![Joni Mitchell At Newport [2LP] on Vinyl by Joni Mitchell](https://d3fa68hw0m2vcc.cloudfront.net/images/autosize/46830901.jpeg?width=228&height=285&format=jpeg "Joni Mitchell At Newport [2LP] on Vinyl by Joni Mitchell")
Released in September 1996, this album assembles 15 of Joni Mitchell's most famous songs. Of course, for an artist who has won nine Grammy awards, and has been nominated for seven others, this is only scratching the surface, but it makes for an excellent collection, albeit long overdue! Joni Mitchell was one of the most important and influential artists of the '60s and '70s, and her amazing voice, accompanied by her impeccable guitar work will always be remembered.
Joni, as a songwriter, would rank right up there with Dylan; more than songs, she writes poetry set to music and. Almost 40 years after her hits were written, they are still being listened to and, more than that, being covered. Two which particularly stand out are “Both Sides Now”, which is Joni's most-covered song by far, with 587 cover versions recorded, and “Big Yellow Taxi”, which has been covered 223 times.
As you play through the album, it's interesting to note the change in her voice, due to a lifetime of chain-smoking taking its toll. Fortunately though, rather than ruining her voice, it has only served to make it a little huskier, and it suits the change of style in her music.
Another bonus with this CD is the booklet, complete with lyrics – something very rare in an anthology these days, but a great idea for an artist whose lyrics are so meaningful.
So, if you like music with something to say, then you owe it to yourself to get this collection of someone has been the influence of most of our solo artists today.
“They paved paradise and put up a parking lot” Hmm prophetic maybe?