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Joni Mitchell — Coyote
Album: Hejira
Avg rating:
6.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2633









Released: 1976
Length: 4:51
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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No regrets Coyote
We just come from such different sets of circumstance
I'm up all night in the studios
And you're up early on your ranch
You'll be brushing out a brood mare's tail
While the sun is ascending
And I'll just be getting home with my reel to reel
There's no comprehending
Just how close to the bone & the skin & the eyes
And the lips you can get
And still feel so alone
And still feel related
Like stations in some relay
You're not a hit and run driver
No no
Racing away

You just picked up a hitcher
A prisoner of the white lines on the freeway

We saw a farmhouse burning down
In the middle of nowhere
In the middle of the night
And we rolled right past that tragedy
Till we turned into some road house lights
Where a local band was playing
Locals were up kicking and shaking on the floor
And the next thing I know
That coyote's at my door
He pins me in a corner and he won't take no
He drags me out on the dance floor
And we're dancing close and slow
Now he's got a woman at home
He's got another woman down the hall
He seems to want me anyway
Why'd you have to get so drunk
And lead me on that way

You just picked up a hitcher
A prisoner of the white lines on the freeway

I looked a coyote right in the face
On the road to Baljennie near my old home town
He went running through the whisker wheat
Chasing some prize down
And a hawk was playing with him
Coyote he's jumping straight up & making passes
He had those same eyes just like yours
Under your dark glasses
Privately probing the public rooms
And peeking through keyholes in numbered doors
Where the players lick their wounds
And take their temporary lovers
Their pills & powders to get them through this passion play
I'll have no regrets Coyote
I just get off up aways

You just picked up a hitcher
A prisoner of the white lines on the freeway

Coyote's in the coffee shop
He's staring a hole in his scrambled eggs
He picks up my scent on his fingers
While he's watching the waitresses' legs
He's too far from the Bay of Fundy
From appaloosas and eagles and tides
And the air conditioned cubicles
And the carbon ribbon rides
I'm spelling it out so clear
Either he's going to have to stand & fight
Or take off out of here
I tried to run away myself
To run away and wrestle with my ego
And with this flame
He put here in this Eskimo
In this hitcher
In this prisoner
Of the fine white lines
Of the white lines on the free free way
Comments (323)add comment
Guitar part reminds me of Waiting on a Friend by the Stones ... just sayin. She was first on this tiny little bit of similarity ..
Posted 2 days ago by arserocket    [ Reply ]
We Canadian folks...Love our Joni!!!!!!!
Posted 2 months ago by davidgrorie    [ Reply ]
Her talent is lost on those who do not have much musicality:

Absolutley agreed, her music is giving me herpes instantly! I wasn't here for some months because of Joni and Leonard....
 
His songs also cause herpes but not as distinctive as Johnny Bitchel...
 


Posted 3 months ago by ciarataylor    [ Reply ]
 h8rhater wrote:

I would rather let Bill play what Bill plays.



her voice, like judy collins and joan baez is certainly not made for the Lizzo, Britney, out of tune Eilish fans, thats a certainty.  Being in tune with your music you perform as well as the ideas in the compositions mean more than any Ai generated nothing music. Love the album Blue only because more than one female acquaintance played it while visiting.  
Posted 4 months ago by flythe10    [ Reply ]
Being from 1982 I never heard Joni on the Dutch radio. RP introduced me to her and I was immediately taken away by the great craftsmanship of her music.

I really think she is the greatest female song writer of the last century. The composing is top notch. The only female this creative I can think of is Bjork.

Therefor I don't get the negativity surrounding her?
Posted 5 months ago by Kaw    [ Reply ]
Sorry but to me it just sounds like the music and the singing are from two different songs...
Posted 8 months ago by PinkSo    [ Reply ]
 SkipK wrote:

Be sure to check out the live version of this song she does with The Band in the The Last Waltz movie. Fantastic.



Absolutely! That and Neil Young's Helpless with Joni adding vocal from backstage.
Posted 9 months ago by Peace_tode    [ Reply ]
 zurcronium wrote:
. At 78 she continues to be an inspiration for us all
 
Holy crap, and she was only 31 in 1976.  I don't understand how we all aged so much, 1976 doesn't seem that long ago to me.
Posted 10 months ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
Joni and Jaco - pristine 
Posted 11 months ago by tm    [ Reply ]
This week the whole world caught up with Joni. At 78 she continues to be an inspiration for us all. Check out her Newport performance. Try to hold back your tears. She is a God.
Posted 2 years ago by zurcronium    [ Reply ]
 ImaOldman wrote:

I always thought RP had a more sophisticated audience than average but apparently not, judging by the negative comments for Joni. She is a pure talent with few if any equals (as was Jaco). This album was a gift to anyone willing to listen with an open mind which seem to be in short supply here...



I don't think it's so much the lack of  "sophistication" of the RP audience; I think it's more of the all-too-common behavior of complainers feeling the need to express their grievances to everyone else.
Probably everyone has done it at some point, though not with such frequency and crudeness.
Posted 2 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Joni Rules!
Posted 2 years ago by BlackBetty    [ Reply ]
Jaco’s bass playing shines and makes this track👍
Posted 2 years ago by Easyrider    [ Reply ]
 peregrin wrote:

Haha. I always feel like each member of the band turned up with a different set of sheet music while she's forgotten the lyrics and is just ad-libbing whatever pops into her head.

That's the sound of genius. Listen to Monk, Diz, Bird, Miles...

Sure it ain't for everyone - but for some of us it's transcendent.
Best,
c.

Posted 2 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
My wife can't stand Joni, which I find quite funny. Needless to say whenever she comes on I have to turn it up!
Posted 2 years ago by leathepea    [ Reply ]
 ImaOldman wrote:

I always thought RP had a more sophisticated audience than average but apparently not, judging by the negative comments for Joni. She is a pure talent with few if any equals (as was Jaco). This album was a gift to anyone willing to listen with an open mind which seem to be in short supply here...




Especially this song. I can't understand how anyone could listen to it & not see that it's pure genius.
Posted 2 years ago by CosmicDon    [ Reply ]
JACO!
Posted 2 years ago by fraserji    [ Reply ]
Be sure to check out the live version of this song she does with The Band in the The Last Waltz movie. Fantastic.
Posted 2 years ago by SkipK    [ Reply ]
Joni Mitchell, Jaco Pastorius, lyrics. . .  Love it.
Posted 2 years ago by WWWillie    [ Reply ]
 shhhh777 wrote:

Ha!
Joni...

Goddess



thank-you, Bill...
Posted 2 years ago by shhhh777    [ Reply ]
Ha!
Joni...

Goddess
Posted 2 years ago by shhhh777    [ Reply ]
Lyrics are nothing short of amazing. Joni takes some listening to before you get it. But wow.
Posted 3 years ago by emmo_radio    [ Reply ]
Staggered at the low average rating for this. It's pure greatness and the album still ranks among my top five ever made.
A ten from me.
Posted 3 years ago by Paddy_Hannan    [ Reply ]
go...go...go
Posted 3 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
 pfreet wrote:

I don't get Joni Mitchell, it's as if they mixed the vocals with the wrong music. But it every song. Ya'll enjoy this, I'm gonna go see what the next song is. 



Haha. I always feel like each member of the band turned up with a different set of sheet music while she's forgotten the lyrics and is just ad-libbing whatever pops into her head.

>| Next
Posted 3 years ago by peregrin    [ Reply ]
Miraculous music! Truly in a class of its own. It only seems to get better with time. Each hearing reveals new things to me. I love it.
Posted 3 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 pfreet wrote:

I don't get Joni Mitchell, it's as if they mixed the vocals with the wrong music. But it every song. Ya'll enjoy this, I'm gonna go see what the next song is. 



I hear ya. Joni took me a very long while to appreciate. Check back in with this album in ten years and see if you still feel the same.    :)
Posted 3 years ago by robb104    [ Reply ]
hejira - a masterpiece… truly
Posted 3 years ago by tm    [ Reply ]
 ImaOldman wrote:

I always thought RP had a more sophisticated audience than average but apparently not, judging by the negative comments for Joni. She is a pure talent with few if any equals (as was Jaco). This album was a gift to anyone willing to listen with an open mind which seem to be in short supply here...



I'm with you, Oldman.  I was privileged to see Joni in concert, as well as Jaco (with Weather Report) on numerous occasions, and I always left those gigs feeling the world was a better place for their presence in it.   Hejira is gorgeous.
Posted 3 years ago by pktinkler2984    [ Reply ]
 ImaOldman wrote:

I always thought RP had a more sophisticated audience than average but apparently not, judging by the negative comments for Joni. She is a pure talent with few if any equals (as was Jaco). This album was a gift to anyone willing to listen with an open mind which seem to be in short supply here...



I agree totally! 
Posted 3 years ago by enno13    [ Reply ]
Joni, poet for all women of the 20th century. Any woman who’s hit the road in America can relate to this one!
Posted 3 years ago by naomin    [ Reply ]
 ImaOldman wrote:
I always thought RP had a more sophisticated audience than average but apparently not, judging by the negative comments for Joni. She is a pure talent with few if any equals (as was Jaco). This album was a gift to anyone willing to listen with an open mind which seem to be in short supply here...
 
I totally aggree! On the other hand RPs audience increases day by day plus RP goes through a significant audience change… (I assume). The listeners average age is decreasing - I could swear - and therefore the taste of music. Some doesn't feel Jonie's music… that's sad… but we - the older RP listeners - should deal with it. However… I  wish everyone would respect ALL music and artists  Rebecca and Bill (and team) have chosen for RP listeners around the world… and… erm… am I texting too much? 

To make a long story short: Long live RP! 
Posted 3 years ago by h2chris    [ Reply ]
 RabbitEars wrote:
Live at Gordon Lightfoot's Home with Bob Dylan & Roger McGuinn, 1975
 
Fantastic. Thank you for sharing.
Posted 3 years ago by Ropes    [ Reply ]
i prefer Joni over Joan anyday.
Posted 3 years ago by wcourville    [ Reply ]
absolute masterpiece from Jaco...
Posted 3 years ago by MilesW    [ Reply ]
I’m always struck by how solid the groove feels on this track despite the absence of a drum kit.
Posted 3 years ago by theirongiant    [ Reply ]
Masterpiece
Posted 3 years ago by walkerpub    [ Reply ]
Live at Gordon Lightfoot's Home with Bob Dylan & Roger McGuinn, 1975
Posted 3 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
So good.
Posted 3 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
Absolutely love the 'chimes' from the bass guitar .. I assume that's Jaco Pastorius? Fabulous sound.
Posted 3 years ago by talexb    [ Reply ]
 RabbitEars wrote:
love the live version

the live version from the last waltz is also cool - i love robbie's guitar playing, though it lacks the jaco drive
 
He didn't play bass, so not much connection.
Posted 4 years ago by RichW    [ Reply ]
Sorry to say, but I just don't get it. . . . . Joni Mitchell  = PSD
Posted 4 years ago by Sawyer    [ Reply ]
I need an '11' for this one please... Joni & Jaco,once in a lifetime pairing.
Posted 4 years ago by Clssmi    [ Reply ]
I don't get Joni Mitchell, it's as if they mixed the vocals with the wrong music. But it every song. Ya'll enjoy this, I'm gonna go see what the next song is. 
Posted 4 years ago by pfreet    [ Reply ]
One of the most evocative songs I know.  I fly on this.
Posted 4 years ago by naomin    [ Reply ]
Gods may perform whatever Gods would like to perform.  They've earned the right.
Posted 4 years ago by dublanica    [ Reply ]
Ugh not again, way too much Joni Mitchell on RP. Terrible stuff.
Posted 4 years ago by Chimpmeister    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

I'll never cease to be amazed by the sh*t that some people will post.
That has to be one of the most creepy and tasteless comment ever on RP.
You really want to talk about your genital warts? Please find somewhere else to do it; maybe the doctor's office.
 You can run into a creep are anywhere: city, country, highways, dirt roads it's your reaction that matters. Don't give them the courtesy of a response . Just Ignore them, like a bad cold, eventually they'll go away.
Posted 4 years ago by tutor_turtle    [ Reply ]
 h8rhater wrote:

I would rather let Bill play what Bill plays.
 
Great answer, love it!
Posted 4 years ago by janhotz    [ Reply ]
If there was an option to blacklist some songs from playing for specific user I would use comments here as a reference :)
Posted 4 years ago by Meolla_Reio    [ Reply ]
This is such a unique sound -- the tingly guitar, the bass doing occasional harmonics, Joni's amazing voice, lyrics and delivery -- awesome.
Posted 5 years ago by talexb    [ Reply ]
Jaco P. shines on this song...{#Dancingbanana}
Posted 5 years ago by ScopPics    [ Reply ]
 unclehud wrote:
bentonian wrote:

Joni Mitchell is one of the classic voices of 1970's American music.


Canada is part of North America, so maybe bentonian meant, "Joni Mitchell is one of the classic voices of 1970's NORTH American music."

Funny that Saskatoon doesn't have anything to honour her contribution to the world's music library.
 

While Joni is from Canada, she has dual citizenship and is deeply associated with LA's Laurel Canyon. She's been living in LA since the 60s (spending part of the year in Canada). So much of her music has a particularly American flavor, at least lyrically. And she couldn't be avoided on American radio in the early 70s.... 
Posted 5 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
First time I heard this song is when I went to see this the first week it came out. It was in a big old movie theatre in NY, with the giant red curtains and a balcony. It was a peak experience. 

I love what Garth & Robbie do on this version.
Posted 5 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
bentonian wrote:

Joni Mitchell is one of the classic voices of 1970's American music.

 BCarn wrote:
"American music"? You're kidding, right?
 
Canada is part of North America, so maybe bentonian meant, "Joni Mitchell is one of the classic voices of 1970's NORTH American music."

Funny that Saskatoon doesn't have anything to honour her contribution to the world's music library.
Posted 5 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
Basically, my favorite Joni song from my favorite Joni album.  Joni and Jaco were magical together on this album.  The interplay of the guitar and bass  perfectly captures the longing mood of the lyrics.  I'd give Coyote 11 stars if I could...
Posted 5 years ago by brian.gass77551    [ Reply ]
 bentonian wrote:

Based on your description, I'm quite certain you meant to type "Neil Young and his guitar."

Joni Mitchell is one of the classic voices of 1970's American music. 
 
"American music"? You're kidding, right?

Posted 5 years ago by BCarn    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

I'll never cease to be amazed by the sh*t that some people will post.
That has to be one of the most creepy and tasteless comment ever on RP.
You really want to talk about your genital warts? Please find somewhere else to do it; maybe the doctor's office.
 
Esp. since at least 2/3 of the population has some form of Herpes or the other.....OP still may want to see someone about it since getting herpes from listening to RP seems a bit odd.....(as in YOU'RE NOT DOING IT RIGHT!!)  This awesome song from an excellent album is still a 9 for me....Long Live RP!!
Posted 5 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
Any song where Joni uses the word "free" is a good song.  This, one of the best, involving as it does a prisoner of the white lines on the freeway.  
Posted 5 years ago by dziebell    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

I'll never cease to be amazed by the sh*t that some people will post.
That has to be one of the most creepy and tasteless comment ever on RP.
You really want to talk about your genital warts? Please find somewhere else to do it; maybe the doctor's office.
 
Maybe the guy is covered in sores and is just plain sore about it.
Posted 5 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
love the live version

the live version from the last waltz is also cool - i love robbie's guitar playing, though it lacks the jaco drive
Posted 5 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
 red wrote:
she gets way too much airplay on rp. i would rather hear joan baez or judy collins.
 
I would rather let Bill play what Bill plays.
Posted 5 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
 Sam_Hill wrote:
Excellent work. Jaco Pastorius on bass.
 

This reminds me of another song we hear on RP - Stolen Car by Beth Orton.  What make that song special is the guitar work by Ben Harper and on this song it's the bass work by Jaco.
Posted 5 years ago by Bat    [ Reply ]
 ExploitingChaos wrote:

Jesus christ fefe your'e a sensitive sonny aint ya
 
Hey, if you like hearing about herpes in a song comment, then good for you, I guess.
I would prefer not to.
Posted 5 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
It's a bit frustrating to see comments like "you can't spell the simplest of words if you don't get Joni." Frankly, I find her voice warbly, her lyrics cheesy, and the music unremarkable. But I don't insult those who "get" Joni. Good for you. Some of us just don't care for her brand of singer/songwriter.
Posted 5 years ago by KBActive    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

Those who don't get Joni are apparently incapable of spelling even the simplest of words.
 

Nope. I'm a professional proofreader, and I can't stand Joni Mitchell.
Posted 5 years ago by CDextrous    [ Reply ]
My rating only 7 so I change rating to 3 and skip
Posted 5 years ago by Tomasni    [ Reply ]
Excellent work. Jaco Pastorius on bass.
Posted 5 years ago by Sam_Hill    [ Reply ]
I just managed to get in a "2" vote before slamming the PSD button!
Posted 5 years ago by doc1968    [ Reply ]
Nothin but love for this album
Posted 5 years ago by ExploitingChaos    [ Reply ]
 nickshortie wrote:
Absolutley agreed, her music is giving me herpes instantly! I wasn't here for some months because of Joni and Leonard....
 His songs also cause herpes but not as distinctive as Johnny Bitchel...
 
I'll never cease to be amazed by the sh*t that some people will post.
That has to be one of the most creepy and tasteless comments ever on RP.
You really want to talk about your STDs? Please find somewhere else to do it; maybe the doctor's office.
Posted 5 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 Ericocean wrote:
Can we limit Joni Mitchell to one song a day?  or a week would be even better, or possibly a month?  She really is awful.
 
Absolutley agreed, her music is giving me herpes instantly! I wasn't here for some months because of Joni and Leonard....
 
His songs also cause herpes but not as distinctive as Johnny Bitchel...
 
Posted 5 years ago by nickshortie    [ Reply ]
Can we limit Joni Mitchell to one song a day?  or a week would be even better, or possibly a month?  She really is awful.
Posted 6 years ago by Ericocean    [ Reply ]
I always thought RP had a more sophisticated audience than average but apparently not, judging by the negative comments for Joni. She is a pure talent with few if any equals (as was Jaco). This album was a gift to anyone willing to listen with an open mind which seem to be in short supply here...
Posted 6 years ago by ImaOldman    [ Reply ]
Please make it stop. thank heaven for PSD
Posted 6 years ago by hbs47    [ Reply ]
Love this song.
Posted 6 years ago by Phlegmaticman    [ Reply ]
This is a fantastic song on a fantastic album that never disappoints. The bass playing is definitely Godlike, Jaco was a beast. The song was supposedly written about Joni's affair with Sam Shepard, RIP.
Posted 6 years ago by ImaOldman    [ Reply ]
JONI FUCKIN' MITCHELL DAY AFTER DAY, MAKE IT STOP, PLEASE, WAY TO MUCH MITCHELL!!!!!!!!!
Posted 6 years ago by glassman    [ Reply ]
 dewhead wrote:
Yep, still a 1.
 
Yes, Joni is definitely number 1!
Posted 6 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Jaco is awesome and I understand the historical importance of Joni but I cannot get on board with her voice and singing style, sounds like coffee shop whine.
Posted 6 years ago by SurfDoc    [ Reply ]
Yep, still a 1.
Posted 6 years ago by dewhead    [ Reply ]
love to jaco
Posted 6 years ago by hedgie    [ Reply ]
 zedstation wrote:
Joni, Bob, Leonard; did they invent their music or did the music invent them? Regardless, everyone else in the singer/songwriter genre arrived after, and these 3 stand alone on some periodic table of musical elements. Nothing alike. Nothing to be added. Nothing to be taken away.

 
There were many singer/songwriters before those three, especially before Joni and Leonard.  Aside from blues legends such as Robert Johnson and Lead Belly, there were the folk troubadours such as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger - both of whom dramatically influenced Dylan.  Hank Williams, Chuck Berry, Jimmie Rodgers, Roy Orbison, Ewan MacColl, and many others also wrote and preformed their own songs.  Anyhow, isn't "create" a better term to use than "invent" when referring to music?  Good song, by the way.
Posted 6 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]

 

What a fine album.  Thanks for playing, RP. 


Posted 6 years ago by mardison    [ Reply ]
FABULOUS SONG OF LIFE  : )  LOVE IT - MAGICAL
Posted 6 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
JACO!
Posted 6 years ago by mgoldman    [ Reply ]
I think Hejira was Joni's best album; with Court and Spark a close second. The music on Heijra just seemed more intriguing, with wonderful jazz influences. It captures me every time I hear it....
Posted 7 years ago by Chwkbud    [ Reply ]
We should wear berets, once in a while.   
Posted 7 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Coyote's in the coffee shop
He's staring a hole in his scrambled eggs
He picks up my scent on his fingers
While he's watching the waitresses' legs
One of my all-time favorite lyrics, allegedly about her affair with Sam Shepard. 

I never grow tired of this song. Every time I hear the opening chords I stop what I'm doing. It's a brilliant bit of music and came out at an important time in my life. 
Posted 7 years ago by nagsheadlocal    [ Reply ]
FYI: there are a couple new biographies out on Joni. They are reviewed in this month's edition of Atlantic Monthly.  They look like a great reads. Make great Christmas gifts.  

Posted 7 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Posted: Apr 20, 2017 15:40
 
zedstation wrote:
Joni, Bob, Leonard; did they invent their music or did the music invent them? Regardless, everyone else in the singer/songwriter genre arrived after, and these 3 stand alone on some periodic table of musical elements. Nothing alike. Nothing to be added. Nothing to be taken away.
 On_The_Beach wrote:

I'd add Neil Young to that list. He pre-dates Joni, and even Leonard, if you include the Buffalo Springfield stuff.
Sadly, all four of them receive lots of hate here on RP (although their songs are generally rated highly).
Paul Simon, James Taylor and Cat Stevens weren't too shabby either.  
Perhaps they were on the second row of the periodic table?  ; )

  
Yikes!  I agree with both of you!!

Then you have the often overlooked Brian Wilson and (not so overlooked) Syd Barrett, who both did a lot of drugs and/or had social problems that prevented them from having a bigger imprint on the music world. How many rows does this table have?

========================================================================================================

But what are their Atomic Number s ( re Case/Lang/Veirs ) ?


Posted 7 years ago by ODAD    [ Reply ]
I'm generally not a Joni fan. Nothing against her or the genre, just not quite my cuppa.  But she has done some very fine songs, and this is one of them. It's genius. 
Posted 7 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
My favorite Joni album and this cut shows the genius of Jaco P. like no other. 
Posted 7 years ago by CyrusPaul    [ Reply ]

Yes, I am adding a 2nd comment to this track, simply to say 2 things.

1) I might be in the small minority of people that were not around when this album came out (I "came out" in 1977) to actually enjoy hearing it.  Chalk it up to the damned "1001 albums to hear before you die" list!  Hejira, among several others from JM, made the list, and while my first reaction was "haha WTF is this?!" I came to really enjoy the sonic atmosphere she's created. And then when I found out that was Jaco on the bass...well....my 7 rating jumped to an 8, and eventually to a 9 where it will stay.

2) Like normal, I used my wi-fi at home to get 7 hours of RP to buffer for my 'at-work playlist' - see the wi-fi and 4G barely reach my desk - and what I got is COMPLETELY different than what is on the main RP list.  Just a bit odd and wanted to post this somewhere because I'm really enjoying this playlist. 

Long Live RP! 


Posted 7 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
zedstation wrote:
Joni, Bob, Leonard; did they invent their music or did the music invent them? Regardless, everyone else in the singer/songwriter genre arrived after, and these 3 stand alone on some periodic table of musical elements. Nothing alike. Nothing to be added. Nothing to be taken away.
 On_The_Beach wrote:

I'd add Neil Young to that list. He pre-dates Joni, and even Leonard, if you include the Buffalo Springfield stuff.
Sadly, all four of them receive lots of hate here on RP (although their songs are generally rated highly).
Paul Simon, James Taylor and Cat Stevens weren't too shabby either. 
Perhaps they were on the second row of the periodic table?  ; )

 
Yikes!  I agree with both of you!!

Then you have the often overlooked Brian Wilson and (not so overlooked) Syd Barrett, who both did a lot of drugs and/or had social problems that prevented them from having a bigger imprint on the music world. How many rows does this table have?
Posted 7 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
I want to dial it up to eleven... ! Joni forever.
Posted 7 years ago by greenray    [ Reply ]
Hallelujah pankman!  Hallelujah!
Posted 7 years ago by crackker8385    [ Reply ]
 zedstation wrote:
Joni, Bob, Leonard; did they invent their music or did the music invent them? Regardless, everyone else in the singer/songwriter genre arrived after, and these 3 stand alone on some periodic table of musical elements. Nothing alike. Nothing to be added. Nothing to be taken away.
 
I'd add Neil Young to that list. He pre-dates Joni, and even Leonard, if you include the Buffalo Springfield stuff.
Sadly, all four of them receive lots of hate here on RP (although their songs are generally rated highly).
Paul Simon, James Taylor and Cat Stevens weren't too shabby either. 
Perhaps they were on the second row of the periodic table?  ; )
Posted 7 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Joni, Bob, Leonard; did they invent their music or did the music invent them? Regardless, everyone else in the singer/songwriter genre arrived after, and these 3 stand alone on some periodic table of musical elements. Nothing alike. Nothing to be added. Nothing to be taken away.
Posted 7 years ago by zedstation    [ Reply ]
Never better. Joni & Django.
Posted 8 years ago by DoctorWho    [ Reply ]
I don't have the Joni love that many of my contemporaries have, but there is definitely room in my brain for her unique style.  Plus Court and Spark is truly great.  Besides; on this song, if you don't like her voice, just listen to Jaco's bass.
Posted 8 years ago by Typesbad    [ Reply ]
 gatorade wrote:
{#Dancingbanana} She's not only one of the best guitarists around, she's also one of the finest songwriters. {#Bananajam}

This is a 10 all day long.

 
she also plays a beautiful dulcimer
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
A great song from one of Joni's finest albums!  Thanks for playing it, RP!
Posted 8 years ago by mardisoninnc    [ Reply ]
 Kenbob wrote:

I used to feel that way about Elvis, classical music, Frank Sinatra, country western, hard core blues, on and on. Then time went by and I grew up a little and this whole wonderful world that had always been right in front of me opened up. There's good and bad in all genres, we all have our own tastes, but what a gift to keep discovering. Listen to the Ramones sing "What a Wonderful World",  by Louis Armstrong. As for Joni, I was ready for her when she came along. But even so, after she turned to jazz, it took me almost two decades to like, then love it. The music didn't change, my tastes just continued to expand, what a gift. 

Yes, I'm old. And very lucky, ive got a whole world of music to experience. Part of why I love RP so much, Bills not afraid to cross genres. He certainly has bias, but fortunately I lean very much in the same direction. Stoking the star-making machinery behind the popular song. 
 
I'm with you on Elvis and country western, which took me a very long time to learn to like.  But Joni? For me, not an acquired taste.  One of my very first favorite singers as a child.  And I was so young that it was her voice I liked first — I didn't understand, much less appreciate, her great turns of phrase until I was in my teens.
Posted 8 years ago by membeth    [ Reply ]
 pankman wrote:
Joni Mitchell every f*****g day. A tremendous trial from our Lord.

 
I recommend playing Joni songs at least three times daily. It's better than praying.  (-:
Posted 8 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]
 mdfergy wrote:
To me, Joni Mitchell sounds like a big, squeaky mouse in labor. I would be happy if there was an international ban against playing her songs, with a penalty of having to eat shards of glass.

 
For all your attempted cleverness, your comment is "I don't like this."  Unless you're a rock star, I assure you NO ONE CARES.  Use the message board to say something interesting about the artist or the music or a life experience or anything.  
Posted 8 years ago by PRoeder61    [ Reply ]
I changed my vote from "1" to "8".  She's growing on me.  I spent some time researching the album cover art...fascinating.
Posted 8 years ago by Larrygrrl    [ Reply ]
 Kenbob wrote:

I used to feel that way about Elvis, classical music, Frank Sinatra, country western, hard core blues, on and on. Then time went by and I grew up a little and this whole wonderful world that had always been right in front of me opened up. There's good and bad in all genres, we all have our own tastes, but what a gift to keep discovering. Listen to the Ramones sing "What a Wonderful World",  by Louis Armstrong. As for Joni, I was ready for her when she came along. But even so, after she turned to jazz, it took me almost two decades to like, then love it. The music didn't change, my tastes just continued to expand, what a gift. 

Yes, I'm old. And very lucky, ive got a whole world of music to experience. Part of why I love RP so much, Bills not afraid to cross genres. He certainly has bias, but fortunately I lean very much in the same direction. Stoking the star-making machinery behind the popular song. 
 
I can only agree with you Sir.
But, it seems most here just want to hear toe tapping Country and Western songs sung through the nose, about teen pregnancies and corn. 

I wonder what the PSD button is for? 
Posted 8 years ago by 4GibMe    [ Reply ]
Joni Mitchell every f*****g day. A tremendous trial from our Lord.
Posted 8 years ago by pankman    [ Reply ]
Marmite!!!
Posted 8 years ago by mgkiwi    [ Reply ]
"He picks up my scent on his fingers as he's watching the waitress's legs." The sexiest line ever written by Joni and very possibly by anyone ever.
Posted 8 years ago by themusicroob    [ Reply ]
 daveesh wrote:
i know i'm SUPPOSED to appreciate her lyricism and vocal acrobatics but i just don't. like nails on a chalk board.

 
I used to feel that way about Elvis, classical music, Frank Sinatra, country western, hard core blues, on and on. Then time went by and I grew up a little and this whole wonderful world that had always been right in front of me opened up. There's good and bad in all genres, we all have our own tastes, but what a gift to keep discovering. Listen to the Ramones sing "What a Wonderful World",  by Louis Armstrong. As for Joni, I was ready for her when she came along. But even so, after she turned to jazz, it took me almost two decades to like, then love it. The music didn't change, my tastes just continued to expand, what a gift. 

Yes, I'm old. And very lucky, ive got a whole world of music to experience. Part of why I love RP so much, Bills not afraid to cross genres. He certainly has bias, but fortunately I lean very much in the same direction. Stoking the star-making machinery behind the popular song. 
Posted 8 years ago by Kenbob    [ Reply ]
 mdfergy wrote:
To me, Joni Mitchell sounds like a big, squeaky mouse in labor. I would be happy if there was an international ban against playing her songs, with a penalty of having to eat shards of glass.

 

Show us on the doll where Joni touched you.  {#Beat}
Posted 8 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]
{#Dancingbanana} She's not only one of the best guitarists around, she's also one of the finest songwriters. {#Bananajam}

This is a 10 all day long.
Posted 8 years ago by gatorade    [ Reply ]
 mdfergy wrote:
To me, Joni Mitchell sounds like a big, squeaky mouse in labor. I would be happy if there was an international ban against playing her songs, with a penalty of having to eat shards of glass.

 
Based on your description, I'm quite certain you meant to type "Neil Young and his guitar."

Joni Mitchell is one of the classic voices of 1970's American music. 
Posted 8 years ago by bentonian    [ Reply ]
 mdfergy wrote:
To me, Joni Mitchell sounds like a big, squeaky mouse in labor. I would be happy if there was an international ban against playing her songs, with a penalty of having to eat shards of glass.
 
Shards of glass, you say?
I guess that was supposed to be ... funny?
Posted 8 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 avidfan wrote:
Joni Mitchell ALWAYS reminds me of my other favorite folk songstress Phoebe!!!!

Smelly cat, smelly cat, what are they feeding you?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7jlGRq8xZ4
 
You saved my day !{#Smile}
Posted 8 years ago by TianGongZhong    [ Reply ]
To me, Joni Mitchell sounds like a big, squeaky mouse in labor. I would be happy if there was an international ban against playing her songs, with a penalty of having to eat shards of glass.
Posted 8 years ago by mdfergy    [ Reply ]
So imagine being the "hitcher" being picked up by Joni and being in a car with her and talking.

Talking about music on the radio, the traffic, the scenery, the color of blue. Whatever pops up as the moments come and go. 
Posted 8 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
The guitar sounds smooth, like velvet and satin.{#Angel}
Posted 8 years ago by SteadyRollingMan    [ Reply ]