- Audio CD (19 Oct 1987)
- Number of Discs: 1
- Label: Asylum Records
- ASIN: B0000262T9
- Other Editions: MP3 Download
- Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
1,422 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
- #35 in Music > Soundtracks & Musicals > Film Music
- #44 in Music > Jazz
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Court and Spark had earned Joni Mitchell mainstream pop acceptance but its underlying spirit of discovery pushed her to risk new-found success with this edgier, experimental sequel released in 1975. Although the session crew is largely the same, and sleek jazz elements again abound, these songs find her introducing Burundi drums (on "The Jungle Line"), layering magisterial but forbidding vocal harmonies ("Shadows and Light") and casting rueful shadows across the sun-dazed Southern California of the title song. Her daring promptly earned critical scorn and halted her commercial expansion, but the album's confident eclecticism and dark beauty have outlived that reception; from the safety of hindsight, Hissing was a promise to stay hungry and creatively adventurous, a promise kept then and now. --Sam Sutherland
Product Description
Achingly beautiful album from 1975 featuring 'Edith and the Kingpin'.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
24 of 24 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This is Joni's expert analysis of LA life, as both observer and ambilvalent participant. A masterpiece it definitely is.
I must disagree with those who have said that 'Jungle Line' is sub-standard, weak or horrid. It is a wonderful portrayal of innocense newly lost on arrival in the 'jungle' of LA. The metaphor of Rouseau's art and the sounds of burundi drums, Moog synth and Joni's voice and guitar, work hypnotically together to break up the smooth veneer of the album as a whole (representing the smooth veneer of LA itself!) exposing the lusting and dangerous 'belly of the beast'. I actually see 'Jungle Line' as one of Joni's finest tracks.
'Edith and the King Pin' is a fine study of how an LA millionaire builds up his charmed hareem, seducing with jewels, champagne and drugs, choosing his women like Rouseau would his shades of paint. Another beautifully detailed highlight.
This is one of Joni's masterpieces. Along with Hejira, Blue and Court & Spark, Summer Lawns represents her artistic maturing and daring as a writer. A fabulous collection
I must disagree with those who have said that 'Jungle Line' is sub-standard, weak or horrid. It is a wonderful portrayal of innocense newly lost on arrival in the 'jungle' of LA. The metaphor of Rouseau's art and the sounds of burundi drums, Moog synth and Joni's voice and guitar, work hypnotically together to break up the smooth veneer of the album as a whole (representing the smooth veneer of LA itself!) exposing the lusting and dangerous 'belly of the beast'. I actually see 'Jungle Line' as one of Joni's finest tracks.
'Edith and the King Pin' is a fine study of how an LA millionaire builds up his charmed hareem, seducing with jewels, champagne and drugs, choosing his women like Rouseau would his shades of paint. Another beautifully detailed highlight.
This is one of Joni's masterpieces. Along with Hejira, Blue and Court & Spark, Summer Lawns represents her artistic maturing and daring as a writer. A fabulous collection
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
While Hejira is my favourite Joni album this record is fighting it out with 'For the Roses' for second place. The record generally has quite a laid back feel to it. The opener takes up from where 'Court and Spark' left off, after that however the album becomes more adventurous without compromising on melody. Some have cticised the 'the jungle line.' True it isn't in keeping with the rest of the album and for that reason it perhaps disrupts the record's rhythm. Yet it is undeniably innovative. Other tracks, especially 'Harry's House/Centrepiece' incorporate overt forays into jazz. All in all this is an essential and original album.
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This was Melody Maker's album of the year in 1975 or thereabouts, so I bought it, played it twice and put it aside as rather uninteresting. Oh foolish youth, I fortunately did not take it down the local student-fund-raising second-hand store, but listened again and became gradually entranced by the melodic and lyrical flair contained therein. Barely a poor moment (the Jungle Line - sorry! - the Centrepiece interlude and Shadows and Light don't sit well with the rest, just to be picky) - the good stuff just keeps on coming. In France they Kiss... followed by [er...OK, where's that skip button!] then Edith ... Don't Interrupt ... Shades of Scarlett ... Hissing ... Boho Dance ... Harry's House... Sweet Bird.... The rest are perfectly fine, but those 8 are sublime, 30+ years on.
I have failed in my attempts to get friends to love this, but I sometimes sit after everyone has gone to bed with a glass of wine, and wallow in the combination of current appreciation and nostalgic association which old favourites engender. Sigh!
I have failed in my attempts to get friends to love this, but I sometimes sit after everyone has gone to bed with a glass of wine, and wallow in the combination of current appreciation and nostalgic association which old favourites engender. Sigh!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Anima rising
This album is a cubist study of the female soul and pure poetry.
The music is sublime with a depth and jazz resonance.
A plane in the rain is humming. Read more
The music is sublime with a depth and jazz resonance.
A plane in the rain is humming. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Mikeonfreeserve
the hissing of summer lawns joni mitchell
i would like to start this music review of the hissing of summer lawns with track 2.the jungle line this track actually had everything to do with the rest of the music tracks... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Peter Dodds
Remember Summer
This is probably the best Joni Mitchell album not as commercial as Court & Spark the previous album but more depth and better lyrics. Read more
Published 2 months ago by petesmusic
A Rave Review From A Non-Fan
For many reasons I do not really like much of Joni Mitchell's music prior to this album. Confessional singer-songwriters, where the lyrics are analysed in terms of who they refer... Read more
Published 15 months ago by L. C. Warne
in cred ible
I have worn out the vinyl so finally got the CD, brilliant stuff, truly BRILLIANT!
Published on 3 Jan 2010 by heron fin 2
Women's troubles.
Blimey what an album this is. Joni forgets her own problems for once (not that there was anything wrong with that..) and looks outside - and doesn't much like what she sees. Read more
Published on 16 Dec 2009 by A. Willard
Re-capture the 1970s
Was instantly transported back to the 1970s with this album. Perfect quality. IPods are no substitute for slipping on a CD and chilling out. Read more
Published on 2 July 2009 by Alison Herbert
brilliant sounds
I had this album originally on vinyl in the 70's [still do] such good value from your website compared to HMV! Took me back to my wonderful youth!!
Published on 9 April 2009 by Mrs. Shelagh Rogers
An album years ahead of its time
Joni fans tend to divide between those those that prefer the naked confessional of 'Blue' and those that regard the jazzy trio of mid-70s albums that comprise 'Court & Spark', 'The... Read more
Published on 14 Sep 2008 by Jeffrey M. Black
Career Defining
Along with the more obvious Blue, this is Joni's most career defining record. Whilst the former perfected her internal, almost confessional work, The Hissing of Summer Lawns... Read more
Published on 1 Oct 2007 by T. Edwards
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