JONI MITCHELL REACTION - WOODSTOCK (First time hearing)

[@Shadowlanddream]

Joni is such a deeply spiritual soul. Rural Canadian born, she had polio as a child. Quite shy in the beginning but developed beautifully, proving her inner strength as represented in her many amazing talents. Such a large presence.

[@myownchannel247]

CSNY covered this song and their version was even more famous and is also worthy of a reaction...I didn't say it was better or worse but it's a much different arrangement.

[@gary17509]

Of course you know Joni wrote it!

[@StevesFunhouse]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 can't ... breathe ... 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 ... my glasses were dirty and I thought you said "worthy of an erection" ... honestly 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I was ROTFL ... sorry about that. Seriously hmm, hmm, hmm ... I love CSNY's version. He definitely needs to react to it. At least, that's MY vote too.

[@StevesFunhouse]

@@gary17509 She wrote it because she was supposed to go but couldn't, because she was set to appear on "The Dick Cavett Show" the Monday after the festival with the band Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young and feared she'd get stuck in Woodstock and not make it back to New York City in time. So, she wrote what she imagined it was like, and from what she saw and heard about it on TV and friends.

[@Cboy2023]

Worse

[@sjd5750]

@@Cboy2023 Agreed.

[@frankhoebert3121]

Great review as usual Harri. Joni wanted to go to Woodstock but was unable due to TV commitments ... so she wrote this song inspired by what she saw and heard as Woodstock was occurring. So much talent!

[@roymoore3156]

In the beginning of the song she said she was going to Yazgur’s farm...he was the guy that provided the land for the concert...the ‘bombers’ reference was a stab at the US war in Vietnam.

[@donnaallan1488]

Thank you, Harri, for reacting to Joni Mitchell. Such a wonderfully prolific artist. If you can, I'd love to see your reaction to her song "For Free".

[@patrician7445]

Yes, it's one of my favorites, too!

[@sallypursell1284]

There is a wonderful video of her doing this shortly after writing it. You can see that she is super young. She is an icon of music--I am always here for her.

[@michaelplotino7046]

Hi Harri, Thank you so much for doing my request. Yes, that was Joni on the Fender Rhodes; she is a very accomplished pianist. All the best my friend! - Brooklyn Mike

[@aviatom1]

Great request Micheal, thanks

[@michaelplotino7046]

@@aviatom1 Thank you. I'm glad that you enjoyed it... Joni is number one in my book!

[@suzie4417]

Another beautiful song by Joni 🇨🇦🇨🇦💜☮️🥰

[@philsdon8932]

Joni sees herself as an artist first (she painted all of her album covers) and a musician second. Woodstock was a mystical event. It was transformative. Nothing else has come close.

[@monabonejakon2797]

"I sing my sorrow, and I paint my joy." - Joni Mitchell

[@Prone2Thrill]

YES!!!! Try California next. Also listen to the version of Woodstock that CSNY did of this song. Joni couldn't make it to play Woodstock because she had to do TV the next night and wasn't sure if she could make both. She wrote this as a result and we are all the more blessed for that!!

[@patrician7445]

I have both Joni's "Ladies of the Canyon" and Crosby, Stills and Nash albums with this song, and I play them often. They still to this day put me into such a good place.

[@dalesouders4136]

Joni is yet another AMAZING EXPORT From Canada 🇨🇦

[@fidge54]

Legitimate genius

[@rk41gator]

Joni does sound so fragile. She captures the innocence of that time and place.

[@greybeard2280]

I love Joni Mitchell! What a talent for songwriting. And not to mention what she has contributed, and the artists she influenced. Joni and Carole King need I say more!

[@Chris-kj7de]

Agree ... PLUS Dolly Parton, who has written countless hit records including writing and performing "I will always love you" the song Whitney sang in The Bodyguard.

[@byronmitchell3784]

JONI MITCHELL, "WOODSTOCK".. SHE WROTE THIS BRILLIANT SONG, MADE FAMOUS BY THE GROUP "CROSBY, STILLS, AND NASH"... I LOVE JONI'S TALENT WAS 12 YEARS OLD IN 1969 . USE MAKE CLAIMS SHE WAS MY COUSIN LOL... GREAT REACTION.

[@dsusan17]

Her voice is very angelic. Great reaction Harri!

[@jangle4246]

So glad to see this. It's from Joni's 1970 album Ladies of the Canyon, which is outstanding as a whole. I recommend a reaction to "Rainy Night House," which is a truly lovely combination of voice and piano. She plays piano masterfully. Also, you might react to the other versions of "Woodstock," by CSN&Y and Matthews Southern Comfort, both also from 1970.

[@AuLily1]

Rainy Day House is a great song, too. That whole album is great.

[@inkoinfinity2]

A song that defined a generation

[@viacrucis2509]

I really like the harmonies of the CS&N version, but she just kills this song she wrote.

[@tombrown5478]

Probably the most iconic singer and songwriter of our age. She no longer performs, but how lucky we were and are to be able to enjoy her music.

[@markdettra1794]

Yes , all the keyboards are Joni . Her voice , atleast back then , was miraculous !

[@19HurdyGurdyMan46]

Harri, you need to see her playing this at the piano, also listen to her doing this song and others 30 +yrs later, she just got more and more powerful. I just love her intelligence which shines through her songs. Lovely influence of classical and jazz music.

[@firstnamelastname-bu1xm]

"get ourselves back to the garden"- implying the garden of eden, such a superb bit of comparison...

[@matthewbaker6916]

One of my favorite Joni Mitchell songs is Don't interrupt the sorrow, check it out

[@cometogether999]

Joni is/was one of a kind. She poured her soul into every song.

[@craigreid7178]

Such a gorgeous, iconic voice. My very favorite female singer/songwriter, performer/arranger, etc.

[@wendyryder2708]

Hi Harri! Thanks for reacting to this! There is another version of this that I really like and no one seems to react to it! It’s Woodstock by Matthew Southern Comfort! They are an English group and they are awesome! Thanks again! Stay safe! Greetings from Australia.

[@sonia4641]

Yes, that's the one that was played most on the UK radio. Still somewhat ethereal, but more upbeat and hopeful. I've on.y heard Joni's original version a few times; was pleased to hear it again, but think I prefer MSC !

[@joelliebler5690]

Yes that is a great version!

[@RFWieder]

Joni Mitchell is one of the greatest song writers of our time!! She may have started out as a folk artist but also did jazz and blues!!! As a someone who came of age in the 60's I love her early work; "For Free", " Both Sides Now", and so many others. She didn't go to Woodstock but was involved with Crosby, Stills and Nash who did attend.

[@roymoore3156]

Another genius musician from the golden age of rock music!

[@moonstone1159]

I've always loved this version of 'Woodstock'; it's so haunting and spiritual and other-wordly.

[@owenicus]

Yes Harri, we were so young then.

[@GrowingUpJersey]

I love Joni. Please listen to her song "Amelia" or "Coyote"

[@leahdickinson3813]

Joni never made it to Woodstock. She had a commitment already . And yet she captured the essence of Woodstock.

[@carolespinoza8469]

Such a calm & comforting vibe,. Definitely late 60s. Her voice is so nice 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶😳😳

[@dalem8332]

Joni Mitchell Brilliant Songwriter Singer from Canada.🇨🇦 Crosby Stills Nash & Young had a huge hit with it when they covered it. 🎼🎶🎵🇨🇦

[@johnandrews3151]

My favorite version of the song by the artist who wrote it!

[@dannygriffith6185]

Yes, that's her on piano and overdubbed backing vocals.If you have time, try & see this done live on British T.V. It's amazing as well.

[@robertjewell9727]

Camille Paglia's overview of Joni's lyrics for this song is an essential in her 50 greatest poems book.

[@debbiechang5781]

Her voice takes me right back to my junior year in high school. I never knew this until I just Googled the lyrics, but Joni never actually appeared at Woodstock. Crosby Stills Nash and Young did a great version of this song. 🌺✌️

[@judithweiss6727]

Woodstock was held on the farm of a guy named Max Yasgur, near Woodstock in upstate New York.

[@andrewclayton4181]

Great song. You should listen to the version done by Mathew's Southern Comfort. A British band, they topped the charts with it in 1970. More harmonic and melodious, it has some brilliant pedal steel guitar on it. The song is about aspiration and hope. The oooohs at the end reminded me a lot of Melanie Safka. You should consider reviewing some of her stuff too! Ruby Tuesday, Beautiful People. Candles in the rain. Great music.

[@thelawofficesofdeweycheatu7166]

FYI, the Woodstock Music Festival was actually held at Max Yasgur's far in White Lake, New York.

[@annmills3163]

She was 27. She wrote It after her boyfriend Graham Nash of Crosby stills Nash and Young told her about his experience there

[@elizabethstrawn445]

Just found you about a week ago and going thru your portfolio.. glad I found you Harri.. i enjoy your picks..

[@cathyortiz1280]

Ya gotta play Crosby, Stills, Nash & Youngs version of this song. That's the one I remember hearing on the radio. Also, Melanie's "Candles in the Rain" was about Woodstock too. She was the youngest performer there & it made her famous. Sadly, she's not in the Woodstock movie b/c her label wouldn't allow it for copywriters issues. Big mistake!

[@frederickbays405]

ya that is crops for u always goin; the wrong way

[@theolamp5312]

@Cathy Ortiz - The studios' Use of copyright infringrment has for a long time prevented great music from being heard in wider access.That is especially egregous from that era when about the music.

[@theolamp5312]

Joni wasn't at Woodstock because her agent convinced her that why would she want to go play at a pig farm. Joni also plays dulcimer. I was lucky enough to hear her play all 3 instruements at a solo concert at the Academy Of Music in Philadelphia in the early 70's. By the way the unannounced opening act was Jackson Browne.

[@floydshambles]

more joni !

[@An_Cat_Dubh]

Mitchell's version comes across as a spiritual - as compared to CSNY's more rockin' and groovin' version. Her 1970 live "BBC in Concert" performance of this song is classic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmKbYXd-p7CcgJI

[@stephenqualtrough7322]

Because of Ladies of the Canyon album that I bought on the back of your previous video I now have this song plus Big Yellow Taxi. I believe Joni was on her way to Woodstock but could not get there for some reason so ended up watching it on TV. I am sure someone will know of more details

[@RMForbes505]

Joni was scheduled to perform with CSN at Woodstock but she missed it because she had an TV interview in New York City and couldn't get out there in time.

[@joelliebler5690]

You are right Hari Joni meant it to be bluesy after what had transpired in the ‘60”$ it is a seek to redeem the world from all the downs!

[@kirpalite]

She plays piano and mountain dulcimer and guitar.

[@bobdelp2023]

SHE WAS 27 TOO SO YOU KNOW AND THIS SONG STUDIO WISE COMES OFF OF HER 70 ALBUM ( LADIES OF THE CANYON ) :)

[@bobdelp2023]

YOU HAVE TO DO THE 70 BBC CONCERT VIIDEO CLIP, SHE DOES THIS SONG AND TELLS THE STORY ABOUT IT HARRI, YOU HAFTA DO IT! :)

[@paulwhite5840]

"Both Sides Now" is her signature song.

[@davidespinosa1910]

She has about 300 signature songs.

[@rogerwitte]

It help's if you know that "Yazgur's Farm" is the site of the woodstock festival.

[@steve55sogood16]

Now, review Mathew's Southern Comforts version,! Love all versions of this song! Woodstock, was the event of that generation,"Peace,Love,and music" which maybe sounds a bit quaint, now!

[@robertlear2735]

You should listen to the Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young version

[@bobdelp2023]

BOB DYLAN SAID THAT JONI WAS THEE BEST SINGER/ SONGWRITER EVER IN MUSIC 😊THAT'S PRETTY MUCH IT I GUESS HARRI 😊

[@thewilythylacine]

You need to take a listen to "Hejira" (the song and its entire album). Mind blowing poetry.

[@wilfbentley6738]

Joni plays a bunch of instruments: keyboards, guitar, mountain dulcimer, probably others.

[@michaeldowson6988]

CSN&Y's version was upbeat and hopeful. Joni's seems a dirge & it's already too late to save ourselves.

[@StevesFunhouse]

Agreed.

[@frederickbays405]

only b/c it was and still is we are all dead in 60 to 80 yr

[@StevesFunhouse]

@@frederickbays405 You're a real "upbeat" sort of person, aren't you ??? IDK, maybe I just misunderstood you.

[@davidrauh8118]

There is a live video version by her from 1970 of this song. Check it out.

[@MrDiddyDee]

As others have said she didn't actually make it to Woodstock, her manager convinced her a TV show appearance was more important and it couldn't be guaranteed she'd make it back in time. In the event Crosby, Stills & Nash (who did a hit cover version of this song) did make it back and turned up as guests on the same TV show (Although they didn't actually perform anything), it was still very frustrating for Joni to hear her friends stealing the limelight a bit and going on about the festival. In retrospect, she truly believed her idyllic and romantic notions about the event created the magic of this song, which if she had actually witnessed it in person she wouldn't have written. She had had previous experience of just how competitive it could get backstage at big shows, and how fake and self-centred a lot of performers could be despite the love and peace image they presented on stage.

[@webbtrekker534]

I like the CSN&Y version but I also like the original a bit better. It has a quality of its own.

[@ladylisaromance8129]

Watch the 1970 live version and listen to her story about writing this song.

[@tahfaa66]

Joni couldn’t make it to the Woodstock concert/happening, because she had a previously scheduled tv appearance. So, I think this was probably her reaction and contribution to not being able to be there. After the fact, she must have felt she really missed something big; hence, this song.

[@andythrush3341]

To hear a much different Joni review her song "Sex Kills" from her LP "Turbulent Indigo".

[@jgriffin282]

Unbelievable to me she wrote these amazing songs when she was still young.

[@cspringer333]

check out her live version

[@fidge54]

That was her on the piano

[@winding-roads]

Canadiana at it's best!

[@bethcrumpton476]

"Help Me" next, please Dear Harri.

[@bobdelp2023]

👍😊

[@dougca7086]

You might react to an interview on The Dick Cavett Show where Joni Mitchell David Crosby Stephen Stills and a few others along with the Jefferson Airplane the day after Woodstock we're just bullshiting with Dick Cavett I think it's a two-part KZbin video of that show and the Jefferson Airplane just start up with Somebody to Love and they all join in you can react to a lot of Life of promises of artists on The Dick Cavett Show from that time frame

[@jbach4311]

Joni Mitchell was married to Grahm Nash from CSN. and I think she was going to Woodstock with Grahm Nash

[@toddburton6570]

Joni Mitchell did not attend Woodstock, BTW. She had a gig in another city., Great song, though! Very thoughtfully performed...

[@StevesFunhouse]

Harri, as I wrote to Gary17509, "She wrote it because she was supposed to go but couldn't, because she was set to appear on "The Dick Cavett Show" the Monday after the festival with the band Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young and feared she'd get stuck in Woodstock and not make it back to New York City in time. So, she wrote what she imagined it was like, and from what she saw and heard about it on TV and friends". I had already written my post to him, but you actually asked the question, so I duplicated my message here, to make sure you saw it. You need to see the cover that Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young did of this song (kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqO6f4enl7F5fKc ). I think you'll be glad you heard it.

[@pgetty1949]

Her voice does sound younger. Later her voice was more raspy from smoking.

[@alberto-os1bx]

"I saw the bombers turning into butterflies above our nation"....ain't that something?

[@dale912]

When you get a chance please listen to David Bowie, Ziggy stardust

[@757optim]

CSNY's is the one that got the air play.

[@papercup2517]

Although, in the UK it was the Matthew's Southern Comfort version that was most played, and that most people there know best..

[@greybeard2280]

I love Joni's version better than CSNY's version.

[@RayVRoberts]

This isn't a song; it's a hymn...

[@davidblanton5258]

She was invited to sing at Woodstock, but she could not attend due to logistics.

[@andytraiger4079]

And I dreamed I saw the bombers Riding shotgun in the sky And they were turning into butterflies Above our nation

[@richardhornbostel3958]

I believe that Joni was more spiritual than religious

[@johnmorgan9553]

We are billion year old carbon !

[@jtillman9537]

React to Bjork Hyperballad

[@1tishhead]

Crosby and Stills like to say that they turned it into a boys' song.

[@owenicus]

She wanted to perform at Woodstock, but csny treated her like a little sister and said it was too dangerous, so she wrote this song instead.

[@timothycook2917]

Too bad you didn't react to the Ian Matthews version

[@davelehnen3300]

The Children of God was a religious cult that started in California in 1968. I don't think Joni was likely to call random people children of God. Since Joni never made it to Woodstock, this particular person is probably fictional. Jeremy Spencer from the original Fleetwood Mac quit the band to become a Child of God.

[@jimsteffel]

Coyote

[@davidtullis2810]

She couldn't get a flight to Woodstock after a gig she was committed to so she wrote a song about it instead