September 27, 2007
One of my all-time favorite artists, Joni Mitchell, has just released a new album. In these days of the downward-spiraling music business, I always look forward to new music by seasoned artists.
Because of the corporate takeover in music, Joni Mitchell has been in a holding pattern for 10 years, abandoning her guitar and piano to experience the belated life of a mother and grandmother, reuniting with the daughter she'd given away for adoption after becoming pregnant in the mid-'60s. "In some ways, my gift for music and writing was born out of tragedy and loss," she told the documentary-maker Susan Lacy. "When my daughter returned to me, the gift kind of went with it. The songwriting was almost like something I did while I was waiting for my daughter to come back."
She’s back now with her new album, "Shine," her first album of new songs since 1998. Recording and producing albums had become a drain to Joni, feeling unappreciated and discarded by an image-conscious and money-loving industry. Starbucks' label, Hear Music, appealed to Joni because Starbucks was willing to nurture her and respect what she’s done. Joni follows in the footsteps of Paul McCartney’s new album, "Memory Almost Full," as part of Starbucks Artists Choice series.
Not only is Joni revered as the greatest female musician of our generation, she is also an accomplished artist. Actually, she considers herself a "painter who did music as a hobby." She has done many remarkable self-portraits for several of her albums and will have her collection of art exhibited in New York City at the Violet Ray Gallery in the Village, the week of Sept. 25, coinciding with the release of her album.
Oh, by the way, I watched a great documentary this week on cable called "All We Are Saying" by Rosanna Arquette. There are interviews with at least 50 of our favorite musicians, including Joni Mitchell, talking about their inspirations, trials of living on the road, and the current state of the music industry. Catch it on Showtime or rent it at your video store. Fascinating!
Other new releases that I recommend are:
"Kill To Get Crimson" by Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits fame. Released this week.
"Songs of Mass Destruction" by Annie Lennox, released on Oct. 2.
"Magic" by Bruce Springsteen, also released on Oct. 2.
"Raising Sand" by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, out on Oct. 23.
And last but not least, his purpleness, Prince, has a great new album out now called "Planet Earth."
A bunch of great new music!
Until next time, rock on, and be excellent to each other… Penny
Comments
bornin1955 (anonymous) says...
I love Joni Mitchell and I'm happy to hear she's come out with a new album. I will buy it and share it with my kids who love her, too. I also like Allison Kraus. Thanks for the recomendations!
September 28, 2007 at 3:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
golfergirl (anonymous) says...
I am so hooked on satellite radio (I spend a lot of time in the car), I simply don't buy music anymore. Thanks for reminding us that we need to support our favorite artists. I, too, adore Joni Mitchell...but who doesn't?
September 29, 2007 at 11:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Post a comment
Commenting requires registration.