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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Taking its title from one of Joni Mitchell's best-known songs, this atmospheric album traces the arc of a relationship: from first excited flush, through resigned closure, to the next real thing. Two of the tracks are re-recordings of early Mitchell songs--the title track and the lesser-known "A Case Of You", but otherwise the tales are told in the words of others. The self-painted cover gives a clue to the album's mood: lush and lavish, with a 70-piece orchestra accompanying songs popularised by Sinatra, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. This is Joni Mitchell as torch singer, with well-chosen songs ("Stormy Weather", "Don't Go To Strangers", "Answer Me My Love") brightly arranged and beautifully sung. But from a singer whose reputation as one of rock's most respected songwriters was established by early, folk-influenced albums such as Clouds and Blue and the crowd-pleasing Court And Spark, the lack of new material on Both Sides Now is inevitably disappointing. --Patrick Humphries
Album Description
Includes - Artist Biography. Discography.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
54 of 56 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Working late one night in my office, I had the radio on in the background. A beautiful version of an old song came on and distracted me to the point of waiting to hear who it was. The DJ announced that it was Joni Mitchell and the track was 'Answer Me'. I had never bought a Joni Mitchell album or listened to her music, but on the strength of that one song I immediatly logged on to Amazon and discovered it was a new album which I ordered. What a purchase! This album is a terrific collection of classic songs, with brilliant orchestral arrangements and Joni's soulful voice perfect on every track. Get yourself a glass of wine, turn down the lights and turn up the stereo, you are in for a treat. I have recommended this album to all my friends - none of them have regretted buying it and nor will you!
41 of 43 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
It is very, very hard to describe this CD without resorting to gushing superlatives and over-use of the words "amazing", "fantastic", and "wonderful"; yet this album is all of those things and more; much more.
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. The CD has struck a chord with me and I cannot recommend it enough.
32 of 34 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
It was the film "Love Actually" that first led me to this album, and I don't mind admitting it. Emma Thompson sobbing to this rendition of "Both Sides Now" hit a strong chord with me and I decided to investigate the whole album.
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.
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.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A mistake...
...mine, not Joni's. I really should have read around this album a bit more before buying, but was beguiled by the high reviewer rating it got here. Read more
Published 18 days ago by I. Saunders
Soul in a glass
I bought this cd originally for one track, Both sides now, i have heard numerous versions of this song by great performers, but this version reaches into the depths of your soul,... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Mrs. D. L. Murphy
Fantastic
I love the film Love Actually and believe it of not i heard Jodie Mitchael from that movie so i said wht the heck i get the cd and boy am happy i did i love the way she sings her... Read more
Published 7 months ago by T Leahy
Good folk sound
I like Joni Mitchell. This happens to be one of the beat. I found that the CD is more mainstream for fans who may not be over-familiar with the Mitchell concept.
Published 8 months ago by K. Hedges
Both sides now - Joni Mitchell
Bought for the wife after she heard the title track on the film Love Actually, the star rating above is hers. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Tim Young
Didn't realise she could be so good
I've always liked the work of Joni Mitchell but this is different and exceptional. The orchestral accompaniment, and the building of the theme as the songs proceed, remind me of... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Michael F. Freer
Wonderful album...
Joni's voice on this album is quite gravelly, but still wonderful. The 'Both Sides Now' track is really haunting and so moving. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Jules
Highly Recommended
Bought after watching Love Actually...my first introduction to Joni Mitchell...will definitely purchase more. Really enjoyable
Published on 1 Mar 2010 by daz
Real talent is rare
How dare you suggest that I'm an emotional invalid? The famous scene in Love Actually of Emma Thompson clutching this album and sobbing her broken heart out, led me to pay this... Read more
Published on 2 Oct 2009 by Merlin Beard
Simply Beautiful
My introduction to Joni Mitchell was about 5 years ago with the album hissing of summer lawns, which changed a lot of things musically for me in short I was blown away. Read more
Published on 11 Nov 2008 by Ms. C. Bailey
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