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To describe it briefly, I'd call it a collection of jazz songs and classics carefully selected from the 1920's all the way to the present, sung in beautifully re-orchestrated versions. It also includes re-worked versions of two of Joni's own songs: A Case of You, and the title-track Both Sides Now. Most of the other tracks were at some point sung by the great jazz artistes such as Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald.
Since I bought the CD a week ago I've been as hooked on it as I'm ever going to get. The CD has been on continuous play in my home hi-fi system; it's followed me into the car; and I've even snuck it into my computer at office. I'm surprised it hasn't yet burnt out! The mood of the music is at the same time both deeply emotional and dramatic, but also foot-tappingly upbeat - and this versatility and adaptability is perhaps the CD's best asset.
It's practically impossible to do justice to the collection by pin-pointing its highlights. I was initially drawn to the CD after hearing the version of "Both Sides Now" on the 'Love, Actually' soundtrack. This particular track is remarkable not only for the haunting clarity with which Joni delivers, but also for the stunning orchestration by Vince Mendoza. Now that the CD has started to grow on me, I also think "Answer Me, My Love" is another impressive track.
However cliché it may sound, this is one of those CD's without which no collection can call itself complete. I have never been a die-hard Joni Mitchell aficionado, but this CD is not simply intended for Joni fans.
... Read more ›Joni Mitchell's mother, Myrtle, says that to really appreciate this album you have to turn it UP LOUD! The strings and the arrangement really get to you.
Listening to Joni Mitchell's earlier recordings it's rather hard to imagine she might delve into the 1930s and 40s for this album. But thankfully she did, for this is a wonderful, beautiful piece of work, with many heart-wrenching moments. The choice of songs is superb, mixing great standards with more recherche numbers, all sung with total heart and soul.
The arrangements are grand but never cloying, with Joni's smoky voice cutting through the strings to magical effect. The album recalls the great thematic albums Sinatra made with Nelson Riddle and Gordon Jenkins in the 1950s, as the drama of each song is completely realised.
So, treat yourself to this. On a final note, don't listen to "Both Sides Now" if you're feeling particularly vulnerable - this is serious catharsis.
Recorded almost live in the studio with an orchestra , it's that rare thing these days - a combination of first-rate musical talents (superb arrangements by Vince Mendoza, wonderful playing by Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter, classic songs spanning four decades), in a recording which is both technically pure yet warm at the same time. So what if there's no new material - she's written enough in her career to satisfy the most demanding fan. She wanted to create a 'concept' album which demonstrated that, for all these years while we've been admiring her songwriting, there's been a hell of a singer in the background.
This album demonstrates an artist at the peak of her maturity. Order it,pour yourself a glass of wine, switch the lights off and dive in.
will recomend to older type of friends.
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