Some female singers can move you to tears with the beauty of their voice and the emotional depth of their lyrics. Kate Bush is one, Joni Mitchell is another. This song cracks me every time I hear it.
Someone probably already said this further down but her instrument is an Appalachian dulcimer and James Taylor comes in with the acoustic at the point when she says "Canada".
You hit the nail on the head with this one! Remember when Blue came out, shortly after Kris Kristofferson was doing an interview and spoke about this album. First time he heard it, called Joni and said something like " Joni be careful, you put all of yourself in that album, you're gonna have nothing left for yourself". Can't deny Blue was the way Joni was feeling at the time (as she's stated) and it was an incredibly personal album. Great Job. Thanks
I’m not even going to start on how deeply or for how many decades Joni has been my absolute all time favourite. It breaks my heart though that we can no longer wait with baited breath for her next album, though I’m so incredibly grateful for all the years of her pure beautiful, deeply heartfelt emotion and well.. genius that she’s bestowed upon us. I also love how her voice changed with time (and her passion for smoking). To me personally her voice never sounded better than around the time of ‘Turbulent Indigo’. In reference to who the song was written for/about, I’m 99.9% sure is wasn’t Graham Nash but after her affair with Leonard Cohen, another fellow Canadian. Thanks for the pick Justin, another stellar choice. Stay well and safe wherever you are.
“I met a woman/She had a mouth like yours/She knew your life...” This is, of course, so much more poetic and indirect than saying, “I met your mother,” or “I spoke to someone who claimed to be your aunt.”
Yes. Every time I watch someone react to this song they seem to think that the woman in the last verse is a past love but why would an ex girlfriend have a mouth like his? I've always thought that woman was his mother or perhaps his sister
My love of Joni and this album comes from my mom. She was a folky back in the late 60s hanging out in Toronto. She played guitar, banjo, penny whistles and Jew's harp. She crossed paths with many other players who would go on to fame. "Blue" was her favorite album of all time and we would often sit and listen to it after one of her guitar lessons (mine). A lot of emotions on this one. Thanks for listening to this album and sharing your thoughts. Cheers from Ottawa.
I have been a fan from a distance her whole career, but as a young man I was not a big "folk" fan. But I was a fan of Jaco Pastorious and when he joined her band I became intrigued. Long story short, there is no musician I admire more than Joni. Writing, playing and singing, she is a total original. And for me, I can't pay a higher compliment. Her personal story it's also a total inspiration. I will stop here but if you want to find someone to become obsessed with, you can't do better
@@JustJP another great folk artist who painted her own album covers in the 70's was Yoshiko Sai. She's on the same level as Joni, as hard as that might be to believe, because Joni is top-tier
Just love Joni Mitchell. She can get anything sound good. Love her song "This flight tonight" from this album. Fun fact... Nazareth did a version of that song that did hit the charts.
Don't feel I need to add anything to the conversation of this wonderful song except to add that James Taylor's guitar accompaniment is wonderful, doesn't over power the dulcimer, blends in perfectly.
That was perfect! Especially for a chilled Saturday evening, sitting here all by myself. I could listen to that sort of thing for the rest of tonight quite easily.
I think her type of delivery is conversational rather than words that are just typically poetical and are meant to rhyme. No one rhymes their words in everyday conversation. Her words project as more grounded than most because its how folks talk in real life and why people identify with her story telling. She tells a story like a chapter in a book. One of the best singer/song writers there's ever been.
Oh my, this song and this album brings back so many amazing memories of my 1st serious girlfriend, she was ten years older than me when I was 19 and I learnt so much about life from her, she worked in the entertainment business and she introduced me to so many amazing people and parties, we dated for about 4 years then we split, Joni Mitchell was one of her favourite artist that she introduced to me and this her all time favourite album, I just absolutely love this song and her amazing voice what a stellar and world class artist she is. Stay safe Justin in these difficult times.
Thank you, I was one of many who suggest this song. Very interesting review. You can only be touched by a performance like that (the voice, the delivery, the music and the lyrics). Anyway, I'm a huge fan of her. Lyrics are about her relationship with Leonard Cohen. "Love is touching souls"
Surely you touched mine 'Cause part of you pours out of me In these lines from time to time_refers to influence Cohen had on her lyrics/writing. I met a woman She had a mouth like yours She knew your life She knew your devils and your deeds And she said "Go to him, stay with him if you can But be prepared to bleed"__refers to Leonard Cohen's mother who knew his son.
@JustJP The thing that I like MOST about watching your reactions to these songs is that you give such an educated and well spoken reactionary description of the music and lyrics. When you compare your reactions to those on other channels, it's a night and day difference. You really dig deep into the song's nuances and meanings.
Another album I grew up on. Haunting voice and incredible lyrics. Thanks for this one. It’s always been amazing to me how many artists from so many different genres hold her in high esteem.
To me, the music for this song feels like it’s a spiritual gift that came from somewhere else, even though the lyrics are very personal to Joni. It’s hard to describe, but I get this feeling of divine reverence whenever I hear it. I think that’s what she meant to convey, as she sang “you’re in my blood, you’re my holy wine.” It’s just so beautiful, bitter and sweet, as the lyrics say, I get tears in my eyes. The chords and melody are brilliant and the lyrics are genius. You should watch this live video from 1974. It’s wonderful. ruclips.net/video/pOKESEtmhis/видео.html She wrote this song about her love for and breakup with Graham Nash. They loved each other deeply and both wrote songs about their relationship. He desperately wanted to marry her but she wanted to feel free. Her grandmother was a creative poet and was frustrated and unhappy being only a wife and mother. Joni grew up witnessing this and it had a profound effect on her. Joni’s own first marriage was unhappy and her ex-husband belittled her and her talent, and she left him. That was never the case with Graham Nash though, who was always only supportive of her talent. Joni Mitchell and Graham Nash had one of those iconic love affairs of the Woodstock generation, that has evolved into a love affair for the ages. In a recent episode of the NBC TV show “This Is Us,” the aging mother who wanted to be a singer in her youth and her adult actor son visit the house Joni Mitchell and Graham Nash lived in together. GN has covered ACOY in concert. He wrote “Our House” about their life together, which was a hit (and was also featured in the show) and he recently performed at her 75th birthday celebration. She wrote several songs about him. One for the ages, indeed. I really enjoyed your reaction. I like that you felt the impact of the lyrics and appreciate her voice so much. Some guys think soprano voices aren’t cool, but I know you don’t feel that way. Joni’s voice deepened and matured considerably (and much too early) just 4 years after this, from heavy smoking, but her voice was even more innocent sounding in her earlier albums than Blue. I love the more mature and darker voice of Joni Mitchell as it has a world weary wisdom, but I think her younger, higher and purer sounding voice was more magical. It would be extremely cool if you could react to the rest of this album, or at least “California.” I was one of the people who suggested this song. You’ve done two of the album’s songs already. Thanks again for featuring female artists more and for all you do. As I am alone (except for my 2 cats) cooped up in my tiny Manhattan apartment where it feels like we’re living in a surreal war zone surrounded by an unseen enemy that could be anyone and everyone, coming here is definitely one of the brighter times of the day. I am not freaking out but it is scary living here right now. It’s not the first time though, and it probably won’t be the last. New Yorkers are very resilient! Stay safe and well, everyone!
Yup, in lockdown (pretty much) here in London, it was good to take a few minutes to enjoy your fresh angle on this gorgeous track. You actually help me to listen afresh to great artists I've, I guess, taken for granted, for decades!
Really nice choice... With health, possibly financial problems looming, it’s sooo nice to give a listen to great music with friends though be it remotely. I do appreciate your efforts and analysis. I consider myself very lucky to have stumbled upon you and Manny a while back... I may not agree with everything said but, I never did always agree when listening with friends. We all have our preferences. We need, especially now to find joy where we can. Joni also is a visual artist along side her musical artistry. Her “ living in a box of paints” felt very personal to me, being an artist also. Love her references to art and creativity and it being a bit of a lonely effort. Drinking my 1:00pm coffee, with Joni singing and playing dulcimer, listening with friends, really, is priceless. Take care Justin and Nat, as well as everybody, we will beat this, Peace and Music
Thanks JP for continuing to provide a ray of sunshine in these trying times. You have a natural understanding of song construction, flow, instrumentation etc. You should be producing! All the best to everyone!
JP's understanding of how songs work is great, but the fact he can communicate that understanding so well is even more phenomenal. And also, yes, Joni Mitchell is brilliant.
You mostly really can't go wrong with Joni. 'Court and Spark' being my favourite album of hers. 'Travelogue', which are re-imagings of her work, making them more Jazz inflected is quite brilliant too and her voice has changed quite a bit on it. In fact I'm going to listen to it this evening. River: The Joni Letters by Herbie Hancock is a covers album of some of her songs, featuring Tina Turner, Corinne Bailey Rae, Leonard Cohen and others as well as Joni herself and is brilliant. It won the Grammy for album of the year, which for once was richly deserved. I throughly recommend it.
Dearheart, I believe Joni's chord changes and emotive vocal stylings have influenced nice young ladies like Suzanne Vega and Tori Amos. So what I think you meant to say was, I've heard Joni in the music of ....? Bless you and your detailed examination of Joni's "TOP LEVEL" work.
This was my first Joni Album - Love the whole Blue record , this spare jazzy sound whith much folk and blues in the mix. "Coyote" or every other song from "Hejira" or the great "Circle Game" would be other favorits
Joni is one of my favorite artists from the 70s. That's saying alot being a teen of the 70s. Check out her Mingus or her Shadows and Lights albums. Joni had the world's most dangerous band then with Pat Matheny on guitar, Jaco Pastorious on bass, Lyle Mays on keyboards, Michael Brecker on sax, and Don Alyios on drums. Even though the band consisted of all heavy instrumentalists, they musicianship never became intrusive on Joni's personal and sometimes very sensitive lyrics.
Glad you’re still out there and doing this JP. You are one of the few ‘reactors’ I can tolerate speaking about the music I grew up with. Really appreciated this one. Joni.... Joni. What can I tell you: Blue was the first album by her that I went out and bought. It is, as you observed one of her most personal ones, and it holds a special place for me. You nailed it on her use of words. Lyrics are what artists struggle with sometimes but Joni just crafts this work that blends poetry with musicality and her own voice as instrument. She is a treasure that I feel blessed to have had in my life growing up. My next favorite work of hers is Hejera. The song on that album that i would love for you to play is Amelia. Another transporting work of art. Stay healthy and thanks for what you do.
YEAHHHH, THIS ALBUM AND ALSO COURT AND SPARK ARE JUST DYNAMITE! ON THIS ALBUM BLUE, THE TITLE TRACK OF COURSE, CAREY AND ALSO CALIFORNIA ARE WORTH HEARING FOR SURE! :)
I just came to your channel drawn in by a Depeche Mode first listen (one of my fave bands) and thought I'd look for a new band but instead find I am going to other singers/bands I know. This is the 3rd vid of yours I've watched and I really enjoy your analysis of songs. You really seem to have a good understanding of music theory as well as, in this video, lyrical review. Thank you!
Insightful reaction! Joni is so elevated. I saw her live, in her prime, three times. She could cast a spell! Please react to All I Want (studio version) & Sex Kills (live on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno) & Night Ride Home/Number One (Dick Driver interview live on TVNZ music show Radio With Pictures, Avalon Studios, New Zealand).
Good job, Justin! Altho I never was a deep fan of Joni's, I always respected her as a premier lyricist, vocalist AND musician. And appreciate those who are big fans. It's kind of weird, but there are times when her voice bugs me--at other times I like it a lot. Something about her head voice on the high end of her range that reminds me of opera sopranos going there--that really grates on my nerves. Of the female singer songwriters that are Joni's contemporaries and popular in the seventies--Carly Simon, Carol King, Judy Collins, etc., I think I like Joan Baez's voice the best. All great artists, but for some reason, Joan is the only one whose albums I ever purchased. First few bars of this song of Joni's put me in mind of Joan.
Justin, this was just fantastic! I have loved Joni since this album came out. I have gone thru 3 copies on LP., one on cassette, and also one CD. (That tends to be a pattern for me of my favorite albums, in general!!) This song is one of my favorites, and I am so thrilled to see your reaction and analysis! You really do GET Joni, and you do a beautiful and thorough job of understanding and describing her amazingness! You captured all of her nuances, in both her stunning voice, her emotional and intimate delivery, and her clever yet profound lyrics. Every song on this iconic album is SO good. I especially recommend "Blue" and "River". You are obviously a VERY sensitive and intelligent person! Your wife is a lucky Lady! Thank you so much, and take good care of yourself and your family! P.S. I am digging the new look! Rock that beard!!!
Thanks so much MissAstor! Joni was definitely one of a kind in all aspects. River is a great song as well (did a video a few months back) Hope you're doing okay as well, take care!
Good analysis, you can't go wrong listening to Joni. It's a classic from a landmark album. Still my favorite from "Blue" is the more complex 'This Flight Tonight' which you should give a listen to. My favorite album of hers is the next one, "For the Roses" which is full of confessional songs but more fleshed out and with a more mature style of singing than the constant soprano. Half those songs are piano based and not just guitar. That album has a permanent place in my top 10. After that comes her most accessible album "Court and Spark" which is another gem.
Great song, wonderful analysis. Try her song Both Sides Now. Perhaps the most perfect song ever written. I cry every time I hear it, even after all these many years. Ps, down to my last roll of TP...I think my neighbor has several cases in his garage. Maybe a midnight raid? No, no Woody, you must remain civil, maybe a trade? I know I’ve got some gold Krugerrands stashed somewhere.
@@justintime42000 I have some paper shop towels that i use in my garage, so I'm not completely up s**t creek. I never thought about coffee filters though, although I use a Kerug machine. Stay safe, this too shall pass.
Woody n’ Sidecar Dog I ordered 5 packages of napkins from Amazon and they were delivered in a few days. Creative Converting Touch of Color 2-Ply 50 Count Paper Lunch Napkins, Turquoise , One size - 663131B www.amazon.com/dp/B00817TVKO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_09ZDEb2TC0ASS This was the only type of TP substitute I could find. I just hope the blue stays on the napkin! One of my friends had suggested coffee filters if there was nothing else. The CVS I was in Friday had them. I almost bought some but decided to wait since I have a few TP rolls left. You can buy toilet paper from Amazon and eBay but it comes from China, you have to pay shipping charges and it takes 3 to 4 weeks for delivery. Pretty crazy! Makes me think of that old song “Wipe Out” by the Surfaris! 🤣
Cathy Wood : Can you spare a square? I ate at the Soup Nazi’s last night and I’m feeling bad. Ps, I would love to see a Seinfeld episode called Quarantine. They’re stuck in a room with Newman....and J Peterman.
Yeah, this song gets me every time. The whole album, actually. I was lucky enough to see her live in the early 80s and she was spectacular. Great reaction as always: your analyses are always thoughtful and insightful.
Excellent song. For me Joni is up there with Dylan. As close as lyrics get to poetry. If you're thinking of reacting to any more of her work, could I suggest something from Hejira? It's got a more jazzy feel (and Jaco Pastorius doing some great basswork). Maybe Coyote, Song for Sharon or the title track.
This song was written about her brief fling with Leonard Cohen, and the part about the woman with a mouth like yours, is what his mother told her at the beginning of the relationship. Thanks for a thoughtful review.
Thanks Justin for the reaction and the positive words. I wish you and yours the very best. Weird how things turn sometimes, I'd like to recommend an REM song called 'I believe' off of the 'Life's Rich Pageant' LP. It's a great song and as relevant today as ever, me thinks. You are appreciated!
I so appreciate you not interrupting the song to comment, like other reaction guys..Spot on analysis except for 'met a woman who had a mouth like yours'..That's not another lover, bro, that's his mother, sister or cousin, a blood relation who looked like him..I'll check you out again...
Joni Mitchell is a true original. There was another, Laura Nyro, who to my mind deserves to be lauded just as much. The albums 'Eli & The Thirteenth Confession' and 'New York Tendaberry', both released when she was barely into her 20s, seem to pull from you emotions that you didn't realise you had. An easier introduction is 'Stoney End', which Laura wrote when she was 15. You may also remember 'Wedding Bell Blues', a huge hit for the 5th Dimension. For the real Laura go to Gibsom Street.
Such a great artist and such a great album. I think Cathy Wood has already said everything about this particular song and I can add no more. What I would say is that the time that this came out was a real sea change for women artists breaking through and being taken seriously and Joni, along with Carole King,Carly Simon,Melanie Safka,( all of which are worth a listen), and others, came to the fore and certainly influenced artists of both sexes and trailblazed for the women that came after.
Dylan told her she was crazy to be so open and vulnerable. It's her gift. If she weren't a woman she would have the Nobel prize but the industry and culture did not take females as seriously. She's my favorite musical artist. So many reviewers don't realize the 'woman' is his mother.
The best backhanded compliment in music: "I could drink a case of you, but I would still be on my feet" because you're WEAK! Joni is telling us just how strong she is.
Just got into Joni mitchell a couple weeks ago because of a cover James Blake did of this song (which is equally as beautiful as the original) and now I’ve bought this album “Blue” on vinyl :)
Interesting, I've heard some of these lines differently. Where she sings about "pours out of me in these lines" I heard it as a painting reference, not writing. And in the last verse, I've always heard the conversation with the other woman being the guy's mother ("she had a mouth like yours" and "she knew your life")
This song has Joni Mitchell on dulcimer with James Taylor on guitar, however I read that she used about 50 different guitar tunings on other songs, which she invented to make it easier for her to play the chords she wanted to hear on specific songs.
Late comment here: The line "I am as constant as a northern star" is from Shakespeare; it's one of the last things Julius Caesar says on the Ides of March, before the Roman Senators he's hanging out with turn and assassinate him. His comment was riddled with pride, Caesar thinking he had everything under control. So, following your interpretation, it sets up the fellow as the one who has been (and still believes himself to be) the one in charge of the relationship, the one who decides whether it's ongoing or ended. Joni's sass may be something she said to herself, not even vocalized out loud. But Joni was already hand on the doorknob. This song is said to be about the love affair between her and Leonard Cohen (the woman with the similar mouth being his mother). It's fitting that he is introduced as poetic, but also haughty and over-confident (like Caesar). I also have to say I love how Joni sometimes is almost descriptive with her voice. -In "River", when she wishes she could teach her feet to fly, her voice expresses that feeling. -In "For the Roses" she speaks of whether his "latest golden egg" "who's to know If the next one in the nest Will glitter for them so", and the way she sings "glitter" you can almost see it sparkle. -In "A Case of You", it's the second round of singing "I could drink a case of you" where "you" is stretched out in such a way that it almost sounds like wine gurgling through the neck of a wine bottle, like she's guzzling it. Then the final line of that song she sings "I would still be On. My. Feet." in a way that makes it clear her feet are firmly planted, maybe even in defiance.
To quote from Wikipedia: Due to the stark and bare revelations in the album, when it was first played for Kris Kristofferson he is reported to have commented, "Joni! Keep something of yourself!"
Love your videos! Joni is one of my favorite singers! I think you would love Joanna newsom! I would recommend Emily or have one on me as your first song! I think you would love it
This entire album is 10/10 perfect. Absolutely stunning
There is not a bad song on the entire "Blue" album. One of the best of all-time.
In one of the greatest songbooks in human history, this is the crown jewel. Superhuman good.
The ultimate singer songwriter of the twentieth century at the pinnacle of her career which most fans and critics call her finest album!
Yup
Some female singers can move you to tears with the beauty of their voice and the emotional depth of their lyrics. Kate Bush is one, Joni Mitchell is another. This song cracks me every time I hear it.
Someone probably already said this further down but her instrument is an Appalachian dulcimer and James Taylor comes in with the acoustic at the point when she says "Canada".
Diana Krall’s cover of this is astounding! Joni is simply one of the great artistic geniuses of the last 50 years!
You hit the nail on the head with this one! Remember when Blue came out, shortly after Kris Kristofferson was doing an interview and spoke about this album. First time he heard it, called Joni and said something like " Joni be careful, you put all of yourself in that album, you're gonna have nothing left for yourself". Can't deny Blue was the way Joni was feeling at the time (as she's stated) and it was an incredibly personal album.
Great Job. Thanks
Thank you so much David!
“...part of you pours out of me in these lines, from time to time...”
Joni Mitchell so so many good songs keep coming back please love you hope you love
I’m not even going to start on how deeply or for how many decades Joni has been my absolute all time favourite. It breaks my heart though that we can no longer wait with baited breath for her next album, though I’m so incredibly grateful for all the years of her pure beautiful, deeply heartfelt emotion and well.. genius that she’s bestowed upon us. I also love how her voice changed with time (and her passion for smoking). To me personally her voice never sounded better than around the time of ‘Turbulent Indigo’. In reference to who the song was written for/about, I’m 99.9% sure is wasn’t Graham Nash but after her affair with Leonard Cohen, another fellow Canadian. Thanks for the pick Justin, another stellar choice. Stay well and safe wherever you are.
Ty so much AJ
It's difficult to know what to say about perfection. Simply one of the greatest lyricists who ever lived.
masterwork song,
masterwork album
“I met a woman/She had a mouth like yours/She knew your life...” This is, of course, so much more poetic and indirect than saying, “I met your mother,” or “I spoke to someone who claimed to be your aunt.”
Yes. Every time I watch someone react to this song they seem to think that the woman in the last verse is a past love but why would an ex girlfriend have a mouth like his? I've always thought that woman was his mother or perhaps his sister
or your ex gf
this song is about her relationship with Leonard Cohen.
I was gifted this album, aged 16 maybe, still haven't recovered. Those early music experiences, they last. I'm not complaining =)
My love of Joni and this album comes from my mom. She was a folky back in the late 60s hanging out in Toronto. She played guitar, banjo, penny whistles and Jew's harp. She crossed paths with many other players who would go on to fame.
"Blue" was her favorite album of all time and we would often sit and listen to it after one of her guitar lessons (mine). A lot of emotions on this one. Thanks for listening to this album and sharing your thoughts. Cheers from Ottawa.
Ty Cambro! That's awesome
She's been my favorite vocalist since I was a little kid...
I have been a fan from a distance her whole career, but as a young man I was not a big "folk" fan. But I was a fan of Jaco Pastorious and when he joined her band I became intrigued. Long story short, there is no musician I admire more than Joni. Writing, playing and singing, she is a total original. And for me, I can't pay a higher compliment. Her personal story it's also a total inspiration. I will stop here but if you want to find someone to become obsessed with, you can't do better
I agree with your assessment. I also think she tells a great story.
And she even painted her album covers! what an all-round artist
Really? Had no idea!
JustJP Her paintings are great too. That much talent in one person is beyond rare.
@@JustJP another great folk artist who painted her own album covers in the 70's was Yoshiko Sai. She's on the same level as Joni, as hard as that might be to believe, because Joni is top-tier
Just love Joni Mitchell. She can get anything sound good.
Love her song "This flight tonight" from this album.
Fun fact... Nazareth did a version of that song that did hit the charts.
Another great 60's 70's performer.... She did a lot of stuff with a lot of other great bands and performers too.
Don't feel I need to add anything to the conversation of this wonderful song except to add that James Taylor's guitar accompaniment is wonderful, doesn't over power the dulcimer, blends in perfectly.
That was perfect! Especially for a chilled Saturday evening, sitting here all by myself. I could listen to that sort of thing for the rest of tonight quite easily.
Awesome, glad you enjoyed the song!
GREAT analysis. Thank you!
Appreciate that Michael!
You managed to say in ten minutes what I couldn't in nearly fifty years of listening. Excellent. Thank you.
Haha thank you Chris
Joni is another world talent! 👍😎✌️the year I graduated!
I think her type of delivery is conversational rather than words that are just typically poetical and are meant to rhyme. No one rhymes their words in everyday conversation. Her words project as more grounded than most because its how folks talk in real life and why people identify with her story telling. She tells a story like a chapter in a book. One of the best singer/song writers there's ever been.
Ah yes! Very conversational! Ty ilovecat
HEART STRINGS CONNECTED THEIR VOCAL CHORDS!!!! YES...YES!!!!
❤🧵🎤
Another great choice by your viewers! This is the best review channel ever, and this Blue is surely a strong contender for Joni's best album!
Thank you Paulo :)
This is one special tune. Mitchell is so amazing in so many ways. Profound.
Oh my, this song and this album brings back so many amazing memories of my 1st serious girlfriend, she was ten years older than me when I was 19 and I learnt so much about life from her, she worked in the entertainment business and she introduced me to so many amazing people and parties, we dated for about 4 years then we split, Joni Mitchell was one of her favourite artist that she introduced to me and this her all time favourite album, I just absolutely love this song and her amazing voice what a stellar and world class artist she is. Stay safe Justin in these difficult times.
Thank you, I was one of many who suggest this song. Very interesting review. You can only be touched by a performance like that (the voice, the delivery, the music and the lyrics). Anyway, I'm a huge fan of her. Lyrics are about her relationship with Leonard Cohen.
"Love is touching souls"
Surely you touched mine
'Cause part of you pours out of me
In these lines from time to time_refers to influence Cohen had on her lyrics/writing.
I met a woman
She had a mouth like yours
She knew your life
She knew your devils and your deeds
And she said
"Go to him, stay with him if you can
But be prepared to bleed"__refers to Leonard Cohen's mother who knew his son.
Every song on this album is a treasure!
@JustJP The thing that I like MOST about watching your reactions to these songs is that you give such an educated and well spoken reactionary description of the music and lyrics. When you compare your reactions to those on other channels, it's a night and day difference. You really dig deep into the song's nuances and meanings.
Thats very kind of you to say Mark, thank you so much
MORE JONI, MORE JONI, MORE JOINIIIIIIIII LOL :) RIGHT ONNNNN! GODSPEED JUSTIN, STAY SAFE MY FRIEND
Ty!
Another album I grew up on. Haunting voice and incredible lyrics. Thanks for this one. It’s always been amazing to me how many artists from so many different genres hold her in high esteem.
To me, the music for this song feels like it’s a spiritual gift that came from somewhere else, even though the lyrics are very personal to Joni. It’s hard to describe, but I get this feeling of divine reverence whenever I hear it. I think that’s what she meant to convey, as she sang “you’re in my blood, you’re my holy wine.” It’s just so beautiful, bitter and sweet, as the lyrics say, I get tears in my eyes. The chords and melody are brilliant and the lyrics are genius.
You should watch this live video from 1974. It’s wonderful. ruclips.net/video/pOKESEtmhis/видео.html
She wrote this song about her love for and breakup with Graham Nash. They loved each other deeply and both wrote songs about their relationship. He desperately wanted to marry her but she wanted to feel free. Her grandmother was a creative poet and was frustrated and unhappy being only a wife and mother. Joni grew up witnessing this and it had a profound effect on her. Joni’s own first marriage was unhappy and her ex-husband belittled her and her talent, and she left him. That was never the case with Graham Nash though, who was always only supportive of her talent. Joni Mitchell and Graham Nash had one of those iconic love affairs of the Woodstock generation, that has evolved into a love affair for the ages. In a recent episode of the NBC TV show “This Is Us,” the aging mother who wanted to be a singer in her youth and her adult actor son visit the house Joni Mitchell and Graham Nash lived in together. GN has covered ACOY in concert. He wrote “Our House” about their life together, which was a hit (and was also featured in the show) and he recently performed at her 75th birthday celebration. She wrote several songs about him. One for the ages, indeed.
I really enjoyed your reaction. I like that you felt the impact of the lyrics and appreciate her voice so much. Some guys think soprano voices aren’t cool, but I know you don’t feel that way. Joni’s voice deepened and matured considerably (and much too early) just 4 years after this, from heavy smoking, but her voice was even more innocent sounding in her earlier albums than Blue. I love the more mature and darker voice of Joni Mitchell as it has a world weary wisdom, but I think her younger, higher and purer sounding voice was more magical.
It would be extremely cool if you could react to the rest of this album, or at least “California.” I was one of the people who suggested this song. You’ve done two of the album’s songs already.
Thanks again for featuring female artists more and for all you do. As I am alone (except for my 2 cats) cooped up in my tiny Manhattan apartment where it feels like we’re living in a surreal war zone surrounded by an unseen enemy that could be anyone and everyone, coming here is definitely one of the brighter times of the day. I am not freaking out but it is scary living here right now. It’s not the first time though, and it probably won’t be the last. New Yorkers are very resilient!
Stay safe and well, everyone!
Thanks so much for the history lesson on this one Cathy :) Stay safe in NY and I wish the best for you and your cats!🐈🐈
JustJP Thanks, Justin! Take good care of yourself and Natasha and your cat!
Wow Cathy, always like reading your take to get the skivvy. I never knew you lived in NY, stay safe. By the way, did you sell the Gibson 335?
DukesRocks Hi DR, Thanks very much for the kind words. Yes, I still have the 1971 Gibson ES-335. For now. Keep yourself well!
Think it's about Leonard Cohen hence the line Oh Canada
Thanks for throwing your sharp spotlight on this beautiful piece.
Thank you for watching 😃
Yup, in lockdown (pretty much) here in London, it was good to take a few minutes to enjoy your fresh angle on this gorgeous track. You actually help me to listen afresh to great artists I've, I guess, taken for granted, for decades!
Happy to hear it happy! Ty and take care
Intimate control - that's a great way of putting it.
I like your reactions, and I love that you cover Joni.
Ty Gullie!
Really nice choice...
With health, possibly financial problems looming, it’s sooo nice to give a listen to great music with friends though be it remotely. I do appreciate your efforts and analysis. I consider myself very lucky to have stumbled upon you and Manny a while back... I may not agree with everything said but, I never did always agree when listening with friends. We all have our preferences. We need, especially now to find joy where we can.
Joni also is a visual artist along side her musical artistry. Her “ living in a box of paints” felt very personal to me, being an artist also. Love her references to art and creativity and it being a bit of a lonely effort.
Drinking my 1:00pm coffee, with Joni singing and playing dulcimer, listening with friends, really, is priceless.
Take care Justin and Nat, as well as everybody, we will beat this,
Peace and Music
Thank you for that David, I hope that you're doing ok during these crazy days.
Thanks JP for continuing to provide a ray of sunshine in these trying times. You have a natural understanding of song construction, flow, instrumentation etc. You should be producing! All the best to everyone!
JP's understanding of how songs work is great, but the fact he can communicate that understanding so well is even more phenomenal.
And also, yes, Joni Mitchell is brilliant.
Thank you so much Jim; I'm just happy to listen to the music and have great company as I do so :)
I like how you interpret this song..most don't take it that far..you are very intuitive
Ty so much Melissa!
These videos really are a great comfort. Thanks. I've been looking forward to them even more lately. 👍
I'm very happy to hear that Robert, thank you
You mostly really can't go wrong with Joni. 'Court and Spark' being my favourite album of hers. 'Travelogue', which are re-imagings of her work, making them more Jazz inflected is quite brilliant too and her voice has changed quite a bit on it. In fact I'm going to listen to it this evening. River: The Joni Letters by Herbie Hancock is a covers album of some of her songs, featuring Tina Turner, Corinne Bailey Rae, Leonard Cohen and others as well as Joni herself and is brilliant. It won the Grammy for album of the year, which for once was richly deserved. I throughly recommend it.
Best take and breakdown of the song on youtube! Well done.
Ty Hasaan! I appreciate that
thank you! ♥ perfect song, perfect interpretation, nothing more to say! stay safe!!
YOU SEE WHYYYYYYYY I GET GOOSEBUMPS EVERYYYYYYTIME I LISTEN TO HER HUH JUSTIN??? LOL :) WHICH IS EVERYYYYDAY THANK GOD!
Dearheart, I believe Joni's chord changes and emotive vocal stylings have influenced nice young ladies like Suzanne Vega and Tori Amos. So what I think you meant to say was, I've heard Joni in the music of ....? Bless you and your detailed examination of Joni's "TOP LEVEL" work.
Excellent verbiage RE: discussion of her voice, and nuances - and you are really great at going back to very specific demonstrative spots!
Eggcellent!
Thank you! 🥚
I should be asleep but I just discovered your channel. Im going down the rabbit hole. Love your selections
Thanks Tamara!🌙
This was my first Joni Album - Love the whole Blue record , this spare jazzy sound whith much folk and blues in the mix. "Coyote" or every other song from "Hejira" or the great "Circle Game" would be other favorits
I work at the airport, so unfortunately I am 100% affected. Thank you for continuing to do this, it makes time spent at home better.
Sorry to hear about the Kuhn, I hope you stay well though.
@@JustJP Thank you, it's weird here. Our flights are going out with only sometimes 7 or 8 passengers.
Joni is one of my favorite artists from the 70s. That's saying alot being a teen of the 70s. Check out her Mingus or her Shadows and Lights albums. Joni had the world's most dangerous band then with Pat Matheny on guitar, Jaco Pastorious on bass, Lyle Mays on keyboards, Michael Brecker on sax, and Don Alyios on drums. Even though the band consisted of all heavy instrumentalists, they musicianship never became intrusive on Joni's personal and sometimes very sensitive lyrics.
Wow what a great Joni song hope you love it this is the cream of the crop Enjoy
Glad you’re still out there and doing this JP. You are one of the few ‘reactors’ I can tolerate speaking about the music I grew up with. Really appreciated this one. Joni.... Joni. What can I tell you: Blue was the first album by her that I went out and bought. It is, as you observed one of her most personal ones, and it holds a special place for me. You nailed it on her use of words. Lyrics are what artists struggle with sometimes but Joni just crafts this work that blends poetry with musicality and her own voice as instrument. She is a treasure that I feel blessed to have had in my life growing up. My next favorite work of hers is Hejera. The song on that album that i would love for you to play is Amelia. Another transporting work of art. Stay healthy and thanks for what you do.
Thank you Glenn! Happy to listen to great music :)
Also dearest, I hope 'Blue' is not the limit of your Joni edification. Best of everything!
Thanks Greg!
YEAHHHH, THIS ALBUM AND ALSO COURT AND SPARK ARE JUST DYNAMITE! ON THIS ALBUM BLUE, THE TITLE TRACK OF COURSE, CAREY AND ALSO CALIFORNIA ARE WORTH HEARING FOR SURE! :)
INSANITYYYY! :) THAT'S A GREAT WORD
Love love love your analysis good stuff
Ty David :)
I just came to your channel drawn in by a Depeche Mode first listen (one of my fave bands) and thought I'd look for a new band but instead find I am going to other singers/bands I know. This is the 3rd vid of yours I've watched and I really enjoy your analysis of songs. You really seem to have a good understanding of music theory as well as, in this video, lyrical review. Thank you!
Appreciate that Lee, thank you
Joni Mitchell - "Coyote" or "Harry's House (Centerpiece)) are great as well. Oh, and "Edith and the Kingpin".
I like the short story imagery in "Harry's House" - amazing lyrics! Another great jazzy Joni song is "Cold Blue Steel and Sweet Fire".
@@bobholtzmann It's not often mentioned actually but "Harry's House" is yet another superb Joni song.
@@neilcaress9036 I always enjoyed the "Centerpiece" part - it really showcases Joni's crooning jazz vocals.
Some may scoff, but George Michael did a nice cover of ""Edith and the Kingpin"".
Thank you Justin all the best to you and your wife, stay safe all...
Thank you Ron, you as well!
Insightful reaction! Joni is so elevated. I saw her live, in her prime, three times. She could cast a spell! Please react to All I Want (studio version) & Sex Kills (live on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno) & Night Ride Home/Number One (Dick Driver interview live on TVNZ music show Radio With Pictures, Avalon Studios, New Zealand).
Well done ! Your perceptions and your ability to express them are refreshing.
Thank you!
I had an old boyfriend who I was lucky to introduce to Joni's music years ago. He said "She uses her voice like a horn."
Good job, Justin! Altho I never was a deep fan of Joni's, I always respected her as a premier lyricist, vocalist AND musician. And appreciate those who are big fans. It's kind of weird, but there are times when her voice bugs me--at other times I like it a lot. Something about her head voice on the high end of her range that reminds me of opera sopranos going there--that really grates on my nerves. Of the female singer songwriters that are Joni's contemporaries and popular in the seventies--Carly Simon, Carol King, Judy Collins, etc., I think I like Joan Baez's voice the best. All great artists, but for some reason, Joan is the only one whose albums I ever purchased. First few bars of this song of Joni's put me in mind of Joan.
Dude your analysis is spot on love you love you
Thanks David!!😃
Justin, this was just fantastic! I have loved Joni since this album came out. I have gone thru 3 copies on LP., one on cassette, and also one CD. (That tends to be a pattern for me of my favorite albums, in general!!)
This song is one of my favorites, and I am so thrilled to see your reaction and analysis! You really do GET Joni, and you do a beautiful and thorough job of understanding and describing her amazingness! You captured all of her nuances, in both her stunning voice, her emotional and intimate delivery, and her clever yet profound lyrics.
Every song on this iconic album is SO good. I especially recommend "Blue" and "River".
You are obviously a VERY sensitive and intelligent person! Your wife is a lucky Lady!
Thank you so much, and take good care of yourself and your family!
P.S. I am digging the new look! Rock that beard!!!
Thanks so much MissAstor! Joni was definitely one of a kind in all aspects. River is a great song as well (did a video a few months back) Hope you're doing okay as well, take care!
@@JustJP OK, I realize now that I remember you doing "River". I remember reacting to it, I think???
Good analysis, you can't go wrong listening to Joni. It's a classic from a landmark album. Still my favorite from "Blue" is the more complex 'This Flight Tonight' which you should give a listen to.
My favorite album of hers is the next one, "For the Roses" which is full of confessional songs but more fleshed out and with a more mature style of singing than the constant soprano. Half those songs are piano based and not just guitar. That album has a permanent place in my top 10. After that comes her most accessible album "Court and Spark" which is another gem.
Really appreciate the deep analytical dive here.
You have to hear her song "For Free" from LP "Ladies of the Canyonn".
Great song, wonderful analysis. Try her song Both Sides Now. Perhaps the most perfect song ever written. I cry every time I hear it, even after all these many years.
Ps, down to my last roll of TP...I think my neighbor has several cases in his garage. Maybe a midnight raid? No, no Woody, you must remain civil, maybe a trade? I know I’ve got some gold Krugerrands stashed somewhere.
LMAO
Woody n’ Sidecar Dog If you have coffee filters, that’s an option!
@@justintime42000 I have some paper shop towels that i use in my garage, so I'm not completely up s**t creek. I never thought about coffee filters though, although I use a Kerug machine. Stay safe, this too shall pass.
Woody n’ Sidecar Dog I ordered 5 packages of napkins from Amazon and they were delivered in a few days.
Creative Converting Touch of Color 2-Ply 50 Count Paper Lunch Napkins, Turquoise , One size - 663131B www.amazon.com/dp/B00817TVKO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_09ZDEb2TC0ASS
This was the only type of TP substitute I could find. I just hope the blue stays on the napkin! One of my friends had suggested coffee filters if there was nothing else. The CVS I was in Friday had them. I almost bought some but decided to wait since I have a few TP rolls left. You can buy toilet paper from Amazon and eBay but it comes from China, you have to pay shipping charges and it takes 3 to 4 weeks for delivery. Pretty crazy!
Makes me think of that old song “Wipe Out” by the Surfaris! 🤣
Cathy Wood : Can you spare a square? I ate at the Soup Nazi’s last night and I’m feeling bad.
Ps, I would love to see a Seinfeld episode called Quarantine. They’re stuck in a room with Newman....and J Peterman.
Yeah, this song gets me every time. The whole album, actually. I was lucky enough to see her live in the early 80s and she was spectacular. Great reaction as always: your analyses are always thoughtful and insightful.
Oh nice! I'm sure she was amazing on stage. Ty Ian
Excellent song. For me Joni is up there with Dylan. As close as lyrics get to poetry. If you're thinking of reacting to any more of her work, could I suggest something from Hejira? It's got a more jazzy feel (and Jaco Pastorius doing some great basswork). Maybe Coyote, Song for Sharon or the title track.
Got my sub with Tori and Joni. I'm going down the rabbit hole.😉😂👏💃😁
Dang, I've got to check out more of Joni Mitchell.
This song was written about her brief fling with Leonard Cohen, and the part about the woman with a mouth like yours, is what his mother told her at the beginning of the relationship. Thanks for a thoughtful review.
Ty Wonji!
Thanks Justin for the reaction and the positive words. I wish you and yours the very best. Weird how things turn sometimes, I'd like to recommend an REM song called 'I believe' off of the 'Life's Rich Pageant' LP. It's a great song and as relevant today as ever, me thinks. You are appreciated!
Thanks as always Will; hope you're doing well!
Please treat yourself and the world to a listen to HELP ME. Sonic and vocal perfection!!!
This song is about her relationship with fellow musician Leonard Cohen - the woman in the third verse refers to his Mother.
I so appreciate you not interrupting the song to comment, like other reaction guys..Spot on analysis except for 'met a woman who had a mouth like yours'..That's not another lover, bro, that's his mother, sister or cousin, a blood relation who looked like him..I'll check you out again...
Joni Mitchell is a true original. There was another, Laura Nyro, who to my mind deserves to be lauded just as much. The albums 'Eli & The Thirteenth Confession' and 'New York Tendaberry', both released when she was barely into her 20s, seem to pull from you emotions that you didn't realise you had. An easier introduction is 'Stoney End', which Laura wrote when she was 15. You may also remember 'Wedding Bell Blues', a huge hit for the 5th Dimension. For the real Laura go to Gibsom Street.
Such a great artist and such a great album. I think Cathy Wood has already said everything about this particular song and I can add no more. What I would say is that the time that this came out was a real sea change for women artists breaking through and being taken seriously and Joni, along with Carole King,Carly Simon,Melanie Safka,( all of which are worth a listen), and others, came to the fore and certainly influenced artists of both sexes and trailblazed for the women that came after.
Dylan told her she was crazy to be so open and vulnerable. It's her gift. If she weren't a woman she would have the Nobel prize but the industry and culture did not take females as seriously. She's my favorite musical artist. So many reviewers don't realize the 'woman' is his mother.
Listen, in order, to her LPS -- whole LPs -- "Blue," "For the Roses," and "Court and Spark". Note the growth -- and, always, the intimacy.
The best backhanded compliment in music: "I could drink a case of you, but I would still be on my feet" because you're WEAK! Joni is telling us just how strong she is.
She is a true one off...
Just got into Joni mitchell a couple weeks ago because of a cover James Blake did of this song (which is equally as beautiful as the original) and now I’ve bought this album “Blue” on vinyl :)
Awesome! Hows the album?
Interesting, I've heard some of these lines differently. Where she sings about "pours out of me in these lines" I heard it as a painting reference, not writing. And in the last verse, I've always heard the conversation with the other woman being the guy's mother ("she had a mouth like yours" and "she knew your life")
This song has Joni Mitchell on dulcimer with James Taylor on guitar, however I read that she used about 50 different guitar tunings on other songs, which she invented to make it easier for her to play the chords she wanted to hear on specific songs.
Late comment here:
The line "I am as constant as a northern star" is from Shakespeare; it's one of the last things Julius Caesar says on the Ides of March, before the Roman Senators he's hanging out with turn and assassinate him. His comment was riddled with pride, Caesar thinking he had everything under control.
So, following your interpretation, it sets up the fellow as the one who has been (and still believes himself to be) the one in charge of the relationship, the one who decides whether it's ongoing or ended. Joni's sass may be something she said to herself, not even vocalized out loud. But Joni was already hand on the doorknob.
This song is said to be about the love affair between her and Leonard Cohen (the woman with the similar mouth being his mother). It's fitting that he is introduced as poetic, but also haughty and over-confident (like Caesar).
I also have to say I love how Joni sometimes is almost descriptive with her voice.
-In "River", when she wishes she could teach her feet to fly, her voice expresses that feeling.
-In "For the Roses" she speaks of whether his "latest golden egg" "who's to know If the next one in the nest Will glitter for them so", and the way she sings "glitter" you can almost see it sparkle.
-In "A Case of You", it's the second round of singing "I could drink a case of you" where "you" is stretched out in such a way that it almost sounds like wine gurgling through the neck of a wine bottle, like she's guzzling it. Then the final line of that song she sings "I would still be On. My. Feet." in a way that makes it clear her feet are firmly planted, maybe even in defiance.
This is the only jm album I have when I heard this I figured there is no way she's made a better album than this
Clouds
Over a year and four months and you have still to finish this album. I bow to your self restraint, may it break soon.
To quote from Wikipedia: Due to the stark and bare revelations in the album, when it was first played for Kris Kristofferson he is reported to have commented, "Joni! Keep something of yourself!"
About the instrumentation: James Taylor is playing guitar which she uniquely tunes. She wrote the lyrics and the music for most all of her songs.
Holy Joni!
Love your videos! Joni is one of my favorite singers! I think you would love Joanna newsom! I would recommend Emily or have one on me as your first song! I think you would love it