Joni Mitchell - Blue 50 (Demos & Outtakes)

[@GrAce-gw3hu]

How surreal it is to hear these. It's like reading the first drafts of a famous poem.

[@hannahlynn8028]

I couldn't have said it better.

[@kaydantonio3719]

50 years ago. The youth in her voice. The Blue album came out the year I graduated from high school. Oh my, how time flies

[@ransbarger]

1971 was a great year.

[@MattJones-up9xk]

One of the greatest ever records released by anyone

[@almostgaymous]

I've waited my whole adult life for Joni to release these archives!!!! All hail the Queen!!!!

[@ransbarger]

Hail yes!

[@lyndaclancy7643]

ALL HAIL!!!💜

[@donbeaster1903]

This is absolutely trash🤣🤣🤣

[@kayapapaya55]

@@donbeaster1903 you would know

[@donbeaster1903]

@@kayapapaya55 as an objective listener, yes I would

[@evelynap9728]

Oh Joni Mitchell, isnt it wonderful to feel for somebody without knowing him, by listening to his music and look at his paintings. Bless you 💙

[@corinayara2224]

Joni is the BEST...her songs and the way she plays her music is magical... I LOVE HER SO MUCH....

[@caryoutismusic4515]

I got off the motorcycle at the campsite in Amsterdam and heard my beloved musical heroine’s voice sing my name from a radio. Near the end of a long summer trip through Europe, the joy of hearing she had a new record out, and the creative perfection of what I heard, made me as happy as I’ve ever managed to be.

[@richalderson6069]

This is fascinating to hear but it also shows that a masterpiece can sometimes only happen from hard work and rewriting and getting into the feel before you give it everything for the final master take. A genius at work!

[@johnashton4086]

Rich, True. If you ever come across Beethoven's sketches for his great Choral Symphony you will see how true your words are.

[@richalderson6069]

@@johnashton4086 I'll have to check that out!

[@dlewtweentorla1210]

Joni is one of the Greatest musicians, period!! Ahead of her time (which didn't do her career much good in the later 70's-80's). Always the innovator, pushing forward for something new. An incredible songwriter, lyricist, guitar player who bared every emotion while being completely honest with her work. So very happy this compilation is here, on the 50th anniversary of one of the greatest albums ever, Blue! Hope more sets like these keep coming out in segments spanning her entire career.

[@dlewtweentorla1210]

@UCazzoiCzLXXYBuWKxSggz_A reaching out to me, more than "OK", would be honored. With out a doubt will always be a fan, admire you and your work so much. Your response made my day! Thank-you

[@markrichards6863]

Blue is my very favorite album. I love hearing there outtakes. This is wonderful.

[@brendanhendry5001]

The joni archive project is SO good, I am so happy seeing her legacy handled and curated so good right now!

[@hejiranyc]

My goodness, what a wonderful gift! Thank you, Joni, for this beautiful glimpse into your process.

[@rubensloureiro]

I've heard this album for the first time less than 2 months ago. It has saved my life and my perspective of art and music in so many ways that the sincronicity itself may be the best explanation for everything I've been experiencing with constantly listening to her voice and her words, and now getting a true gift for such a remarkable milestone. Thank you, Joni, for pouring part of you in these lines from time to time.

[@markwagner1997]

Thank you, Joni! Your music has been giving me peace, making me smile and making me cry ever since I discovered you in the 60's. You're beyond the best!

[@exerciserelax8719]

One of my favorite albums of all time. It always gives me a feeling of the endless possibilities of being young, the freedom of enjoying life with friends and lovers, the intense emotions both happy and sad. I love all her work but this one has always had a special timeless quality.

[@DavidLasoff]

Thank you, Joni. Your music, especially Blue, is eternal now. Blessings and more to celebrate this extraordinary album on its 50th anniversary!

[@gladtobefreeagain7375]

These tracks are so fresh & show us Joni's creative process makes the music new to us again. As if the 50 years have not transpired. Thank you Joni.

[@pathenews]

How Blessed We Are To Have Joni In Our Lives...

[@machtschnell7452]

Many current pop artists should be listening to this master class in song writing. This real talent, not a corporate studio puppet.

[@nlbhaduri]

Harry Styles has been a proponent of Joni and artists like her ( Stevie Nicks). They count him as a friend and he has even presided over Stevie’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He has been gifted a dulcimer by Joni. He represents the next generation of musicians who will be better for having known our generation of legends. If you don’t know who Harry is check him out. I think you may be pleasantly surprised that someone like him exists in the current music scene.

[@tm87887]

@@nlbhaduri i believe that the woman who made joni’s dulcimer gave him one i’m not sure joni and harry have ever met. he has potential as a songwriter but i don’t think his is nearly as good as hers.

[@connorbrown3126]

Love this so much - the way she's exploring different intonations/vocal riffs, it's just lovely. Wish I could have seen her live. I have no doubt it was incredible.

[@victormauricio3249]

I'm the witness of a moment of history! Jonii!

[@JKJonesMusic1]

Thank you for sharing this. I was 11 when Blue was released- and it changed my life. We tend to think of her perfection as locked in time from listening to her albums until they wore out. We forget about all her creative evolution. So wonderful and also encouraging for us to get out and write and play! Love it!

[@stevefoster8185]

The studio version of "Hunter"! AT LAST! 🙌👏Thank you! 😍

[@i-guitar4722]

Amazing- california is an amazing take...wow!xxx Thanks Joni

[@syfkog5236]

I was around 16 years old when Joni Mitchell Blue was new at my house. I hadn't really grown yet and was 13 inches shorter than I have been as an adult. The song "All I Want" was playing loud in the family room with its lyrics about "I want to shampoo you" and "I want to make you feel good". My Mom could hear it from another room and walked in. She didn't say anything but the look on her face communicated that she knew that some of my youthful innocence was ebbing away.

[@caveatemp]

What a sweet vignette. You should make that a song.

[@KurtRichterCISSP]

I can think of few better to accompany one at the beginning of such a voyage ♥

[@KurtRichterCISSP]

@Joni Mitchell🎶 FAKE AF 🤣🤣🤣

[@virginiatyree6705]

@@KurtRichterCISSP , It's a bot...v

[@on3l]

The one and only legend. Extraordinary.

[@stevesnelgrove]

Thank you Joni. Made me cry.

[@JayW6]

Best album ever! can't believe it's 50

[@NovaEastCoast]

Sitting around the camp fire listening to Joni ~ Nowhere else l’d rather be 🙂

[@ladykfilmartproductions273]

WOW just 😲! Love these songs in their previous versions, so interesting to listen to the differences and compare to what made it on the commercial recordings. Life is more profoundly inspirational and colorful because Joni exists

[@peternolan1316]

Hello how are you doing today dear I hope all is well with you and your family? I have been happy all day because of this song keep reminding me of my late Dad

[@raymondwestley332]

Hello 👋, hope you’re good 😌

[@Fuphyter]

There has never been an artist like Joni, there will never be one. Her poetic lyrics that paint a vision in the listeners mind. Her one of a kind ethereal voice. Joni is the definition of one of a kind perfection. 💜💜💙💙

[@Fuphyter]

@Joni Mitchell🎶 you are a horrible abhorent person to reply as if you are Joni!

[@virginiatyree6705]

@@Fuphyter , It's a bot. They have no feelings. v

[@Fuphyter]

@@virginiatyree6705 yeah, I know. It just ticked me off 😁

[@virginiatyree6705]

7 10 21 Hey @@Fuphyter, The bots snd the trolls are things I detest about social media YT has terrible AI moderators. Be careful. v

[@deeliciousplum]

Oh, my! 🥰🌸 Thank you for sharing this. I am now covered in goosebumps. ❤️

[@unarcobalenointornoalsole6782]

Her voice is a BLUE horizon where I have to say I leave myself flying away💙

[@unarcobalenointornoalsole6782]

@Joni Mitchell🎶 all warmth dear Joni, God Bless you 💙🎶

[@estebannemo1957]

i've listen to this album countless times. I have many vinyl versions of it At least four or five, in search of the absolute sound.

[@estebannemo1957]

@UCazzoiCzLXXYBuWKxSggz_A Yes, of course. I love your paintings as well. : )

[@okYorkie]

Thanks Joni . You were a comfort through times of loneliness. You helped us all to know love was a search.

[@fazbell]

Joni is a legend. What a fine singer.

[@tarciziomax1]

Maravilhosa Joni. Estou ouvindo emocionado daqui do Brasil.

[@dudagorter3945]

A Joni é incrível, né? Nem sei qual disco dela é o meu preferido :)

[@andrewgoldbergs4474]

The raw beauty of her confident and forthright style hits our eardrums over 50 years since their creation. Just love these archival releases!

[@johnmcnaughton26]

Interesting bit of trivia, but my understanding is that both Blue and Carole King's Tapestry, two of the greatest albums of all time, were both recorded at the same time in adjacent studio rooms in the same LA recording studio. They would talk to each other during recording breaks. Supposedly, the Carpenters were also recording there at the same time as well. How amazing that whole LA recording scene was in the 60s and 70s!

[@garypeatling7927]

Be wonderful if true, like an alien genius beam shone into that area

[@richardhornbostel3958]

Joni and James Taylor also sang backup on Tapestry

[@almostgaymous]

"I'm freightened by the devil but I'm scared to death by saints" Loooooove this first draft so much..

[@donrocin]

Her final choice, "I'm frightened by the devil, And I'm drawn to those ones that ain't afraid" is, for me, more powerful and telling.

[@MarinaAndTheDevil]

This woman can’t write a bad lyric

[@mambowman]

fell in love with Joni when she released Ladies of the Canyon.spent endless hours listening in the dark, being carried away to another time and place by her music

[@sylvialee1079]

Been experiencing her gifts since the 60's so this is fascinating for me. Thank you for the new insight!

[@raymondwestley332]

Hello Sylvia, hope you’re good 😌👋

[@lizzybeth22]

WOW those horns at the end of River! Sadly beautiful ❤️

[@greg7656]

So great to hear these early versions, which prove, among other things, that Joni is a genius self-editor and re-writer: All of these demos and outtakes would come to be polished into much, much better versions for the studio album

[@SimonLindMusic]

Blue is one of my all-time favourite albums. Was introduced to me by an old friend in my late teens. Listening to this album is ‘soul cleansing’, it magically wraps you in a wondrous emotional blanket. It’s the kind of album that raises your spirits when you’re feeling low, but is equally satisfying to hear in any mood. I’ve always enjoyed listening to this album whenever I was alone or in a reminiscing mood - Listening to it is like catching up with an old friend! An absolute masterpiece of work & proof that Joni is a musical genius!

[@caseygreyson4178]

The guitar of ‘Hunter’ totally reminds me of ‘This Flight Tonight’!

[@annettedavis724]

Yes!

[@greg7656]

because that's what it is. She added a new lyric to create Flight

[@caryoutismusic4515]

So interesting to see a ‘B’ song before the upgrade.This Flight Tonight has such drive and maturity to it.

[@michaelmcdonald8452]

It’s like Hunter split itself to become TFT and Carey. Whatever the case, usually when I hear an outtake, I think there’s good reason it was left off. This is as enjoyable as anything on Blue. Joni is such an incomparable talent. Even some of my favorite artists, there’s some noticeable point of origin. Other than a vague thread from some jazz performers, there’s no clear influence. She really just kind of invented a style and sound of her own.

[@seattlepainter]

I remember buying "Blue" in July 1971. I was 16-years-old and this was my first album by Joni. I played it almost everyday that summer. I thought it was so special and profound. I still feel that way, over 50 years later. She has such a unique talent, completely unmatched by almost any other singer/songwriter.

[@namcat53]

Everyone your age and a little older like me who were hip enough, had this album. We played it a lot and saw Joni around then..1972. It was a huge hit in colleges around the world.

[@islandbud]

50 year Anniversary!! Woo HOOOOO!!! Still Stellar to this day. Thank you SO much. Blue & "Lakota" are still attached to my heart

[@virginiatyree6705]

6 21 21 Hey to Joni & the Team, So many times I sang this song in Paris/Spain, & on my way back home to, California; lucky me! Thanks for posting-appreciate. v

[@celtcwrtr]

Go-to song when travel gets tiring... not to mention the ten years spent in the Pacific Northwest when drowning in homesickness for California. ✌️

[@virginiatyree6705]

6 21 21 Hey @@celtcwrtr, So you came home, to California; hope so. v

[@donnicholas7552]

Excellent stuff! I can't wait for the next archives set!

[@jxx6324]

always incredible. there’ll never be another joni.

[@walterhechen]

Wow, love this álbum the firts time i hear it iknow is gonna hear forever thank you joni.....🥰

[@goosegoose8982]

Beautiful innocence in the case of you demo, I sort of love it!

[@jaramillolugo5921]

"See the geese on chevron flight..."

[@MrAliceclea]

Crecí escuchándote por mis padres y aún sigo. Maravillosa Joni❤

[@regimajo]

I can't imagine my quarentine life without Joni. Thanks 4 your stronge voice

[@tuvantrader]

For anyone who's made music or for those who are interested in how it happens, these demos should be fascinating to listen to. For example, in the verse of the finished version of ACofY, she sings: Oh, I am a lonely painter I live in a box of paints I'm frightened by the devil And I'm drawn to those ones that ain't afraid ... but in this version, she sings a different last line, "And I'm scared to death of saints." (Several other lyrics are noticeably different.) From the lyrics to the melody, there's a lot that changed between the demo and the released version. Comparing the two shows Mitchell's attention to detail and her craftsmanship. Also a tip of the hat to Henry Lewy (engineer) who helped to capture her sound so perfectly.

[@MsCatM]

I actually like that line ("scared to death of saints"). I'm glad she changed the line about being "silly as a northern fish." :-D

[@tuvantrader]

@@MsCatM Yes, it seems even JM was just filling that one in until she came up with something better. However, I do think the later line ("drawn to those that ain't afraid") is a more interesting line, because it's more ambiguous. I think it can be interpreted it in a couple of ways, but it also says something perhaps more definite about her and her personality (something which was motivating a lot of what she put into that album, after all).

[@MsCatM]

@@tuvantrader Yeah, she did laugh at the "fish" line, so I gather it was just a filler (it's a demo after all.) And I think I agree with you about "drawn to those that ain't afraid" for the reasons you mentioned.

[@mb5482]

@@tuvantrader I agree! Like Catherine I initially liked 'scared to death of saints', but there's a flippancy to it that doesn't really fit the song. It's as if she decided to go back and dig deeper in herself, and not let herself get away with deflecting the focus to irrelevant externals. The new line was more revelatory, contradictory, and also linked with the admissions in the song 'Blue'. And 'Constantly in the darkness? Where's that at?' was definitely a line worth waiting for, even with the silly fish as a filler!

[@davidseredamusic]

what a gift to hear these.

[@tthielen1]

Can’t drive through Fort Mac without thinking of Joni :)

[@callmeishmael7452]

Cloverdale in edmonton

[@daviddiangellidaviddiangel1304]

Phenomenal! I 💓 Joni Mitchell so much. My all time favourite Artist.

[@ianson3]

Comparing the studio versions to the outtakes/drafts, it seems it *is* indeed possible to improve on perfection.

[@creamcheeserecords]

I love Joni Mitchell !! great great musician !!

[@namcat53]

One of those amazing albums that immediately stun you on many levels when they were first released and makes you realize what sublime genius is and how timeless it is and how it can move the human race forward a step or two. Thanks to my friend at our A.U. dorm for playing this new album... I loved it. We saw her at Constitution Hall shortly afterwards. Pure, genuine and beautiful.

[@kylejohnson7735]

Can't believe this album turns 50

[@오비슨]

Heavenly. I can listen to this all day long.

[@theresaluchsinger4488]

Captivating, and timeless🥰

[@Leon-xv1nh]

beautiful

[@dominickborgese5767]

Joni always has a spot in my heart. I can drink a case of her. I've listened to her for years. Thanks, sweetheart.

[@StarfieldRailway]

Listening to Joni Mitchell's album Blue might be my earliest memory. I think that is a great thing because I love the album and I am a Joni Mitchell fanatic.

[@berfiinnnn]

I love Blue and Joni 💙 Love from Turkey 💙

[@heroinapura]

Long live to Joni!

[@MargueriteMontes]

I had heard these existed but had never actually 'heard' them. Thank you for sharing your brilliance with us for all these years Joni.

[@raymondwestley332]

Hello Marguerite, hope you’re good 😌👋

[@hannahlynn8028]

Urge for Going is so incredibly beautiful.

[@goodun2974]

In retrospect, "Urge For Going" might be the best possible description of Joni's restlessness, personally and professionally, and indicative of her drive to continual reinvent herself. She is like the woman described in Richard Thompson's song "BeesWing" : "She said, as long as there's no price on love I'll stay/ and you wouldn't want me any other way".....or Jackson Browne's "That Girl Could Sing": "She wasn't much good at saying goodbye/ but that girl could sing". And if you haven't read Thompson's memoir of the late sixties to mid seventies, also titled BeesWing, you really should. Thompson and his bandmates in Fairport Convention had access to some of Joni's earliest work and demos through their producer Joe Boyd, and they covered several of her songs. Thompson admits to doing the unpardonable and actually leafing through Joni's workbook backstage while she was out in front playing.

[@goodun2974]

Everybody, watch out, the reply I got is obviously from some kind of "bot" and not from the Muse herself. Brand new subscriber, one day old, posting the same exact invitation to multiple fans, and with musical-note emojis after it's name. Do not engage!

[@garypeatling7927]

Only for very experienced Joni ears urge for going not for beginners

[@raymondwestley332]

Hello Hannah, hope you’re good 😌👋

[@clro4760]

"He gave me back my smile but He kept my camera to sell". Best lyrics ever written. Thank you Joni. You have illustrated so much of our lives.

[@raymondwestley332]

Hello 👋, hope you’re good 😌👋

[@phillipgreene2564]

This song; a play of memory. I once rented a room In a home where a Dulcimer hung on a wall... In my early 20's I'll afford wrecklessness. Just me--alone blowin' my pay on a 68 MG. In the passenger seat covered by tonneau: a walkman, a mix of cassettes. The heater is cozy days were brisk Routine the longways; and the meandering. Out over Hicks to 'Gatos, Rev up 17. Down shift duck off past the cats ease through tight and narrow shaded redwood groves... (Us and Them) On Skyline Blvd... right--a glimpse of the valley left-- a glimpse of the sea. (Great Gig in the Sky) Down 9... ('Momentary lapse of reason) Onward... Shy of quake--Santa Cruz (Drink up drink up...) Watsonville (Helplessly Hoping) Sandy (Runnin' on empty) Monterey (Cortez the Killer) Cannery Row (Old Man) Over the old truss bridge... pass Highlands Inn (You make lovin' Fun) Onward o Big Sur... Look at the sand through translucent crests Beyond-- the white and the Blue. Pass by Esalen. (Free man in Paris) I should turn around? There's plenty of gas-- OK I'll just keep goin'... U-Turn and stop McWay Falls I stand to soak in the view as bird drifts--above cliff. ( A toast to Joni--and Blue) Ohhhh Canada...

[@bethplott7652]

Joni, thank you for sharing. Abundance of gratitude.🦋

[@raymondwestley332]

Hello Beth, hope you’re good 😌😌

[@antonigalon]

I never thought I will be able to hear any of it

[@antonigalon]

For sure you are Joni Mitchell sitting in L.A. and sending me emojis

[@nov20five]

Wow, this is so haunting and so beautiful at the same time.

[@jaramillolugo5921]

13:45 That's a cleverish and mournful Joy to the World, segued with Deck the Halls on horns! That goes so well with the sad Jingle Bells tune she plays on piano! After all, who hadn't been heartbroken or felt miserable at least once right by Christmas time?! Talking about those winter blues...

[@YardleySlicker]

I had the honor and great fortune to have several conversations with Joni at a coffee shop in Los Angeles she liked to hang out in. My friend and I asked the manager if he would ask Joni if we could come by her table and say hello and express appreciation for her work. We watched as he asked her and she looked over at us and smiled, beckoning us to come. It was like living in a dream as I rose up and walked over to her- I held out my hand to shake hers. We talked about music and books. She had just read Women Who Run With the Wolves and recommended it to us. A few years later my friend saw Joni at a Starbucks and Joni remembered meeting us. Joni’s writing has been my inspiration and reminder to write down to the bones and the skin and the lips you can get …

[@bwanna23]

Joni was the quintessential hippie, though she would deny it.

[@namcat53]

Right.

[@kavikwiseman6674]

"Hunter" should have been a single. Wow its beautiful. ❤

[@vitorialunaS2]

forever 💙

[@johnsells6023]

Just perfect in every way

[@mmacdonald44]

Urge for Going with strings: sublime.

[@johndepentu7032]

This is beautiful. We loved Joni as kids. Drunk and high. Had much to learn. I thank Jesus I was born in this generation. So much classic music.

[@stubaker2574]

50 years? manalive were did the time go...seems like a couple weeks ago.. the hissing of summer lawns to me rank as one of the best albums ever in my life as it has such a surreal beauty and a commentary of that time and still resonates...Blue..i had it on 8-track, LP, cassette and CD..now a memory stick all her releases were gems while most go to Joan Baez and they aren't wrong but Joni is still my go to when Im feeling the time crushing my life always helps me thru those times...only one Joni Mitchell..

[@douglasfraser2089]

Joni Mitchel describes my life's journey xo

[@laurasmith7421]

Such a gift, Joni. Thank you. A glimpse into Process.

[@raymondwestley332]

Hello Laura, hope you’re good 😌👋

[@violetmurphy4467]

My soul is stirring.

[@alexdiaz4181]

Hello 👋 violet How are you doing today?

[@raymondwestley332]

Hello Violet, hope you’re good 😌 👋

[@micheloderso]

This is real, serious handcrafted Music growing out from hard work. It rings all the bells in my heart.

[@CCOCCARO]

This confirms I'd heard a guitar arrangement for "Hunter" that was similar to "This Flight Tonight." Even more telling is that they follow it on this EP by an alternate mix of "River" as if to mimic the order of the album had this version of "Hunter" taken the place of "This Flight Tonight." Most amazing though here is the addition of the strings to "Urge for Going." Just beautiful and capable of eliciting tears instantly.

[@mb5482]

Hunter was on the album until she replaced it with This Flight Tonight (built on the same guitar riff), and Urge for Going was replaced with a new song The Last time I Saw Richard. I love Hunter and Urge..., but the new songs fitted the themes and mood of the album much better.

[@peacepaint917]

Wow. Love.

[@amogasidi]

Nice, Joni. I have always been a fan since "Chelsea Morning" came out. ♥️

[@raymondwestley332]

Hello 👋, hope you’re good 😌

[@amogasidi]

@Raymond Westley I am okay

[@amogasidi]

How are you doing

[@raymondwestley332]

@@amogasidi I’m fine 🙂 Thanks for getting back in touch with me. What’s your favorite Joni song 🎶?

[@lkgreenwell]

When this first came out I played it *all* the time - it drove my Mom crazy. “I don’t know what she means”, she would scream! Err, neither did I lol

[@StreetsOfVancouverChannel]

Sublimely stunning...

[@machtschnell7452]

It is truly a beacon of light and clarity in the darkness that is popular music.

[@archiechoke23]

The best..

[@sheronkirkus3615]

This is wonderful. She was my Holy wine. I bought a dulcimer but could never master it with satisfactory quality. Did better with the guitar. I loved her different tunings. And she birthed my future piano style. Her incredible voice I could not remotely approach except in key. I could sing these songs competently. But Joni was a level for the clouds. I just wanted to be her. I am so grateful for all she taught me as a musician and about life. I think this Urge for Going is my favorite. Thank you for posting this. What a treasure.

[@douglasmachawk7436]

Thank you Joni, for all of your music.

[@KatieRoss72]

Hunter, wow.

[@SingleMalt77005]

Great great stuff. My first Joni LP was "For The Roses". I was a college freshman. I had a total freaking crush on Joni. What a beautiful, deep and talented woman.