Joni Mitchell : Archives Volume 3 - The Asylum Years (1972-1975) 5CD Box Set : Unboxing Review

[@normanmacfarlane6724]

One of my all time favourite albums from the 70s was Hejira. A master-class of writing , musicianship and guitar playing. I still play it now .

[@garyh.238]

I see 10K today Phil! CONGRATULATIONS on hitting this significant milestone! 😀

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you for all your support - Phil :)

[@backrowbrighton]

Really good review Phil. I share your passion regarding this set as it is truly outstanding. This is also my favourite period in the music of Joni Mitchell's long career. The live content is unbelievably great, so much done with just voice, guitar and piano. The so called demos sound perfect as they are and would have been just fine included on the albums concerned. This also reflects that Joni was regularly on tour in the UK at this time. I did a listening marathon on this set and came away feeling musically elated. I feel it is worth the fairly high purchase price as you are really getting something special.

[@Mikesmallfanclub]

Great review as always Phil, as someone who was brought up with Zep, sabbath, Heep and Purple etc Joni Mitchell was my go to artist when I needed a moment of reflection and calm, Hejira is my favourite JM album just pure class from start to finish, looking forward to watching your John Wetton review.👍

[@heidih2887]

I am delighted with vol. 2 as well as vol. 3. ( haven't yet seen/heard vol. 1) Yes, her "demos" are better than many musicians' final product for sure! :D Nice unboxing and overview! :D

[@chriswright5016]

I've been looking forward to this Phil and you nailed it about the quality of the material here. OK, I'm biased, but many of these demos would have graced the respective albums the final versions appeared on. Arguably some are even better. Momentum had built in the previous two boxes, the second one being far more essential than the first, in my opinion. This third box is nothing less than a major triumph and is one of the best explorations of a key period in a major artists' career that I have heard. Maybe even the best of all. The quality of the material, track sequencing and presentation is just first rate and you get that wonderful sense of her talent blossoming and veering off into new territory. The next box in the series will probably cover the jazzier Hejira/Don Juan's Reckless Daughter/Mingus era and I can't wait to hear the riches that will unfold. I'm not holding my breath, however, as this third volume took a couple of years to surface, following the release of Volume Two. However, no matter how long it takes, I'm certain the wait will have been worthwhile. Many thanks.

[@griphfunk]

I need to start getting these. One of the volumes has a concert recorded by Jimi Hendrix from the front row

[@paulduggan5323]

That was a great unboxing video, I’ve not bought any of this series yet but it looks absolutely fantastic. I do have the two box sets containing her earlier albums and looking forward to the next one coming out. Joni’s been a constant companion to me since the age of 18

[@Ojago]

I love the way this series of Archive Box Set's are designed to compliment the albums and time period that they cover. The design of the box is gorgeous, giving a feel and look of real quality. I'd definitely recommend getting Archives Vol 2, it easily matches this one for content and sound quality.

[@jogischulz2576]

Joni celebrated her 80th birthday on 7 November 🎇 the "Queen of the Laurel Canyon" ❤ I remember you presented two box sets around one year ago, unfortunately I missed the 10 Cds box at that time but I am happy about the two box sets you showed also at the beginning, as I only have a few original vinyls I like these box sets of her albums from 1968 - 75, this special extended edition is surely something for big Joni fans.