Joni Mitchell - Ladies Of The Canyon (1970)

Note: the CD I listened to was the 1996 reissue, released using HDCD encoding.

Joni Mitchell albums, to me, are becoming much like Beatles releases, in that whichever album I'm listening to at the time, I believe is the best release by that particular artist. This beautiful thing certainly qualifies. Comforting while simultaneously thought-provoking. Wow. And I'd rather listen than write, so I'm tapping out now.

Press of the time:

• Robert Christgau (A-): "Joni's new dependence on piano implies a move from the open air to the drawing room--or at least living area--that's reflected in richer, more sophisticated songs."
• Billboard: "a delightful set of 12 fine cuts"
• CashBox: "sensitive, poetic lyrics, evocative melodies and fine voice and guitar playing"
• Rolling Stone: "An album of departures, overheard conversations and unique triumphs for the hymnal lady who mingles the random with the particular so effectively."
• RPM Weekly: "excellent MOR programming material"
• Stereo Review: Recording of Special Merit
• High Fidelity: "I can't recommend anyone more highly."

Album chart peaks:

• US Billboard 200: #27
• CashBox: #18

Tracks: 12 beautiful songs, delightfully delivered, perfectly sequenced.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: This was one of several early '70s Mitchell albums that helped me get through some emotionally tough spring/summer months in 2023.

Previously revisited for the blog:
The Hissing of Summer Lawns (1975)
Court And Spark (1974)
Blue (1971)