FIRST Listen to Blue by Joni Mitchell - A Melodic Marvel

[@CallMeCaroline]

HI Everyone! I'm back, I hope you enjoyed the video and stay tuned for more! :D

[@rafailkarampetsos6914]

I was your first view and comment and like on this video

[@paulemery55]

All right! Something to look forward to.

[@agaskew]

Good to see you, how have you been?

[@jameswalls4172]

It's nice to see you doing reactions again.

[@10faloney92]

So glad that you enjoy Joni! She is a real original artist, who never stopped exploring, being herself. Eric (in Canada).

[@4-dman464]

Joni Mitchell is a genius. There are others in that candidacy too - McCartney, Bowie, Dylan...but if Joni isn't a genius, no one is.

[@JayAr709]

Leonard Cohen.

[@cliffhughes6010]

@@JayAr709 Yes, him too.

[@69birdboy]

Don't forget Lennon ...he did it LL better than anyone

[@Ant-yq5ze]

As much as I like Bowie, I think he's just a step short from that league, you forgot John fucking Lennon though.

[@VarikM]

The genius of Joni Mitchell, and all the others over the decades before and since, we take them for granted, yes, but joyously. It is our musical world and our birthright. The beautiful thing is that the miracles of art remain. Love that we can enjoy it together.

[@WaltMossberg]

So glad you’re back, Caroline. We’ve missed you. And listening to an amazing, historic artist like Joni Mitchell too!

[@jackcanfora]

Blue and John Lennon's Plastic Ono Band are considered by people who pontificate on these things arguably the two best examples of raw, confessional albums.

[@JimmyLem]

Ain’t that the truth!

[@spiritof6663]

I think you'll find that if you do listens of all of her albums from 1968-78, you'll have as wondrous a time as with the Beatles catalog. Joni's evolution during those ten years was stunning. You absolutely must hear her jazz-fusion period--you'll be positively amazed at all her crazy chords and outrageous tunings!!!

[@5925-p1b]

One of the best albums ever made, I can literally put it on anytime and listen all the way through. There's no one like Joni.

[@paulemery55]

An exploration of her first 7 or so albums I think you would find very rewarding.

[@jamiewilson3599]

Undoubtedly the most gifted and genius Canadian musical artist ever to come from Canada. She is one of those rare singers who's voice makes my eyes swell up for no particular reason. The notes and vibrations just make my soul weep with joy. Fun fact: Joni never particularly thought of herself as a music star. She felt she was a painter who made money with music. The paintings you see on many of her album covers are her own work. If you google musicians giving their opinion of Joni, you'll see how many brilliant artists see her as existing on a higher plane than anyone else.

[@robertewalt7789]

Lots of great musical artists from Canada. Neil Young is only one.

[@Richard_Ashton]

My all-time favourite Joni Mitchell album.

[@sabasufyana]

You were missed! Great reaction. Joni Mitchell is the kind of artist who only gets better with every listen and you'll find a ton of nuances (both lyrical and musical) that haven't hit you yet even on the 100th listen. Calling her a genius is an understatement

[@CallMeCaroline]

Saba, thank you so much for your support, you are too kind! I am looking forward to diving more into Joni's work, she really is something new to me and I have her melodies creep into my mind, there is something to them.

[@daniellysohirka5079]

@@CallMeCaroline She is really good, also from Canada. Happy belated Canada Day.

[@scottamichie]

Spring ‘71. Semester abroad in Stockholm Sweden, walk into downtown Stockholm record store to hear the new Joni album Blue. Walked out of the sound booth 40 minutes later stunned, wander Stockholm streets in a daze till somehow found my bus stop and the way back to student housing. Life-changing.

[@39thala]

"Little Green" was about her daughter that she gave away for adoption as a baby. She didn't reunite with her until decades later when she was an adult.

[@jasonremy1627]

Up next you should do "Hejira". It's a few years later, and it really shows her maturing as a writer and performer.

[@rickc661]

My fave J.M. disc, easy.

[@FavouriteStorage03]

not to mention Jaco

[@pauledwards3055]

Love Joni, I agree Hejira is just amazing, the maturing of her songwriting and musicianship

[@emilyflotilla931]

LITTLE GREEN is a song written about a child Joni gave up for adoption. Please take some time now to listen to her heart. She's very vulnerable with us, and we relate.

[@bobtausworthe]

Joni Mitchell is a musician's musician. She's always on the shortlist of famous musician's favorite artists.

[@TTM9691]

EXCELLENT CHOICE....AND WELCOME BACK!!!!!!! Joni has a rich catalog and, although I don't expect you to do all her albums on your channel, she's definitely worth delving into! As far as FOR the channel, her album "Court And Spark" is completely different from "Blue" and she does all the arrangements for it, really incredible arrangements and production. I'd DEFINITELY be interested in your reaction to "Court And Spark", especially in contrast to "Blue". (But like I said, ALL of her albums are worth checking out, she is a songwriter par excellence!!) Ok, going to watch this reaction now!! LOVE YA, CAROLINE!!!!!! EXCELLENT CHOICE!

[@notvalidcharacters]

You'll hear a lot of unexpected/unusual chords from Joni especially in the guitar-based songs because she uses open tunings on the guitar (at least 60 of them), which offer different possibilities from standard tuning. And that's because having polio as a child left her fretting (left) hand weak making standard chords a challenge. That's also the derivation of that sliding bass sweep in "This Flight Tonight". It's easy to do in an open tuning and the different string configurations inform a lot of her composition. *Blue* was her most confessional work to date, but you'll notice through ALL of her work that personal and very honest exploration. "Little Green", though it wasn't known at the time, was about the child she had to give up for adoption when she was young and penniless ("Green" for the name "Kelly" that she gave the daughter). So that's biographical as well. After that point she married, very briefly, a folk musician in Detroit named Chuck Mitchell (hence the name)*, and not long after that became known for her songwriting, particularly "Both Sides Now", and soon she had her own solo career. (*Chuck is the subject of "I Had a King", the opening track on her first LP) Music has been her half-occupation, the other half being visual art, so what she does is "paint with words". Welcome to the world of Joni Mitchell, it will be rewarding. 🙂 Other comments have mentioned this or that LP for a next suggestion, I won't because it doesn't matter, you can't go wrong no matter what you pick. Maybe check the KZbin channel "Siquomb1" that has a ton of Joni material (Siquomb is Joni's publishing company, an acronym, it stands for "She Is Queen Undisputedly of Mind Beauty").

[@jemahl123]

Blue and Tapestry by Carole King came out in the year I was born, my mum played the two albums incessantly throughout my childhood but I had forgotten them until I saw this. Thank you.

[@rodneygriffin7666]

One of the greatest artists of all time. Indescribable. Just.. Joni.

[@bobmessier5215]

I'm so happy you came back, Caroline. "BLUE" is a fantastic album!

[@39thala]

"A Case Of You" brings tears to my eyes every time. From the minute she starts singing, it touches the emotions. And her voice in that song is just heavenly!

[@chrisbridgen2711]

Here for the Joni Mitchell journey.

[@renemokum]

Joni Mitchell is one of my all-time favorite artists. 'For the Roses' is my favorite early album of hers, while her live album 'Shadows and Light' is another favorite from later in her career. Actually all of her albums are amazing.

[@rafailkarampetsos6914]

The comeback !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@CallMeCaroline]

Woooo!

[@jnagarya519]

He subsequent LPs to "Court & Spark" will blow your socks off (if you wear them).

[@mrtrick9615]

“Little Green” is one of my favorite songs of all time. It’s mix of melancholy and hope only gets more profoundly moving when you realize it’s about the daughter she gave up for adoption.

[@jasonremy1627]

"Little Green" is the most heartbreaking song ever. It's about her daughter she had to give up to adoption.

[@zaftra]

had to?

[@allenswanson2423]

@@zaftra not a lot of other choices in 1965 for a 22-year-old unwed mother. per wikipedia: "Mitchell discovered that she was pregnant by her Calgary ex-boyfriend Brad MacMath in late 1964. She later wrote, "[He] left me three months pregnant in an attic room with no money and winter coming on and only a fireplace for heat. The spindles of the banister were gap-toothed-fuel for last winter's occupants."[38] She gave birth to a baby girl in February 1965. Unable to provide for the baby, she placed her daughter, Kelly Dale Anderson, for adoption."

[@zaftra]

@@allenswanson2423 There's always choices. Not getting pregnant in the first place being one of them.

[@allenswanson2423]

@@zaftra must be some kinda view from up on a horse that high.

[@zaftra]

@@allenswanson2423 yup, that will be it, must be why I don't understand why people are constantly surprised they might get pregnant if they have unprotected sex

[@milonieto]

Caroline nice to have you back. I believe Court and Spark really showes Joni's range and excellence as a lyricist. A definitely must listen.

[@scottmacdonald1826]

Totally agree. "Blue" is a great album. "Court and Spark" is phenomenal.

[@kathirenison]

Court & Spark. Definitely!!

[@richardburke6902]

You might find it interesting to look up the history of Joni Mitchell and the other Laurel Canyon musicians like Crosby, Stills, and Nash. I believe the breakup she is lamenting about on this album was with Graham Nash. He, by the way, left the British band, The Hollies, to team up with Crosby and Stills after an introduction to them by Mama Cass (from the Mamas and Papas). Oh, also of possible interest to you might be that Steven Stills wrote the CSN hit “Sweet Judy Blue Eyes” about his I’ll-fated relationship with Judy Collins. In any case, there was a lot going on in Laurel Canyon in those days.

[@HabaneroTi]

There's an excellent documentary on that whole scene and era called Echo in the Canyon that I've seen several times. Highly recommended. In many ways it laid the groundwork for 70's "easy listening" rock by artists like the Eagles, Jackson Browne and even Elton John. And Teach Your Children is my favorite CSNY song and one of my favorite songs ever.

[@gejuje]

@@HabaneroTi Yes, that is a great documentary

[@custardflan]

Suite Judy Blue Eyes is definitely a must listen. Also Woodstock, which Joni wrote, contrasting teh CSNY version with Joni's.

[@TTM9691]

Definitely the first two Crosby, Stills & Nash (& Young) albums are worth doing: "Crosby, Stills & Nash" and "Deja Vu"

[@gibbopg]

I only listened to this album about 6 years ago (I’m 64 now). Fabulously raw and unique collection of songs. Loved it! Many female artist who followed had their roots in this lady! What a hoot it would have been to attend some of Laurel Canyon parties with all those iconic artists like Joni, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Mama Cass etc etc. my favourites were Little Green and Carey! Couldn’t believe she was a chronic smoker! She also used multiple unique guitar tunings. So special...

[@redpine8665]

The devastating, unflinching honesty of River gets me every time. Anyone that has lived a while has felt this. You took adavantage, acted a jerk, and you made someone special leave you. And you can't stand yourself.

[@mst3ktemple421]

Wonderful to see you again Caroline. Joni is an ethereal angel. This album came out in 1971 and was revolutionary in its sound and structure. She was unique in her own right and influences many others. Later songs like You Turn Me On I'm A Radio and Help Me as well as an earlier songs Big Yellow Taxi, Woodstock and Both Sides Now are all wonderful. One of the truly great singer-songwriters in the history of music.

[@mikenelson3704]

I so enjoy seeing and hearing your musical journey through the music I grew up with. This album I could go on and on about the memories and emotions it stirs in me. Suffice to say that even through all the decades this album remains as one of my most "go to" albums and I still can't listen to it without crying at several points. Joni is magnificent and I'm so glad you came back to your listener/watchers with this classic. Thank you Caroline!!

[@lilmelvin11]

Mitchell does have a particularly unique talent. Not just as a singer, but as a lyricist and composer. I most enjoy later material with "the Weather Report guys" and her collaboration with Mingus. This was so nice a surprise after a break! And like others, I have a suggestion...Gilbert O'Sullivan. In particular a song called "Claire", written for his manager's little daughter at the time. He's got a lotta tunes! People like your videos so much because they love how you show Enthusiasm and Joy. Anyway, glad you posted this!

[@willchristopher1899]

A beautiful reaction. Blue is one of those LPs that I have enjoyed for decades. It creates, rather than enhances, a mood.

[@EllisThings]

Back with a banger! One of the best albums ever. Joni is a genius. A Case Of You is a legit weepy, well done for keeping it together lol

[@fastcakes]

Welcome back! Was hoping the Beatles would reform and release a new album just so we could enjoy your reaction, but Joni will do as a sub.

[@opheliabelleu8025]

Wonderful, Cazz, thank you! Joni's a true poet. A good companion album to this is Carole King's "Tapestry" released in the same year. Singer-songwriters were dominating contemporary music and these two albums are among the best.

[@HabaneroTi]

That was truly a golden age of folk-rock-pop-country singer-songwriters. Mitchell, Dylan, Baez, Nyro, King, Croce, Denver, Diamond, Chapin, Raitt, Hiatt, Donovan, Browne, Nelson, Cohen, and of course Lennon, McCartney and Harrison, and so on. I've surely left out many. Note that I didn't say "the" golden age, but "a" golden age, because there have been others, and arguably there's another one going on now. This was just the one that resonates the most with me, because I grew up with so much of it.

[@ednuijen3243]

you picked my all-time favourite album by the greatest singer-songwriter. Btw it is a dulcimer on all i want.

[@alecspeight5200]

When Joni Mitchell was first establishing herself a lot of lazy music journalists branded her music as "folk". Though there is a lot of overlap with folk in her instrumentation, Joni herself has always been adamant that she is a jazz artist. I think that your own ears just testified to the truth of that claim. Blue is an album that definitely rewards repeat listening so that is a pleasure for you to look forward to. As an aside, you may have noticed that Kate Bush has recently had an upswing in her, always considerable, popularity. Would you consider reviewing any of her albums? I have a feeling that you would find a great deal of her work would resonate with you.

[@TTM9691]

I completely agree 100%, including the part of Caroline's ears testifying to the truth of that claim; every time Joni sings anything remotely jazzy, Caroline's face lights up! :)

[@urbangrouse]

Back in those earlier days any female with an acoustic guitar was a "folk artist".

[@TTM9691]

@@urbangrouse Wrong. Back in those earlier days when ANYBODY with an acoustic guitar was a "folk artist"! lol

[@peterbadore1338]

Correct, Alec. I've been told on occasion that Joni's albums weren't so good when she "went jazz". My response was to have these ignoramuses listen more closely to those earlier albums. Jazz phrasing all over the place. Maybe some folk instrumentation, but that's as far as it goes.

[@Baile_an_Locha]

Funny that Joni preferred to be seen as a jazz artist when Myles Davis didn’t like to be called a jazz artist.

[@pgurugp]

Rumor has it that Joni detuned her dulcimer, wrote all the songs, retuned it and relearned the songs and adjusted as need be. Genius.

[@Kaleidoscopia]

You're back! You were missed

[@zedxxx9]

One of the best albums of all time... glad you discovered it and shared your first listen with us!!

[@rickcocco9616]

Yeah! Caroline, so glad to see you back. Ever since Abbey Road, I’ve been going over in my head what I hope you’d react to. BLUE! This is great.

[@petejp1]

it's nice to see you back. blue is a very emotional album, I think written after a breakup. if you are going to listen to more joni then I would suggest court and spark. I think it's my favorite album of hers. it mixes all the styles of music she does best. an absolute masterpiece.

[@TTM9691]

Yes! "Court And Spark"! I was just saying the same thing, I think that would make a great reaction video, especially from Caroline. Couldn't agree more.

[@axelowell4084]

So nice to see Caroline back. Especially reacting to such a legend like Joni.

[@bendancar]

Great to have you back, Caroline! Honestly, this is an album that stays with you, grows with, and lives in your mind and heart. I'll bet you come back to it again and again over the coming months and years. It is a masterpiece of songwriting and self-examination. About once a year I sit in a dark room with a drink and listen to it start to finish. Very cathartic. As a songwriter myself, it is hard to imagine a set of songs that anyone has ever written that does it better than this. Thanks for sharing you reaction with us.

[@buddyneher9359]

@Benjamin Carmel I like the sound of your yearly ritual (or at least, tradition) with "Blue", the drink and the dark room. I may adopt that myself. Thanks for the inspiration 🙂

[@randsimon1313]

Joni was a painter first, so her musical artistry is always painting a picture in your mind. It's fabulously captivating, and why she is universally loved! You should check out her "Ladies of the Canyon" album, it was the one right before Blue. More fabulous journeys to enjoy, and three huge hits in that one!

[@waldorfstatler3129]

Oh, you are in for a treat Caroline. Next, try Court and Spark, Hissing of Summer Lawns and Hejira. Then, Mingus, Ladies of The Canyon, Clouds and For The Roses. Court and Spark is a flawless album. Good to see you back. 😊

[@TTM9691]

All great albums, and I totally agree that Court And Spark is impeccable!

[@Cloud-xw8nk]

Excellent choice going for Joni!

[@scottmacdonald1826]

I was so happy to see this show up on my favourites list thingy. Joni Mitchell is a singular talent and this is one of her best. You only just missed Canada Day, but close is good enough for me. Great "reaction"/analysis!!!

[@tubularap]

O so nice that you went to Joni Mitchell. To hear your musical ear observing her voice, music and talent. Looking forward to more of her, like the album For The Roses. [edited for typo]

[@RDRussell2]

Yeah, I was going to recommend "For the Roses" next. For some reason, it seems to me an underrated or forgotten album, not mentioned as often as so many others. I wonder why - it's probably my second favorite of Joni Mitchell, with "Blue" being first.

[@tubularap]

@@RDRussell2 - Yes, it feels as if For The Roses is mentioned less than her other albums. But I am biased because it was my first Joni Mitchell album and I hold it dear.

[@andrewkostelnyk272]

Love all Joni Mitchell albums -my favourites are For the Roses and Heijira

[@capstan50g]

Woohoo!!!! Welcome back, Caroline! At the beginning of the video: So excited to see your reactions to these performances, especially A Case Of You. At the end of the video: I really believe this album can be a rite of passage, musically speaking. Once a person listens to it, they can never be completely satisfied with their comfort music. Where are the haunting, challenging, numinous compositions these days? Great, great reaction, Caroline! Looking forward to your next one.

[@gwengoodwin3992]

Wonderful. I felt like I was hearing these beautiful old songs for the first time.

[@matthewcates2337]

I’m so glad you checked out this album. To me, Joni’s the best lyricist…like ever.

[@stamatiskon3049]

Welcome back! I was expecting you to continue your reactions with some of the Beatles solo albums but you can't go wrong with Joni Mitchell. It will be interesting to see your reactions to some of the greats like Joni..

[@alanclayton9277]

Great news today that you're back👍 You will find folkier things and experimental things in her other albums. She's a challenging artist. I can imagine you going straight to a keyboard after hearing this. A smashing vid.

[@waynemarvin5661]

A pleasure to see you're back. I, for one, always enjoy your breakdown of the Beatles music. I've saved them all, and enjoy watching them repeatedly. Next time, please don't be away so long. I hope your personal challenges have been resolved. Or at least dealt with.

[@NebulizerChi]

I was aged all of 4 years when this dropped and only got around to listening to it within the last half-decade or so. It's just monumental and can be difficult to listen to...ripping the band-aid off with such brutal honesty is a courageous act, and making enduring and influential art out of it is a feat of genius.

[@Albinsable]

What a fantastic reaction/review...Joni Mitchell is a goldmine........welcome back....!

[@HabaneroTi]

Welcome back Caroline and glad to see you sounding and looking so well! I think I speak for basically everyone here when I say that things just weren't the same without your presence and it's so great to see you back here and on Patreon. And what a great choice to start things off with! Btw, that "slide" you referred to in California, is that technically a glissando or portamento? Many very talented singers employ it on occasion, like Celine Dion and Mariah Carey. Pink Floyd (which I think you've love if you ever decide to react to their works, especially their 70's albums from Meddle to The Wall) employed it extensively on synth in their epic Dark Side of the Moon, most notably in the lead-in to the stunning The Great Gig in the Sky, perhaps the greatest wordless vocal rock/pop solo ever. Anyway, once again, welcome back! 🤗

[@VinceDale]

Welcome back. Joni's albums are all worth a listen, at least up to hejira. Beyond that I think you should do the 'Best of' compilations of artists such as McCarney's solo work, Elton John, Billy Joel, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra! So much to learn.

[@NormHiscock-j3z]

I'm a huge Joni fan. Blue, Court & Spark and Hejira are my favorites. It was fun to watch this because it reminded me just how great Blue is... The River has chords in it that bring me to tears every time. Lyrically she is so direct and honest -- and the way she uses her voice and certain chords to pull out an emotional reaction... just masterful.

[@MadAveMadMan]

I believe Mitchell is one of the most talented artists, in any genre, in human history. She’s that gifted.

[@robbob35]

So glad to have you back, Caroline! There really is something uniquely charming about your videos, and they are always a joy to watch. Be well, and keep doing what makes you happy!

[@Bassman2353]

Great Choice, Caroline! Joni's musical journey has been extraordinary - wait until you get to her later work. And "Shadows and Light" is one of the best live albums ever.

[@elisifuentes6551]

Blue is a legendary album… among the top infuential classics ever. Still worth listening to

[@TTM9691]

"All I Want", that pulsing rhythm....you know what I realized it's like, just watching with you right now? It's like the pulse of a heart beat! Watching you get "swept away" by this album is priceless. I'd think this is a HARD album to "react" to since it's such a mood, it just leaves you kinda speechless! 8:34 omg, you pulled off her register jumps beautifully! :D LOVED your observation that she sounds like an innocent girl AND a mature woman, all at the same time. Her lyrics are SO good, oh my gosh. And she has a reputation as "folk", but she is SO jazzy, right?! I love her low register, I totally agree. / Like I said, "Court And Spark" finds her doing these INCREDIBLE, tasteful band arrangements, wait till you hear that in contrast to these spare, flowing, open songs that are so free, like a breeze through an open window. Anyways, LOVED this reaction, and I hope you're doing ok during these tough times. You certainly brought a smile to my face....and a tear to my eye during this beautiful short reaction video. Much love to you Caroline. xxxxxxxxxx

[@musiclistsareus1029]

I'm so glad you're listening to Joni Mitchell. I would love it if you would listen to all of her albums, but, who am I kidding, I love everything you do, so I'll probably keep watching no matter what music you listen to. I would make album recommendations, but once I start listing them I can't hardly stop...Heijira & Court and Spark (of course), The Hissing of Summer Lawns, any of the earlier albums for the more folksy style. Mingus if you want something very off-the-beaten-path.

[@lynne5322]

Thanks for keeping this work of genius alive past my college dorm room turntable. 🙂🙏💕

[@An_Cat_Dubh]

One of the most influential albums of all time. And it keeps on giving: a (much younger than me) British female Indie artist that I've followed gave an interview in which she talked about her favorite album - Joni Mitchell's Blue.

[@jdj830]

So nice to see this - thank you. I know everyone has an opinion but mine is that before you go forward to her later stuff you should listen to Ladies of the Canyon, which really establishes her sound and her lyric gifts. I know some here will call it a cliché but it’s not a cliché to you! I really think you’ll enjoy it and find it very approachable and beautiful.

[@maltesetony9030]

Another excellent review of a great album.

[@kathirenison]

Early 70's. Listening to BLUE on repeat...just fabulous ..Joni Mitchell is pure genius. You're in for a huge treat discovering all of Joni's writings and beautiful music! Listen to Court & Spark next!!!! Brilliant!!!!!

[@brachiator1]

I first fell in love with the song All I Want as an instrumental version on an album by jazz pianist Keith Jarrett. This was during my freshman year in college. Later a friend said, "Oh, that’s Joni Mitchell, from 'Blue'." I was curious, bought a copy of the album, and was totally knocked out by the transcendent musicianship of Joni Mitchell. The songs on that album and other Joni Mitchell works, such as "Court and Spark," have been constant companions ever since.

[@daniellane565]

What a pleasant surprise to see and hear you back Caroline!! You were missed! Enjoyed your comments, insights and reactions to Blue. Would suggest you also give a listen to Joni's Court and Spark album. Also, although a bit too long for a reaction video, immerse yourself in her Travelouge masterpiece.

[@lawrencegleason4666]

We listened to a LOT of Joni Mitchell when we were young. Those days will never come back, but you're listening to them- in the way you do on camera- as a near thing to how we listened to them in a bedroom of whatever friend at the time. After an hour or so black vinyl and record cover art would be spread across the carpet and across the bed as records were sampled. "You gotta hear this one." While music played, lyrics were picked out and admired. "Blue songs are like tattoos. You know I've been to sea before." It's interesting to watch you listen to this music for the first time, particularly with your extraordinary musical knowledge and skill set. It was fun. Thanks for posting. (As a side note, the town Joni Mitchell was born in is a town that could almost be taken for a town in the Australian outback. Dry. Hot. Canadian cowboys. First Nation reserves and a 7,000 year old bison kill site close by. A barber shop with 70-year-old chairs and antique momentoes on every wall to the ceiling. Cowboy music. If you've seen the movie, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, you've seen the downtown of Joni Mitchell's hometown. It's remarkable she didn't end up singing cowboy ballads! Again, thanks for posting. Loved this one.

[@PogieJoe]

I had not listened to the whole album Blue until your recommendation here and oh my god what an experience! I'm so sad it's not on Spotify anymore. Joni never disappoints.

[@johncollier9280]

Nice to see you again Caroline! Glad you've delved into Joni's music. It's been the soundtrack to my life for many decades. I met her briefly in 1974 'n asked her why she never answered any o' my letters. Her reply: "Because I knew we'd meet just like this someday" 'n she gave me a yellow rose (which I still have!) I recommend Ladies O' The Canyon 'n For The Roses 'n her first 2 albums are also phenomenal. Do dive in!!!

[@lindafletcher1628]

You should listen to her Both Sides now The version when she was young and then how she sings it in 2000. The comparison is interesting and the latter interpretation is beautiful

[@Philliben1991]

For me the best lyricist ever in popular music. Also a great musician, songwriter and singer. 'Blue' is an amazing album and Joni is an amazing artist.

[@Trendyflute]

Joni Mitchell is a real songwriter's songwriter. For a casual listener she can be a challenge, but a worthy one. You dove right in with your trained ear which is great; for most others I've found _Ladies Of The Canyon_ to be a bit more accessible while still being wonderful. Glad to see you back Caroline!

[@thegman8968]

While I have never really followed Miss Mitchell's career, I have certainly admired her musical talent over the years. After watching your reaction, I have a deeper appreciation for her now! Thank You, and WELCOME BACK! We missed you terribly. 🎵🏆😊

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Lovely to see you again listening to one of my favourite artists. For me the apogee of the Mitchell oeuvre is the triumverate of albums - Court And Spark, The Hissing Of Summer Lawns and Hejira. Court and Spark is exciting as she pursues her new direction and Hejira is almost certanly the best musically but ...Summer Lawns will always be my favourite. Reaction or not you should check them out for the sheer magic they contain.

[@marybloomfield2646]

This is a superb album - raw, honest …. genius.

[@timpindar]

Lovely reaction Caroline. And what an album it is! A Case Of You is just sublime. Stay on the Joni trail….

[@kevinlakeman5043]

Joni Mitchell is such a brilliant, exceptional musician, she's credited with her own tunings on guitar. This springs from her continuous use of wildly varied open tunings, rather than standard tuning.

[@marydarko3380]

yayyy, I’m so happy you’re back!! I was actually checking your channel yesterday to see when you’d upload and you just came back with one of my favourite records ever, i love Joni Mitchell soo much and this is a comfort album for me and I’m sure for many others

[@Kaleidoscopia]

Joni Mitchell is the greatest lyricist alive. Yes, even better than Bob Dylan or Paul Simon or Leonard Cohen or John Lennon

[@RDRussell2]

Leonard Bernstein? He wrote the music for West Side Story, but Stephen Sondheim wrote the lyrics. OH! Did you mean Leonard Cohen? Yeah, Leonard Cohen's lyrics are pretty great. But Bernstein stuck with music, not words.

[@ronrago2696]

Love that you get right into it and you do it so well. You are the one that got me in to reaction videos when you did the Beatles, now I’m hooked! Good to see you…

[@WritteninBlood]

Alright, I have a confession to make. When I first started watching your channel about a week or two ago, it wasn't so much that I enjoyed listening to your spot-on analysis of these wonderful songs by Joni Mitchell, Pink Floyd, and Led Zeppelin. That came later. What came first was watching you react to the songs because there is something so beautiful about you when you do. It's like you give your all to the words and to the melody. I know that's probably corny as hell, but I just had to tell you. Your channel and your love for music is an absolute treat.

[@zenclover8468]

Welcome to the club ! "Carey" has always been one of my favorites but the whole album is great. Shes known for utilizing different tunings.

[@janandersson9411]

Welcome back! Blue is an album I keep coming back to. ALL the songs are so strong. Maybe an evidence of how unique they are is the fact that even as they have been a source of inspiration for so long they are barely covered by others.

[@jasonremy1627]

This is a perfect album

[@mannygee005]

It makes me happy that you are listening to this album. Many classic songs in this one. I love when you do little bits of analysis too.

[@pcast1115]

I am happy that you appreciate her voice and her musical talent.

[@maxout7306]

A welcomed return. I enjoyed your reaction to this 1971 album release. Roberta Joan "Joni" (Mitchell) Anderson; born 1943. Often referred to as the musician's musician.

[@scottamichie]

A rock/pop journalist at the time called Blue “the most deeply personal album ever recorded.” Still holds true today.

[@RDRussell2]

It's so great to see you again! You are missed when we don't see you for a while, just so you know. This album, "Blue," is one of the very best albums of all time, and it truly grows on you with repeated listenings. Joni Mitchell has a very specific kind of singing that takes a little getting used to. You mentioned how her melodies can suddenly just jump an octave, and it can be jarring at first. (For instance, Ca-li-FOR-nia, where she keeps jumping so high on the syllable "-FOR-" - that takes some getting used to!) The songs on this album are some of the best written songs in popular music history, and are based on her deeply felt personal experiences. "Little Green" is about a daughter she gave up for adoption, for example. Some of the songs are about various men she knew in the Southern California music scene, such as James Taylor and others. You can search out the details if you like, but the album stands alone just fine as it is. Joni Mitchell is worth a deep dive as there are many other great albums/songs by her. But to me, "Blue" remains her best work. I love following your musical journey! Keep up the great work.