia.
Covered here in the link for her album:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hejira_(album)
Arguably the most sublime bassist I've ever heard.
Pretty sure that is Pastorius. She has a piece on her web page dedicated to him and working with him.
It absolutely is Pastorius. I knew it the first time I heard this track and confirmed via wikipedia.
Covered here in the link for her album:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hejira_(album)
Arguably the most sublime bassist I've ever heard.
Many didn't understand Beethoven when he was alive.
kingart wrote:
Pretty sure that is Pastorius. She has a piece on her web page dedicated to him and working with him.
A fabulous song writer, guitarist, singer, performer. I seldom fail to respect, and praise, great and lovely talent. She's really reaching for something. Great gifts must be recognized. ... But for what it's worth, most of her tunes are just not in my wheelhouse.
But if that's Jaco Pastorius playing the bass, I'll take it.
But if that's Jaco Pastorius playing the bass, I'll take it.
Pretty sure that is Pastorius. She has a piece on her web page dedicated to him and working with him.
gjeeg wrote:
Well said.
Joni's music is not for the simple-minded.
....We all come and go unknown
Each so deep and superficial
Between the forceps and the stone...
Unparalleled brilliance.
Perhaps her absolute peak.
Her creative force defines the contradictory, fiery discomfort of the Artist.
The impossible genius.
Have always loved her. But can't get too near. She'll melt you.
Each so deep and superficial
Between the forceps and the stone...
Unparalleled brilliance.
Perhaps her absolute peak.
Her creative force defines the contradictory, fiery discomfort of the Artist.
The impossible genius.
Have always loved her. But can't get too near. She'll melt you.
Well said.
Joni's music is not for the simple-minded.
amb599 wrote:
If I ran a prison I would use this to torture the prisoners. Super super annoying and awful. I can't tune it out. I respect the talent and artistry here but this is just pure torture for me.
Jeezeuzz GAWWWD man. So cruel and unusual. May I never end up incarcerated anywhere, but ESPECIALLY in a joint that YOU run!
9 -> 10
Such a unique song, vocal and production
Spread love
Such a unique song, vocal and production
Spread love
He always seemed so bad he never seemed too bright, he was glowing like the meddle on election night.
He was long ago he is far away he was so much better than covfefe.
He was long ago he is far away he was so much better than covfefe.
Even after everything else so good, I think this was her best. The combination of lyrics and music (whatever version of jazz you call this) is just Joni at the top of her game.
If I ran a prison I would use this to torture the prisoners. Super super annoying and awful. I can't tune it out. I respect the talent and artistry here but this is just pure torture for me.
Joni is completely unique, at least in the world of generally known music. If you don't accept, much less appreciate her free-form vocals, she won't go down well with you. For me, she is mood dependent. There are times when I will not have the patience for much of what she does, but when I'm open to chill a bit, there are many options, but none do quite what she does. Of course, at anytime the high quality of her recordings is obvious.
kingart wrote:
Some argue he wasn't just the best, but the best EVER. Completely bat-$hit, but dang he could play.
I think that's Pat Metheny on guitar, very distinctive as well.
A fabulous song writer, guitarist, singer, performer. I seldom fail to respect, and praise, great and lovely talent. She's really reaching for something. Great gifts must be recognized. ... But for what it's worth, most of her tunes are just not in my wheelhouse.
But if that's Jaco Pastorius playing the bass, I'll take it.
But if that's Jaco Pastorius playing the bass, I'll take it.
Some argue he wasn't just the best, but the best EVER. Completely bat-$hit, but dang he could play.
I think that's Pat Metheny on guitar, very distinctive as well.
Wiki: "... the polio had affected her fingers, and she had to devise dozens of alternative tunings of her own."
That must be why her music sounds like no other.
I wonder how many artists try to cover her and say 'what the heck did she DO?'
c.
That must be why her music sounds like no other.
I wonder how many artists try to cover her and say 'what the heck did she DO?'
c.
sfyi2001 wrote:
E X C R U C I A T I N G
Give us a break. Bruno Mars is paging you.
E X C R U C I A T I N G
Give us a break. Bruno Mars is paging you.
A fabulous song writer, guitarist, singer, performer. I seldom fail to respect, and praise, great and lovely talent. She's really reaching for something. Great gifts must be recognized. ... But for what it's worth, most of her tunes are just not in my wheelhouse.
But if that's Jaco Pastorius playing the bass, I'll take it.
But if that's Jaco Pastorius playing the bass, I'll take it.
Ears have healed so nicely... now they're bleeding again...
....We all come and go unknown
Each so deep and superficial
Between the forceps and the stone...
Unparalleled brilliance.
Perhaps her absolute peak.
Her creative force defines the contradictory, fiery discomfort of the Artist.
The impossible genius.
Have always loved her. But can't get too near. She'll melt you.
Each so deep and superficial
Between the forceps and the stone...
Unparalleled brilliance.
Perhaps her absolute peak.
Her creative force defines the contradictory, fiery discomfort of the Artist.
The impossible genius.
Have always loved her. But can't get too near. She'll melt you.
...have another fag Joni...
Read her book, an interview from an old friend, she had a tough life early on and wouldn't let men control her. She didn't want to sound like anyone else a few songs went top 100 but that wasn't her focus she had to experiment always.
My favorite album. Jaco and Wayne are terrific on it and the lyrics are hammered out until they're perfect. Please play "Coyote"
Bought this when it first came out. Thinking she was just a folk strummer I always wondered who played guitar on this for her. Dummy me. Being into Return to Forever and many similar jazz fusion bands at that time I knew Jaco Pastorius was there on bass but thought Joni had hired guns do the guitar for her. What a story teller in word and music. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hejira_(album)
Feh to the naysayers previous to my post.
And when is Bill gonna play some Return to Forever, Stanley Clarke, Jaco, Carla Bley, Larry Coryell and such?
Feh to the naysayers previous to my post.
And when is Bill gonna play some Return to Forever, Stanley Clarke, Jaco, Carla Bley, Larry Coryell and such?
Thanks Jaco
randyblew wrote:
bump
I'm amazed by all periods of her self-expression as an artIst. The move into jazz was her own choice and expressed a strong persoanl reflection, and didn't kowtow to what she could have done as a very popular folk artistC she's always been completely authentic to her own vision as an artist, and that's beautiful and rare. And her voice and the musicians are lovely. What's to suck about that?
bump
Soon the sucko barfo votes will be in the majority.
I wonder how many of them would rate it even lower if they could.
I wonder how many of them would rate it even lower if they could.
kennewicksheri wrote:
I feel the same. But I do recall that it took me a few years to actually enjoy Joni's voice! So I can sympathize with some folks' distaste. It is the incredible power of her lyrics that won me over. ALSO, I know there are two kinds of pop-music-listeners: those who appreciate the words, and those who just don't actually listen to (or don't understand) lyrics! (This has caused me no end of grief over the years, but I accept it now).
I was wondering about some of the more vitriolic negative comments, however; and I have a tentative theory.
Over the years that I have enjoyed and treasured Joni's music, it seems to me that certain of my male acquaintances who put Ms. Mitchell down, happen to also be somewhat (unconsciously) misogynistic. It's as though they despise Joni, at least partly, simply because their significant female other(s), love Joni's music, and would sometimes retreat from their (intolerant?) partner to take comfort in Joni's songs.
In general: it seems to me that some resent Joni Mitchell's very powerful and evocative lyrics for coming from a woman, and for empowering women.
I think that I'll stop there, to avoid my own vitriolic side!
To test my theory, I ask that any female Joni-haters identify themselves as such.
(I am myself, male).
Thank you Radio Paradise, for becoming the soundtrack of my life!
Exquisite
Visuals.. images.... universal feelings....
"...I see something of myself in everyone
Just at this moment of the world...."
Thank you Radio Paradise, and Joni Mitchell
Visuals.. images.... universal feelings....
"...I see something of myself in everyone
Just at this moment of the world...."
Thank you Radio Paradise, and Joni Mitchell
I feel the same. But I do recall that it took me a few years to actually enjoy Joni's voice! So I can sympathize with some folks' distaste. It is the incredible power of her lyrics that won me over. ALSO, I know there are two kinds of pop-music-listeners: those who appreciate the words, and those who just don't actually listen to (or don't understand) lyrics! (This has caused me no end of grief over the years, but I accept it now).
I was wondering about some of the more vitriolic negative comments, however; and I have a tentative theory.
Over the years that I have enjoyed and treasured Joni's music, it seems to me that certain of my male acquaintances who put Ms. Mitchell down, happen to also be somewhat (unconsciously) misogynistic. It's as though they despise Joni, at least partly, simply because their significant female other(s), love Joni's music, and would sometimes retreat from their (intolerant?) partner to take comfort in Joni's songs.
In general: it seems to me that some resent Joni Mitchell's very powerful and evocative lyrics for coming from a woman, and for empowering women.
I think that I'll stop there, to avoid my own vitriolic side!
To test my theory, I ask that any female Joni-haters identify themselves as such.
(I am myself, male).
Thank you Radio Paradise, for becoming the soundtrack of my life!
An AVERAGE rating of SIX?? 
greiffenstein wrote:
+1
The soothing pleasant instrumental background is horribly marred by Joni Mitchell's whiny, annoying song stylings. The music is better suited for a soft, silky voice like Sade's or Sting's. Joni's bizarre and erratic pseudo-operatic voice on this track is all wrong. Anybody have her number? I can give her a call
+1
I adore Joni, and this song. Poignant lyrics, unexpected instrumentals, incomparable voice. The haters can just hate. I'm a lover not a fighter.
On_The_Beach wrote:
So true. I'm always mystified by all the whiny comments re Joni's music.
I get that it's not easy-listening Top 40 pop pablum, but isn't that what makes her music great?
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but the level of vitriol is completely disproportionate and unjustified, IMHO.
+1
So true. I'm always mystified by all the whiny comments re Joni's music.
I get that it's not easy-listening Top 40 pop pablum, but isn't that what makes her music great?
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but the level of vitriol is completely disproportionate and unjustified, IMHO.
+1
greiffenstein wrote:
The soothing pleasant song was horribly marred by your whiny annoying comment.
The soothing pleasant instrumental background is horribly marred by Joni Mitchell's whiny, annoying song stylings. The music is better suited for a soft, silky voice like Sade's or Sting's. Joni's bizarre and erratic pseudo-operatic voice on this track is all wrong. Anybody have her number? I can give her a call
The soothing pleasant song was horribly marred by your whiny annoying comment.
Current average rating = 6. How about anything less than a seven never gets played again. And while were at it, let's skip anything by Joni Mitchell as well.
greiffenstein wrote:
What he said. It's like when you're sitting on the beach listening to the pleasant sound of waves breaking gently on the shore and a seagull suddenly squawks in your ear.
The soothing pleasant instrumental background is horribly marred by Joni Mitchell's whiny, annoying song stylings. The music is better suited for a soft, silky voice like Sade's or Sting's. Joni's bizarre and erratic pseudo-operatic voice on this track is all wrong. Anybody have her number? I can give her a call
What he said. It's like when you're sitting on the beach listening to the pleasant sound of waves breaking gently on the shore and a seagull suddenly squawks in your ear.
This song will always be new music.
greiffenstein wrote:
Well said!
The soothing pleasant instrumental background is horribly marred by Joni Mitchell's whiny, annoying song stylings. The music is better suited for a soft, silky voice like Sade's or Sting's. Joni's bizarre and erratic pseudo-operatic voice on this track is all wrong. Anybody have her number? I can give her a call
Well said!
The soothing pleasant instrumental background is horribly marred by Joni Mitchell's whiny, annoying song stylings. The music is better suited for a soft, silky voice like Sade's or Sting's. Joni's bizarre and erratic pseudo-operatic voice on this track is all wrong. Anybody have her number? I can give her a call
skindy wrote:
Agreed. That's more like it.
"I know - no one's going to show me everything
We all come and go unknown
Each so deep and superficial
Between the forceps and the stone"
Man, I love Joni Mitchell. 
Agreed. That's more like it.
I will always think of her as Bob Dylan's "sister".
Her desire to push it and experiment and create songs that always...always demonstrate a high level of musicianship.
Not afraid to be off-center. An odd duck. Weird. Different.
And of course the attitude.
Keep pushing on, baby.
Her desire to push it and experiment and create songs that always...always demonstrate a high level of musicianship.
Not afraid to be off-center. An odd duck. Weird. Different.
And of course the attitude.
Keep pushing on, baby.
rwhardy wrote:
Amen to that brother.
The other bit that I like is the one when I'm not listening to RP when this comes on.
love when it fades out, then you know its almost over
Amen to that brother.
The other bit that I like is the one when I'm not listening to RP when this comes on.
rarefind50 wrote:
Joni at her most sublime
randyblew wrote:
So true. I'm always mystified by all the whiny comments re Joni's music.
I get that it's not easy-listening Top 40 pop pablum, but isn't that what makes her music great?
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but the level of vitriol is completely disproportionate and unjustified, IMHO.
I'm amazed by all periods of her self-expression as an artIst. The move into jazz was her own choice and expressed a strong personal reflection, and didn't kowtow to what she could have done as a very popular folk artist she's always been completely authentic to her own vision as an artist, and that's beautiful and rare. And her voice and the musicians are lovely. What's to suck about that?
So true. I'm always mystified by all the whiny comments re Joni's music.
I get that it's not easy-listening Top 40 pop pablum, but isn't that what makes her music great?
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but the level of vitriol is completely disproportionate and unjustified, IMHO.
love when it fades out, then you know its almost over
sfyi2001 wrote:
E X C R U C I A T I N G
true, horrible singing, almost physically painful!
E X C R U C I A T I N G
true, horrible singing, almost physically painful!
E X C R U C I A T I N G
How anyone can rate this song below 7 is beyond me!
chinaski wrote:
....but she insists on "singing" and that spoils it.
Joni on guitar, Jaco on bass...wonderful! What a soundscape. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hejira_%28album%29
....but she insists on "singing" and that spoils it.
Joni at her most sublime
Foot wrote:
I can sympathise with view, as I always PSD her earlier stuff. But, with this, I find I am really enjoying it. Perhaps because of her lack of reach into the higher, shaky, registers I can more appreciate the content without being scared away. I am one of those poor unfortunates who cannot tolerate dicey vocals, so I understand that it is my loss, not anyone else's. Her genius and appeal is still undoubted.
With apologizes I'll officially join the of legion Joni haters, however I date my dislike from the early 1970's. Didn't like it then, just awful now. All of it...
I can sympathise with view, as I always PSD her earlier stuff. But, with this, I find I am really enjoying it. Perhaps because of her lack of reach into the higher, shaky, registers I can more appreciate the content without being scared away. I am one of those poor unfortunates who cannot tolerate dicey vocals, so I understand that it is my loss, not anyone else's. Her genius and appeal is still undoubted.
Outstanding and atmospheric. Loved this album when it came out and still do. It would be nice to hear "Furry sings the blues" from this too. Amazed to see this only averages a 6 though. To each their own, I suppose.
"from the forceps to the stone..."
kennewicksheri wrote:
kennewicksheri wrote:
Exquisite
Visuals.. images.... universal feelings....
"...I see something of myself in everyone
Just at this moment of the world...."
Thank you Radio Paradise, and Joni Mitchell
Visuals.. images.... universal feelings....
"...I see something of myself in everyone
Just at this moment of the world...."
Thank you Radio Paradise, and Joni Mitchell
True. Perfect.
LYS wrote:
LYS wrote:
PERFECT
Uhhhhhhhhhh...............what?
PERFECT
maolibluewinch wrote:
Wait. Are you listening to this song? Boring? Boring? I find it gorgeous.
It's profound lyrically & the musicality is unparalleled.
I'm biased by my strong love for Joni, this album, and this song in particular. But 'boring?' Not to me.
Very boring.
Wait. Are you listening to this song? Boring? Boring? I find it gorgeous.
It's profound lyrically & the musicality is unparalleled.
I'm biased by my strong love for Joni, this album, and this song in particular. But 'boring?' Not to me.
I'm amazed by all periods of her self-expression as an artIst. The move into jazz was her own choice and expressed a strong persoanl reflection, and didn't kowtow to what she could have done as a very popular folk artistC she's always been completely authentic to her own vision as an artist, and that's beautiful and rare. And her voice and the musicians are lovely. What's to suck about that?
chinaski wrote:
love the guitar, she sounds good
Joni on guitar, Jaco on bass...wonderful! What a soundscape. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hejira_%28album%29
love the guitar, she sounds good
Very boring.
Saw her perform in late 1979 at the Portlandia Coliseum. Backed up by Jaco Pastorius and Pat Metheny. Great show.
..in a league of her own...and with Jaco so brilliant!!!
Joni on guitar, Jaco on bass...wonderful! What a soundscape. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hejira_%28album%29
This LP and Don Juan's Reckless Daughter are so personal, sophisticated and original: Delightful. A fine artist at her best, imho. Love it!
Joni on a Saturday morning
nice beginning
nice beginning
I like the background music. 7 for that.
It reminds me of Lilium. I tried to add one track from their debut album. It's in the maybe selection now so lets see...
It reminds me of Lilium. I tried to add one track from their debut album. It's in the maybe selection now so lets see...
With apologizes I'll officially join the of legion Joni haters, however I date my dislike from the early 1970's. Didn't like it then, just awful now. All of it...
Terrific lyrics, but a hard melody to follow.
'Tis Interesting how this song polarizes listeners.
I am a bit of a fan of modern music pluralism—having sharpened my hearing on CHOM-FM from Montreal back in the day. In that respect, RP would be a mediocre listening experience if it eliminated songs like this.
'Tis Interesting how this song polarizes listeners.
I am a bit of a fan of modern music pluralism—having sharpened my hearing on CHOM-FM from Montreal back in the day. In that respect, RP would be a mediocre listening experience if it eliminated songs like this.
MrsTom wrote:
That's called "upspeak", something I can't stand hearing from the younger folks either. It's sounds like the Valley Girl in the Zappa song.
But I don't feel Joni does that here.
Some of Joni's stuff reaches me but maybe I'm not in the mood for this. Perhaps on a sunny day in the garden with a tall glass of something strong. But even then her random high notes grate on me. Like people whose accents make every sentence sound like a question.
That's called "upspeak", something I can't stand hearing from the younger folks either. It's sounds like the Valley Girl in the Zappa song.
But I don't feel Joni does that here.
The song is about a woman who's relationship has broken up and she gets in the car and takes herself on a road trip alone. She is courageous, she is thoughtful and she returns to herself by taking this journey. She knows she will not always be alone but for now, she is
on her own.
on her own.
This touches me..
"I know - no one's going to show me everything
We all come and go unknown
Each so deep and superficial
Between the forceps and the stone"
Man, I love Joni Mitchell.
Was this released in '76? I recall it being '77 because that was the year my world fell apart and I took my own hejira, with this cassette practically welded to the sound system of my old VW as we chugged across the country.
Sure, it's a difficult album and I guess I have my personal reasons for liking it as much as I do. But it's long been one of my favorite of hers.
Sorry to hear about her hospitalization and I hope she is soon restored to full health.
Sure, it's a difficult album and I guess I have my personal reasons for liking it as much as I do. But it's long been one of my favorite of hers.
Sorry to hear about her hospitalization and I hope she is soon restored to full health.