bad.squirrel presents...

Joni Mitchell - "Court And Spark"

Transition from an acoustic to a full band sound is never a simple process. As an avid fan of her earlier works such as the debut "Songs to a Seagull" and "Blue", I was relieved and pleasantly surprised to find "Court And Spark" so accessible and enjoyable. It has all the hallmarks of Joni's previous musicial style and lyrical whims about her beloved Los Angeles, music industry, parties, drink, sex and Paris.

     

The good thing is that it's not too adventurous to alienate hardcore acoustic devotees (she would start being more ambitious on her next album "Hissing Of Summer Lawns"). I love "People's Parties", "Same Situation", "Car On A Hill" and there are nice orchestral moments on "Down To You". Elsewhere are splashes of saxophone. The final song "Twisted" (a cover version) is a wonderfully comical and jazzy track about her (perhaps) childhood state of mind.

So overall it has a fuller and more modern feel than earlier albums though not all the songs have bass and percussion. Not as challenging or emotionally overwrought as, say, "Blue" but it's a great Joni Mitchell record nonetheless and makes for some pleasant, easy listening. It may even be considered apt enough for lounge lizards at cocktail parties.

For my money, Joni Mitchell is the archetypal "woman with acoustic guitar" act, paving the way for the likes of Suzanne Vega, Tori Amos, Kathryn Williams et al.

Hail the High Priestess, the original and the best.

Released on Asylum, 1974.

Click here for JoniMitchell.com where you can find facts, lyrics and a discography.

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