"The Asylum Albums (1976-1980)" by JONI MITCHELL – Including The Albums "Hejira" (November 1976), "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter" (December 1977 2LP Studio Set onto 1CD), "Mingus" (June 1979) and "Shadows And Light" (September 1980 2LP Live Set onto 2CDs) – Guest Musicians include Larry Carlton, Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius, Lyle Mays, Bobbye Hall, Don Alias, John Guerin, Victor Feldman, Chuck Findley, Tom Scott, Wayne Shorter, Micheal Brecker, The Persuasions, Michael Gibbs, Airto, Neil Young, Chaka Khan, Glenn Frey, J.D. Souther and more (June 2024 UK/WORLDWIDE Rhino/Asylum Records 5CD Brick-Block Box Set Of Bernie Grundman Remasters with Mini LP Repro Artwork Card Sleeves and New Artwork for "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter") - A Review by Mark Barry...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Asylum-Albums-1976-1980-Limited-5CD/dp/B0D2V9WCLR?crid=XOPUM61035YF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LFq42IgpgPKikK35YcfeLg.UvcIdiMLo2ngCq8Tt5VbjP4szZrLLjBneUBuCPBaol8&dib_tag=se&keywords=603497827015&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1729140113&sprefix=603497827015+%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=f0ce38c3d72883d99173659d55dd5927&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

RATINGS:

Audio *****

Material *** to *****

Presentation ****

"…No Regrets Coyote…"

I would imagine that for many Joni fans this box set represents a tremble in every orifice just looking at it - never holding it in your hands – two stunning studio albums – a triumphant live double and even a reappraisal of that misstep into Jazz with the awful "Mingus" LP – a last gasp of the Seventies that for me never worked. 

But the big news is of course the Bernie Grundman Remasters which I can confirm (along with thousands of other commentators) are fabulous – warm and full and not overwrought (Jaco Pastorius pinging Bass notes in your speaker stack like there's a worldwide shortage of them). No regrets Coyote – no false alarms for Amelia here – Icarus ascending. It's time to watch the waitress's legs and the hexagram of the heavens again folks – here are the details…

UK/WORLDWIDE released 21 June 2024 - "The Asylum Albums (1976-1980)" by JONI MITCHELL on Rhino/Asylum R2 726169 – 603497827015 (Barcode 603497827015) is a 5CD Brick-Block Box Set in the Joni Mitchell Archives Series (Third Set for Albums) with Mini LP Repro Card Sleeve Artwork (with relevant inner sleeves, gatefolds etc), Bernie Grundman Remasters and an Appreciation Essay from Actress Meryl Streep. It plays out as follows: 

Disc 1 – 2024 Remaster (51:51 minutes):
1. Coyote [Side 1]
2. Amelia
3. Furry Sings The Blues
4. A Strange Boy
5. Hejira
6. Song For Sharon [Side 2]
7. Black Crow
8. Blue Motel Room
9. Refuge Of The Roads
Tracks 1 to 9 are the LP "Hejira" – released November 1976 in the USA on Asylum 7E-1087 and Asylum K 53053 in the UK. Guest Musicians include Jaco Pastorius and Max Bennett on Bass, Larry Carlton on Guitar, John Guerin on Drums with Bobbye Hall on Percussion. Victor Feldman plays Vibraphone on "Amelia", Neil Young plays Harmonica on "Furry Sings The Blues", Abe Most plays Clarinet on "Hejira", Chuck Domanico plays Bass on "Blue Motel Room" only – Chuck Findley and Tom Scott play Horns on "Refuge Of The Roads"

Disc 2 – 2024 Remaster (59:50 minutes): 
1. Overture - Cotton Avenue [Side 1]
2. Talk To Me
3. Jericho
4. Paprika Plains [Side 2]
5. Otis And Marlena [Side 3]
6. The Tenth World 
7. Dreamland
8. Don Juan's Reckless Daughter [Side 4]
9. Off Night Backstreet
10. The Silky Veils Of Ardor
Tracks 1 to 10 are the 2LP set "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter" – released December 1977 in the USA on Asylum BB-701 and Asylum K 63003 in the UK. Guest Musicians include Jaco Pastorius on Bass, Bongos and Cowbells, Larry Carlton on Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Don Guerin on Drums and Don Alias on Percussion Instruments. Wayne Shorter plays Soprano Saxophone on "Jericho" and "Paprika Plains", Michael Colombier plays Piano on "Otis And Marlena", Manolo Badrena (Lead Vocals) with Chaka Khan, Alejandro Acuna and Don Alias on Backing Vocals for "The Tenth World", Airto plays Surdo Bass Drum on "Dreamland", Chaka Khan Vocals on "Dreamland", Michael Gibbs Orchestrations on "Paprika Plains" and "Off Night Backstreet", Glenn Frey of The Eagles with J.D. Souther sing Backing Vocals on "Off Night Backstreet"

Disc 3 – 2024 Remaster (37:26 minutes):
1. Happy Birthday 1975 (Rap) [Side 1]
2. God Must Be A Boogie Man
3. Funeral (Rap)
4. Chair In The Sky
5. The Wolf That Lives In Lindsey
6. I's A Muggin' (Rap) 
7. Sweet Sucker Dance
8. Coin In The Pocket (Rap)
9. The Dry Cleaner From Des Moines
10. Lucky (Rap)
11. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat 
Tracks 1 to 11 are the LP "Mingus" – released June 1979 in the USA on Asylum 5E-505 and July 1979 in the UK on Asylum K 53091

Discs 4 and 5 – 2024 Remasters
Disc 4 (43:25 minutes):
1. Introduction (includes sample dialogue from a James Dean Movie) [Side 1]
2. In France They Kiss On Main Street (Live)
3. Edith And The Kingpin (Live)
4. Coyote (Live)
5. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat (Live)
6. The Dry Cleaner From Des Moines (Live) [Side 2]
7. Amelia (Live)
8. Pat's Solo (Live)
9. Hejira (Live)

Disc 5 (40:36 minutes):
1. Black Crow (Live) [Side 3]
2. Don's Solo (Live)
3. Dreamland (Live)
4. Free Man In Paris (Live)
5. Band Introduction (Live)
6. Furry Sings The Blues (Live)
7. Why Do Fools Fall In Love (Live) [Side 4]
8. Shadows And Light (Live)
9. God Must Be A Boogie Man (Live)
10. Woodstock (Live)
Tracks 1to 9 and Tracks 1 to 10 are her second live album "Shadows And Light" – a 2LP set released September 1980 in the USA on Asylum BB-704 and Asylum K 62030 in the UK. "Pat's Solo" and "Don's Solo" are by band members Pat Metheny and Don Alias, "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" and "The Dry Cleaner From Des Moines" are co-writes with Charles Mingus, "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" is a Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers cover version (exclusive to this set) – all other tracks by Joni Mitchell. Band included Pat Metheny on Guitar, Jaco Pastorius on Bass, Lyle Mays on Keyboards, Michael Brecker on Sax with Don Alias on Drums and Percussion with The Persuasions on Backing Vocals

For many Mitchell fans who have had to do with the extremely pretty but sonically up-and-down Clamshell Box Set "The Studio Albums 1968-1979" from October 2012 - will know that these JMA sets (Joni Mitchell Archives) have the same sumptuous artwork reproduced in their Mini LP incarnations - but this time come armed with stunning new BERNIE GRUNDMAN masters. And that makes all the difference. But it will also not take a genius to work out that that 2012 Box Set is now the only place to find the original artwork to "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter" because Joni has decided to replace the supposedly politically unacceptable front cover. The problem is that the replacement is hideous – apparently an outtake from a later 80s session – and kind of ruins the feel of the whole thing. The photos are buggered about too.

The inner flap-sleeve for "Mingus" is squeaky clean in its gorgeous transfer, the "Hejira" set and "Shadows And Light" have their respective Inner Sleeves too - and the three-way foldout painting insert penned by legendary film-star and Oscar Winner Meryl Streep is not just academic but passionate and gushing (and rightly so) because like so many fans – Joni Music is deeply personal to them (Meryl describes hearing "Hejira" in her car and having to pull over to take it in the magic happening on her radio - she bought the album that day).

But all of that is small beer to the Audio which is gorgeous all around – all four a revelation to me. BERNIE GRUNDMAN has been around decades – this is the Audio Engineer that mastered "Aja" for Steely Dan and smartly (in 1977) kept a first-gen safety copy so that finally Analogue Productions could work from that for their spectacular HQ 2LP and SACD reissues across 2023 and 2024. When you hear the Piano and Strings passage in "Paprika Plains" (about seven minutes in) or the bottom-end punch of "Off Night Backstreet" – it is just great. There is power and majesty in these recordings and Grundman has realised it. 

The only real problem for me (as I feel it is for all these boxes) – the miniaturized lyrics on the Mini LP Card Sleeves are unreadable and there is not booklet reproducing them - which for an artist so famous for her lyrical brilliance is frankly a bit of a reissue travesty. As you listen to the words for the whole of the "Hejira" album for instance – it is arguably even better than Dylan from the year before on his mighty "Blood On The Tracks" LP - which is really saying something. In short, there's no booklet documenting her pinnacle achievement - which is a damn shame given this woman's musical stature in 2024 which borders on Hero Worship.

The other brill thing about a box like this is the dipping-in and the rediscovering of song nuggets that you'd either forgotten or aren't on those 'Best Of' compilations –the African percussive madness and vocal harmonising in "The Tenth World" - "Pat's Solo" where Metheny lets rip but remains beautiful musical – the rhythmical Dorothy Lamour glass of rum that is "Dreamland" and even "God Must Be A Boogie Man" on the patchy jazz collaboration album "Mingus" which to this day still feels indulgent. I know people say the same of the double "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter" but I dig that title track where the band gels into this magical overall strummed guitar sound – snakes along the railroad tracks – kite on a string open giving in to the romance of swooping dangers – wow! During these years Joni also seemed to finally find her springboards in Guitarists Pat Metheny and Larry Carlton whilst super-smooth super-musical Bassist Jaco Pastorius added beautiful texture to every heavily-worded tune. There is a sound to these albums that I adore nearly 50-years on and I doubt that will ever change. 

And the live double has to be one of the great overlooked sets – a stunning band – Joni defiant and brilliant as always doing three from the much-maligned "Mingus" project. There is an 'air' about the live set like the songs that were somehow slightly cluttered on the studio sets are given a breather by a band that is so in sympatico with her music. And those words - "...I'm porous with travel fever yet I'm so glad to be alone...".

If ever an artist deserved lavish and super respect in this sometimes-crazy world of reissues – it's Canada's finest – Joni Mitchell. Don't think – don't dither – dive in and drool. It only remains for me to say what I always say - God bless you our Lady of the Canyon - and stop smoking you silly twit – you're far too precious to lose!

PS: there is also a 21 June 2024 UK/Worldwide 6LP VINYL ALBUM version of "The Asylum Albums (1976-1980)" Box Set by Joni Mitchell on Rhino R1 726169 – 603497827022 (Barcode 603497827022) – both the studio album "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter" and the live double "Shadows And Light" are issued here as 2LP sets – hence the six records.

JONI MITCHELL ARCHIVES Series (30 October 2020 to 4 October 2024)

UK & EU CD and VINYL Issues - Release Date Order

Bernie Grundman Masters on All

1. Archives – Volume 1: The Early Years 1963-1967

30 October 2020 on Rhino R2 604555 – 603497849963 (Barcode 603497849963)

5CD Box Set with FM Broadcasts, Live Shows, Early Demos – All Unreleased

2. Live At Canterbury House - 1967

30 October 2020 on Rhino 643343 – 603497846672 (Barcode 603497846672)

3LP VINYL Set with 3 Different Music Sets recorded 27 October 1967 – Limited Edition of 10,000 - Includes Nine Previously Unreleased Songs not on her first album

3. Early Joni – 1963

30 October 2020 on Rhino 643344 – 603497846665 (Barcode 603497846665)

Single 180-Grams VINYL LP – First Known Recordings Aged 19 – Previously Unreleased

Copies in both Black and Crystal-Clear Vinyl with the same catalogue numbers

4. Archives – Volume 1: The Early Years (1963-1967): Highlights

12 June 2021 on Rhino R1 645871 – 603497844982

UK/EU Record Store Day Exclusive Release – 180-Grams Limited Edition Single VINYL LP – Limited Edition of 15,000

5. The Reprise Albums (1968-1971)

New Remasters of the albums "Song To A Seagull", "Clouds", "Ladies Of The Canyon" and "Blue"

25 June 2021 on Rhino R2 653984 – 603497844548 (Barcode 0603497844548)

4CD Brick-Block Box Set with Mini LP Repro Card Sleeves faithful to the US first editions

2 July 2021 on Rhino R1 653984 – 603497844531 (Barcode 603497844531)

Limited Edition to 10,000 Copies 4LP VINYL BOX Set

Originally produced by David Crosby but felt to be sonically inferior, both sets debut a New Mix of her first LP "Song To A Seagull" (aka "Joni Mitchell") overseen by Mitchell

6. Archives – Volume 2: The Reprise Years 1968-1971

5 November 2021 on Rhino R2 653989 – 603497844524

5CD Box Set with Previously Unreleased Material covering her first four studio albums "Song To A Seagull", "Clouds", "Ladies Of The Canyon" and "Blue"

18 February 2022 in the USA saw a 10LP Box Set Version on Rhino R1 653989 – 603497844555 (Barcode 603497844555) – A Limited Edition of 3,000 Copies

7. Live At Carnegie Hall - 1969

12 November 2021 on Rhino R1 654024 – 603497844517 (Barcode 603497844517)

Limited Edition of 15,000 Copies 3LP BLACK VINYL Set with all tracks unreleased except "My American Skirt" and "Spoony's Wonderful Adventure" which were first released 1969 on the US 2LP set "The 1969 Warner/Reprise Record Show" on Warner Brothers PRO 336

Also issued as a 3LP WHITE VINYL Version issued 12 Nov 2021 on Rhino RCV1 654024 – 603497844517 (Barcode 081227890940) – Limited Edition of 3,000 Copies

8. The Asylum Years (1972-1975)

New Remasters of the albums "For The Roses", "Court And Spark", "Miles Of Aisles (Live)" and "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns"

23 September 2022 on Rhino R2 680935 – 603497840960 (Barcode 603497840960)

4CD Brick-Block Box Set with Mini LP Repro Card Sleeves faithful to the US first editions including embossed sleeves for "Court And Spark" and "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns". Note: the CD of "Court And Spark" (Disc 3) contained a mastering error that played the song "The Same Situation" twice in error. In April 2023 Rhino offered correctly mastered CDs as replacements. With identical catalogue numbers and label facias, the replacement CD is only identifiable by the matrix number on the playing side which reads -2-2 21 at the end of the number when the faulty disc read -2 21.

There is also a 23 Sep 2022 5LP VINYL BOX SET on Rhino R1 680935 – 603497841356 (Barcode 603497841356) – a Limited Edition of 20,000 copies. The live album "Miles Of Aisles" was a 2LP set with Two New Songs On It - "Jericho" and "Love Or Money" – it fits entirely onto 1CD hence the 4CD and 5LP Box Sets number variants.

9. Joni Mitchell featuring The Joni Jam – At Newport

28 July 2023 CD Album on Rhino R2 725115 – 603497832071 (Barcode 603497832071)

2LP VINYL set on Rhino R1 725115 – 603497832088 (Barcode 603497832088)

NOTE: in the USA only, 28 July 2023 also saw the release of Rhino RCV1 725115 – 603497832088 (Barcode 081227820817) – a 2LP VINYL Set on CRYSTAL-CLEAR VINYL – a Limited Edition of Undetermined Number

10. Archives – Volume 3: The Asylum Years (1972-1975)

6 October 2023 on Rhino R2 717547 – 603497834303 (Barcode 603497834303)

5CD Box Set covering the albums "For The Roses", "Court And Spark", "Miles Of Aisles (Live)" and "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns"

4LP VINYL Set on Rhino 603497834310 (Barcode 603497834310) – 180-Grams LPs – Limited Edition of Undetermined Number

11. The Court And Spark Demos

24 November 2023 on Rhino R1 712517 – 603497834686 (Barcode 603497834686)

Record Store Day Black Friday VINYL LP Exclusive pressed on 180-Grams Vinyl – Limited Edition of 6,300 Copies – Demos from her 1973 classic album 

12. The Asylum Albums (1976-1980)

New Remasters of the albums "Hejira", "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter", "Mingus" and "Shadows And Light (Live)"

21 June 2024 on Rhino R2 726169 – 603497827015 (Barcode 603497827015)

4CD Brick-Block Box Set with Mini LP Repro Card Sleeves. The artwork to the 2LP set "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter" has been changed at the artists behest. 

The 21 June 2024 6LP Box Set variant is US-only on Rhino R1 726169 – 603497827022 – both "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter" and "Shadows And Light" are 2LP sets – the first a studio set, the second a Live set.

13. Archives – Volume 4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980)

Previously Unreleased material covering the albums "Hejira", "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter", "Mingus" and "Shadows And Light (Live)"

4 October 2024 on Rhino 0603497823680 (Barcode 0603497823680)

6CD Box Set with Previously Unreleased

4LP VINYL Set on Rhino 0603497823697 (Barcode 0603497823697)

"The Asylum Albums (1972-1975)" by JONI MITCHELL – Including Three Studio Sets and One Live Double Album - "For The Roses" (November 1972 USA, December 1972 UK), "Court And Spark" (February 1974 USA, March 1974 UK), "Miles Of Aisles" (November 1974 USA 2LP Live Set, January 1975 2LP Live Set in the UK) and "The Hissing of Summer Lawns" (November 1975 USA and UK) – featured Guest Musicians include Larry Carlton, Wilton Felder and Joe Sample of The Crusaders, Guitarists James Burton, Jose Feliciano, Wayne Perkins, Dennis Budimir of The Wrecking Crew, Robbie Robertson of The Band and Robben Ford with Graham Nash and David Crosby of Crosby Stills Nash & Young with Susan Webb on Backing Vocals, Tom Scott, Chuck Findley on Horns and Vibes and many more (September 2022 USA/UK/EU Asylum/Rhino 4CD Brick-Block Box Set in the Joni Mitchell Archive Series with Mini LP Card Sleeve Repro Artwork and New Bernie Grundman Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Asylum-Albums-1972-1975-Joni-Mitchell/dp/B0B7W62QW4?crid=7P3PH8MYPFA1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QL5XRE0mPFuAX8QatyuI6DrNtOI71CO13V8i5KhR8U_GjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.RhX-Jf9auaj8Wgm0tqBjYxhk0eEc9YBmEj1ECY_iczI&dib_tag=se&keywords=603497840960&qid=1726831571&sprefix=603497840960%2Caps%2C85&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=b465785cc920eff1f6fbedb26d1fe0d9&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

"…Coming To People's Parties…Falling Deaf, Dumb And Blind…"

Oh-yea verily-yea combined with oh-no you twats! Glory and mistakes – we get both - read on…

25 June 2021 gave us Volume 1 in this Joni Mitchell Archive Series - her first four studio albums on Reprise Records from 1968 to 1971 - "Song For A Seagull" (March 1968), "Clouds" (May 1969), "Ladies Of The Canyon" (April 1970) and the mighty "Blue" (June 1971) – all presented in a tasty logo-monikered brick-block box set. 

Well here comes the second magic bus which for me is the real beginning of her beautiful Seventies output. Volume 2 offers The Asylum Years (1972-1975) with the same gorgeous Bernie Grundman Remasters and oversized repro card sleeves – gatefolds, flaps and all. And when you take in that both her stunning studio sets "Court And Spark" (February 1974 USA, March 1974 UK) and "The Hissing of Summer Lawns" (November 1975 USA and UK) that saw her finally expand the constricting Folk-only sound of old are included – then I'm a very happy Radio and am indeed turned on. To the petrified wood process…(details in other words)

USA/EU/UK released September 2022 - "The Asylum Albums (1972-1975)" by JONI MITCHELL on Asylum/Rhino R2 680935 – 603497840960 (Barcode 603497840960) is a 4CD Brick-Block Box Set in the Joni Mitchell Archive Series with Mini LP Card Sleeve Repro Artwork and New Bernie Grundman Remasters. It plays out as follows:

CD1 "For The Roses" (40:44 minutes):
1. Banquet [Side 1]
2. Cold Blue Steel And Sweet Fire
3. Barangrill
4. Lesson In Survival
5. Let The Wind Carry Me
6. For The Roses
7. See You Sometime [Side 2]
8. Electricity
9. You Turn Me On I'm A Radio
10. Blonde In The Bleachers
11. Woman Of Heart And Mind
12. Judgement Of The Moon And Stars (Ludwig's Tune)
Tracks 1 to 12 are the LP "For The Roses" – released November 1972 in the USA on Asylum SD 5057 and December 1972 in the UK on Asylum SYLA 8753. Wilton Felder of The Crusaders played Bass, Russ Kunkel was on Drums, Bobbye Hall on Percussion with Woodwinds and Reeds played by Tom Scott. Graham Nash played Harmonica on "You Turn Me On I'm A Radio", Stephen Stills was the band on "Blonde In The Bleachers" while the legendary sessionman James Burton played Guitar on "Cold Blue Steel And Sweet Fire". 

CD2 "Court And Spark" (39:55 minutes – see NOTES below re Mastering Error):
1. Court And Spark [Side 1]
2. Help Me
3. Free Man In Paris
4. People's Parties
5. The Same Situation
6. Car On A Hill [Side 2]
7. Down To You
8. Just Like This Train
9. Raised On Robbery
10. Trouble Child
11. Twisted
Tracks 1 to 11 are the LP "Court And Spark" – released February 1974 in the USA on Asylum 7E-1001 and March 1974 in the UK on Asylum SYLA 8756.
Guest musicians include Robbie Robertson of The Band playing guitar on "Raised On Robbery", Joes Feliciano on Guitar for "Free Man In Paris" with David Crosby and Graham Nash of CSNY on Backing Vocals with Wilton Felder of The Crusaders on Bass (all on the same track) - Felder also plays Bass on "People's Parties". Wayne Perkins of Smith Perkins Smith plays guitar on "Car On A Hill", Jazz Guitarist David Budimir plays on "Trouble Child". Chuck Findley plays Trumpet on "Twisted" and "Trouble Child". David Crosby of The Byrds and CSNY and Susan Webb (Jimmy Webb's sister) sing Backing Vocals on "Down To You", Comedians and Actors Cheech and Chong sing Backing Vocals on "Twisted", Double Bass Player Jim Hughart played on "Trouble Child" with Tom Scott arranging both "The Same Situation" and "Down To You". John Guerin of The L.A. Express (the band she would credit on Miles Of Aisles) plays Synth on "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns"

NOTES on CD2: 
Track 4 on this CD plays two songs segueing into one another - "People's Parties" and "The Same Situation". Track 5 however mistakenly repeats "The Same Situation" immediately after – hence the playing time on old CD ran to 36:58 minutes, this one mistakenly runs to 39:55 minutes. However, in April 2023, via their support section on their website, Rhino Records are offering properly mastered CDs to replace the faulty ones (an indefinite offer apparently should you purchase in the future). I have received this in the post (see photos) and the replacement CD removes Track 5 as an extra and only leaves 4 and 5 segued together as one – as it was on the original LP. The facia of the replacement CD is exactly as per the first CD, but the CD matrix on the playing side is 58292244/0603497840960-2-2 21 (extra -2) while the faulty CD has a matrix that ends in …960-2 21 (photos below). 

 
The gatefold artwork for the CD Mini LP Sleeve to "Court And Spark" mimics the US embossed original – it was not embossed in the UK – so fans get that as an extra.

Distinguishing CDs

Faulty "Court And Spark" Disc Pictured Above (Playing Surface)

Replacement CD from Rhino Pictured Below

Note the Matrix Numbers are Different

CD3 "Miles Of Aisles" (2LP Live Set onto 1CD, 78:03 minutes):
1. You Turn Me On, I'm A Radio [Side 1]
2. Big Yellow Taxi
3. Rainy Night House
4. Woodstock
5. Cactus Tree [Side 2]
6. Cold Blue Steel And Sweet Fire
7. Woman Of Heart And Mind
8. A Case Of You
9. Blue
10. The Circle Game [Side 3]
11. People's Parties
12. All I Want
13. Real Good For Free
14. Both Sides Now
15. Carey [Side 4]
16. The Last Time I Saw Richard
17. Jericho
18. Love Or Money
Tracks 1 to 18 are by JONI MITCHELL and THE L.A. EXPRESS and are her first live album – a 2LP set released November 1974 in the USA on Asylum AB 202 and January 1975 in the UK on Asylum SYSP 902. "Jericho" and "Love Or Money" were new songs at the time and exclusive to this set. While there is still no studio variant of "Love Or Money", a more expanded version of "Jericho" would turn in studio form on the "Hejira" album in 1976. The Mini LP Repro Card Sleeve artwork reflects the gatefold flap sleeve of the original which prints lyrics to the two new songs.

CD4 "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns" (42:35 minutes):
1. In France They Kiss On Main Street [Side 1]
2. The Jungle Line
3. Edith And The Kingpin
4. Don't Interrupt The Sorrow
5. Shades Of Scarlett Conquering
6. The Hissing Of Summer Lawns [Side 2]
7. The Boho Dance
8. Harry's House/Centerpiece
9. Sweet Bird
10. Shadows And Light
Tracks 1 to 10 are the LP "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns" – released November 1975 in the USA on Asylum 7E-1051 and Asylum K 53018 in the UK. 
Guest Musicians included David Crosby, Graham Nash and James Taylor on Backing Vocals, Jeff Baxter of Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers on Guitar, Joe Sample of The Crusaders on Piano, Horn Players Chuck Findley and Bud Shank, Guitarist Robben Ford, Keyboards and Percussion by Victor Feldman and The Warrior Drums of Burundi ("In The Jungle" only). John Guerin of The L.A. Express (the band she would credit on "Miles Of Aisles" and who would have albums of their own from 1974 onwards) plays Synth on "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns".

The squat Brick-Block boxes for this series are all the same – four repro Mini LP Sleeves based on the US artwork – a foldout inlay with words from some celeb or artist (in this case Neil Young) and an advert insert for the JMA Series. The big bug-bear for me would be that there are no lyrics. The card sleeves are of course so small as to be impossible to read and even standard CD booklets have the all-important words. If ever an artist (like Dylan) was connected to her powerhouse lyrics – it is Joni Mitchell. Then there's the Sloppy Joe mastering error on Court And Spark which had me waiting weeks for a replacement CD (both pictured). Rhino did send one and dealt with the request promptly and efficiently – but it was still an unnecessary hassle for a catalogue this prestigious. The Box Set is pretty for sure, but you feel more could have been done by way of period memorabilia on a poster – interview input from the legendary players (still alive) in a booklet – lyrics – etc.

But – and I say this without hesitation – all that irration-in-the-nation is small beer to the musical magnificence of this stretch of albums – and more importantly – the subtle but real improvement in the audio. BERNIE GRUNDMAN is legend in them-there Remaster hills and you can so hear why. These were well-produced albums anyway - "For The Roses" is all but Acoustic Guitar and Piano with some sessionman interludes and the clarity is fabulous – so clean and clear and yet with air enough not to be sterile. But the band-density and instrument uptake on both "Court And Spark" and especially "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns" with its 1975 compression techniques – needed a deft hand at unravelling and revealing - and BG has done that. In truth – I love these albums and have had HDCD and AAD versions etc – but these 2022 Remasters are my new go-to-point of entry from now on. To the music…

I can't help but feel that "For The Roses" may be someit of a lost masterpiece in a canon of work so scrutinised and almost biblically revered. After 50-years playing the damn thing, here with this 2022 Remaster I finally seem to be giving it the awed eye it deserves. While songs like the gorgeous single "You Turn Me On, I'm A Radio" and the double female-empowerment tunes "Blonde In The Bleachers" and "Woman Of Heart And Mind" have always impressed and moved me - tracks like the James Taylor heroin-years song "Cold Blue Steel And Sweet Fire" and "Electricity" have a muscle that now subtly kicks you in the emotional proverbials. 

"Court And Spark" changed everything - a band of sorts coming on board - adding so much to her sound that suddenly she sounds like the generational spokes woman critics have always claimed she was. There is the honesty in the lyrics, the cagey almost too-deep subject matters but "Help Me" and the stunning "People's Parties" - she reached new heights (it's always been a song I hoped would go on more or that I could sequence on its own without segueing into "The Same Situation"). I kind of wish the replacement CD had actually placed both songs "People's Parties" and "The Same Situation" as separate entities at the end of the disc - that way I could sequence the album with a gap between songs. "Car On The Hill" and "Trouble Child" and even the Cheech and Chong whimsy to "Twisted" all rock with new clarity. It's a fabulous job done in Remaster Transfer on an album I know many fans cherish.

The November 1994 US Live Double "Miles Of Aisles" (January 1975 in the UK) benefitted from the momentum 'Court And Spark' had produced earlier in February of that year pinching an impressive No.2 position on the Billboard LP charts. But as it was earlier gigs, to my ears it was a sort of too-retro move going with the old when she'd just debuted the new sound. Re-listening to it after all these decades, I'm thinking I missed something back then. Given the different venues and sound systems, the audio fluctuates from good to great - but on some songs Grundman has brought a clarity that whacks you in the face and makes you hear the greatness. "A Case Of You" as she strums her Dulcimer then follows with "Blue" on Piano - tuning the guitar, crowd heckles and the Van Gogh talk that precedes "The Circle Game" - gorgeous stuff. The new songs disappointed initially but re-listening to "Jericho" - I'm loving that shimmering band Joni vibe and there's a funkiness to "Love Or Money" - lots of forty-watt successes. I'm kind of shocked at how I'm loving this forgotten live splurge.

When I think of "The Hissing Of The Summer Lawns" in 1975 and "Hejira" that followed it in 1976 - I think of brilliance - of Steely Dan who whomped us nerds with "Katy Lied" in 1975 and "The Royal Scam" in 1976 - undeniable greatness complete with audio and technical know-how. If I'm truthful I skip the discordant Burundi Warriors song "In The Jungle" but I am forever enthralled by the sophomore jive of "Edith And The Kingpin" (astonishing clarity on every instrument), the darn right acoustic guitar strums in "Don't Interrupt The Sorrow" (prophet witches aflame) and the one that brings tears to my eyes - "Shades Of Scarlett Conquering" - the keyboards and strings meshing into a wall of musical emotion (sweeping ballroom gowns take your breath away). Over on Side 2 huge Bass will knock out your speakers as you begin "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns" (barbed wire fences keeping out the unknown) - but then we get the big one - "The Boho Dance". Another hardtime band in the cellar - an old romance - Jesus the Beggar and Glorious Solomon trading graces - ladies with runs in their nylons - gorgeous brass arrangements lifting the melody to the sublime. A wall of fabulous audio awaits as "Sweet Bird" fades in and it ends with the ethereal "Shadows And Light" which she would name her second double live album after in 1980. 

The four albums are so damn good and given these Remasters - now allowed to shine as never before. There goes my bank balance...

JONI MITCHELL ARCHIVES Series (30 October 2020 to 4 October 2024)

UK & EU CD and VINYL Issues - Release Date Order

Bernie Grundman Masters on All

1. Archives – Volume 1: The Early Years 1963-1967
30 October 2020 on Rhino R2 604555 – 603497849963 (Barcode 603497849963)
5CD Box Set with FM Broadcasts, Live Shows, Early Demos – All Unreleased

2. Live At Canterbury House - 1967
30 October 2020 on Rhino 643343 – 603497846672 (Barcode 603497846672)
3LP VINYL Set with 3 Different Music Sets recorded 27 October 1967 – Limited Edition of 10,000 - Includes Nine Previously Unreleased Songs not on her first album

3. Early Joni – 1963
30 October 2020 on Rhino 643344 – 603497846665 (Barcode 603497846665)
Single 180-Grams VINYL LP – First Known Recordings Aged 19 – Previously Unreleased
Copies in both Black and Crystal-Clear Vinyl with the same catalogue numbers

4. Archives – Volume 1: The Early Years (1963-1967): Highlights
12 June 2021 on Rhino R1 645871 – 603497844982
UK/EU Record Store Day Exclusive Release – 180-Grams Limited Edition Single VINYL LP – Limited Edition of 15,000

5. The Reprise Albums (1968-1971)
New Remasters of the albums "Song To A Seagull", "Clouds", "Ladies Of The Canyon" and "Blue"
25 June 2021 on Rhino R2 653984 – 603497844548 (Barcode 0603497844548)
4CD Brick-Block Box Set with Mini LP Repro Card Sleeves faithful to the US first editions
2 July 2021 on Rhino R1 653984 – 603497844531 (Barcode 603497844531)
Limited Edition to 10,000 Copies 4LP VINYL BOX Set
Originally produced by David Crosby but felt to be sonically inferior, both sets debut a New Mix of her first LP "Song To A Seagull" (aka "Joni Mitchell") overseen by Mitchell

6. Archives – Volume 2: The Reprise Years 1968-1971
5 November 2021 on Rhino R2 653989 – 603497844524
5CD Box Set with Previously Unreleased Material covering her first four studio albums "Song To A Seagull", "Clouds", "Ladies Of The Canyon" and "Blue"
18 February 2022 in the USA saw a 10LP Box Set Version on Rhino R1 653989 – 603497844555 (Barcode 603497844555) – A Limited Edition of 3,000 Copies

7. Live At Carnegie Hall - 1969
12 November 2021 on Rhino R1 654024 – 603497844517 (Barcode 603497844517)
Limited Edition of 15,000 Copies 3LP BLACK VINYL Set with all tracks unreleased except "My American Skirt" and "Spoony's Wonderful Adventure" which were first released 1969 on the US 2LP set "The 1969 Warner/Reprise Record Show" on Warner Brothers PRO 336
Also issued as a 3LP WHITE VINYL Version issued 12 Nov 2021 on Rhino RCV1 654024 – 603497844517 (Barcode 081227890940) – Limited Edition of 3,000 Copies

8. The Asylum Years (1972-1975)
New Remasters of the albums "For The Roses", "Court And Spark", "Miles Of Aisles (Live)" and "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns"
23 September 2022 on Rhino R2 680935 – 603497840960 (Barcode 603497840960)
4CD Brick-Block Box Set with Mini LP Repro Card Sleeves faithful to the US first editions including embossed sleeves for "Court And Spark" and "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns". Note: the CD of "Court And Spark" (Disc 3) contained a mastering error that played the song "The Same Situation" twice in error. In April 2023 Rhino offered correctly mastered CDs as replacements. With identical catalogue numbers and label facias, the replacement CD is only identifiable by the matrix number on the playing side which reads -2-2 21 at the end of the number when the faulty disc read -2 21.
There is also a 23 Sep 2022 5LP VINYL BOX SET on Rhino R1 680935 – 603497841356 (Barcode 603497841356) – a Limited Edition of 20,000 copies. The live album "Miles Of Aisles" was a 2LP set with Two New Songs On It - "Jericho" and "Love Or Money" – it fits entirely onto 1CD hence the 4CD and 5LP Box Sets number variants.

9. Joni Mitchell featuring The Joni Jam – At Newport
28 July 2023 CD Album on Rhino R2 725115 – 603497832071 (Barcode 603497832071)
2LP VINYL set on Rhino R1 725115 – 603497832088 (Barcode 603497832088)
NOTE: in the USA only, 28 July 2023 also saw the release of Rhino RCV1 725115 – 603497832088 (Barcode 081227820817) – a 2LP VINYL Set on CRYSTAL-CLEAR VINYL – a Limited Edition of Undetermined Number

10. Archives – Volume 3: The Asylum Years (1972-1975)
6 October 2023 on Rhino R2 717547 – 603497834303 (Barcode 603497834303)
5CD Box Set covering the albums "For The Roses", "Court And Spark", "Miles Of Aisles (Live)" and "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns"
4LP VINYL Set on Rhino 603497834310 (Barcode 603497834310) – 180-Grams LPs – Limited Edition of Undetermined Number

11. The Court And Spark Demos
24 November 2023 on Rhino R1 712517 – 603497834686 (Barcode 603497834686)
Record Store Day Black Friday VINYL LP Exclusive pressed on 180-Grams Vinyl – Limited Edition of 6,300 Copies – Demos from her 1973 classic album 

12. The Asylum Albums (1976-1980)
New Remasters of the albums "Hejira", "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter", "Mingus" and "Shadows And Light (Live)"
21 June 2024 on Rhino R2 726169 – 603497827015 (Barcode 603497827015)
4CD Brick-Block Box Set with Mini LP Repro Card Sleeves. The artwork to the 2LP set "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter" has been changed at the artists behest. 
The 21 June 2024 6LP Box Set variant is US-only on Rhino R1 726169 – 603497827022 – both "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter" and "Shadows And Light" are 2LP sets – the first a studio set, the second a Live set.

13. Archives – Volume 4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980)
Previously Unreleased material covering the albums "Hejira", "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter", "Mingus" and "Shadows And Light (Live)"
4 October 2024 on Rhino 0603497823680 (Barcode 0603497823680)
6CD Box Set with Previously Unreleased
4LP VINYL Set on Rhino 0603497823697 (Barcode 0603497823697)

"Buena Vista Social Club: Edición 25 Anniversario (25th Anniversary Edition)" by BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB – June 1997 (UK) September 1997 (USA) Album of Cuban Music on World Circuit Records with Ry Cooder and The Afro-Cuban All Stars featuring Ibrahim Ferrer, Eliades Ochoa, Compay Segundo, Rubén González, Omara Portmundo, Manual Mirabal and many more (September 2021 UK World Circuit/BMG 2CD Anniversary Reissue with Twelve Previously Unreleased Tracks and Bernie Grundman Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

 

 

 

 

 

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This Review and 317 Others Like It 

Are Available in My Amazon e-Book

GOODY TWO SHOES

2CD Deluxe Editions (Occasional Threesome), Expanded Reissues and Compilations 

All Info From The Discs Themselves 

No Cut and Paste Crap

Amazon Hall of Fame Reviewer 6 Times

 

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"...Ediciones Musicales... "

 

There have been only a handful of genuinely mind-blowing world-conquering musical discoveries in my 65-year search for genre enlightenment (mainline those rhythms to my soul baby).

 

I suppose it started for me (and most everyone else) with Paul Simon's September 1986 African/World Music album "Graceland" that received a 25^th Anniversary Edition multiple-format reissue in June 2012 (see review). Then we got the Coen Brothers re-educating us all on old timey papa-biscuits music with their devastatingly funny and beautifully filmed "O, Brother Where Are Thou?" movie parable in September 2000. The CD was a hit, Americana and Traditionals and Country Music had a full-on resurgence and concerts followed in which much of the entire world joined up for the hootenanny rediscovery - all of this heady mix breaking old barriers down towards music considered by many to be the very definition of hick (run a hundred miles boy lest you and your progeny get infected).

 

The lads at reissue specialist Light In The Attic Records of America gave us the stunning "Cold Fact" and "Coming From Reality" albums from Rodriguez in August 2008 and May 2009 (originally issued in 1970 and 1971 on Sussex Records and thereafter descended into virtual unsold obscurity) that was followed by the movie-story of his life "Searching For The Sugar Man" - another joyous discovery. These new frontiers - along with Peter Gabriel and his Real World Records label - blew everyone away.

 

But in between all of that came 23 June 1997 in the UK (17 September 1997 in the USA) and the self-titled one-off album sensation that was/is Buena Vista Social Club – a collection recorded across three days at the end of March 1996 in Havana, Cuba by the then virtually unknown World Circuit Records. Helping hand and cool conduit came via Americana guitarist and Warner Brothers recording star Ry Cooder who had invited the cream of Traditional South American Music practitioners to a studio to go for it. The sideways aim/result was to bring music genres like Trova, Son, Tumbao, Danzón, Guajira, Canción and of course all manner of Afro-Cuban Bolero numbers and ballads to a new audience. The resultant album was and still is a joy – a lightning in a bottle moment captured and celebrated ever since (hell, even the artwork has become famous).

 

That Buena Vista Social Club was always going to receive a celebrationary reissue goes with saying. But man oh man and boys oh boys – the Remastered AUDIO on this sucker by Bernie Grundman is off the charts good. Culled from the original master tapes and featuring 12 new Previously Unreleased session outtakes on CD2 (including new songs, mostly rehearsals)  – both the CD and VINYL variants for this 25^th Anniversary hit next level audiophile. Even the obvious loose nature of "Chan Chan" that opens CD2 with a Monitor Mix where Cooder announces that prep is over and "...Cats, we're up!" sounds utterly amazing and alive in your living room. A warmth and feel that is at times hair-raising. Enough 5-star praise, to the details...

 

UK released 17 September 2021 - "Buena Vista Social Club: Edición 25 Anniversario (25^th Anniversary Edition)" by BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB on World Circuit/BMG WCD05025S (Barcode 4050538672206) is a 2CD Reissue and Remaster that plays outs as follows:

 

CD1 (60:10 minutes):

1. Chan Chan

2. De Camino a La Vereda

3. El Cuarto de Tula

4. Pueblo Nuevo

5. Das Gardenias

6. ?Y Tú Qué Has Hecho?

7. Veinta Años

8. El Carretero

9. Candela

10. Amor de Loca Juventud

11. Orgullecida

12. Murmullo

13. Buena Vista Social Club

14. La Bayamesa

Tracks 1 to 14 are the CD album (double-vinyl) "Buena Vista Social Club" – released 23 June 1997 in the UK on World Circuit WCD 050 and 16 September 1997 in the USA on World Circuit/Nonesuch 79478-2. Produced by NICK GOLD – it peaked at No. 44 in the UK and No. 80 on the US charts (hit No. 1 in Germany). This 25^th Anniversary Edition reissue charted and peaked at No. 100 in America and is Remastered by BERNIE GRUNDMAN

 

There is also a VINYL 2LP Remastered Set of this 25^th Anniversary Edition Reissue on World Circuit/BMG WCV05025 (Barcode 4050538629996). It adds five of the outtakes as Bonuses, comes on 180grams Vinyl and has an expanded 20-page booklet. The five bonuses included on the 2LP VINYL Set are Tracks 2, 3, 7, 10 and 12 on CD2)

 

CD2 (40:15 minutes):

1. Chan Chan (Monitor Mix)

2. Vicenta

3. La Pluma

4. Dos Gardenias (Alternate Take)

5. Mandinga

6. Siboney

7. A Tus Pies

8. El Carretero (Alternate Take)

9. Ensayo

10. La Cleptómana

11. Descarga Rubén

12. Orgullecida (Alternate Trio Take)

Tracks 1 to 12 are all PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

 

The 65-page Hardback Digibook for "Buena Vista Social Club: Edición 25 Anniversario" is a beautiful thing to look at and behold. The cream pages separate out every song including the new ones and even produce both Native language lyrics and English translations. There is a lead-in note from Cooder about the genesis of the project – a long list of musicians that is complimented by a further track-by-track player-by-player list at the rear (featuring artists include The Afro-Cuban All Stars - Ibrahim Ferrer, Eliades Ochoa, Compay Segundo, Rubén González, Omara Portmundo, Manual Mirabal, Alberto Valdés and many more). There is a colour photo of the joyous group towards the rear and a sense that pride has been taken in this celebrationary release. But the big news is a BERNIE GRUNDMAN Remaster that is simply glorious (as already outlined). Time to Bolero my friends...

 

Playing the album even from the opening number and you instantly realize how utterly locked into each other’s rhythms the band is – swaying and shuffling with big-room perfection while Ry underpins the Acoustics, Trumpets, Bongos and Shakers with a mean-as-a-rattle-snake Electric Slide Guitar. And a musically smart Cooder hovers with his guitar - never gets showy or in the way of Lead Vocalist Eliades Ochoa whose vocals are aged-in-brine gorgeous. When they do go into the initial Piano waltz that is "Pueblo Nuevo" and then up the pace half way through to a sexy dance of piano and guitars – you can imagine Angelina Jolie sashaying around some Taverna in lace making all the sweaty patrons drink deep and fan harder (sunny weather indeed).

 

Legendary South American vocalist Ibrahim Ferrer sings an emotional blinder with "Das Gardenias" – a lovely Bolero that makes you want to slow dance with your baby. And again truly gobsmacking audio comes roaring in with "?Y Tú Qué Has Hecho?" – Ry Cooder and Compay Segundo doing Acoustic Guitar battle on this 1920s Bolero. The all-male-ensemble is joined by the only woman to grace the album – Omara Portmundo (pictured in the booklet) - who duets in perfect subdued beauty with Compay Segundo on "Veinta Años" (beautiful Bouzouki-type guitars too). That lovely almost calming Bolero moment is followed by a gorgeous groove in "El Carretero" where Eliades Ochoa takes Lead Vocals. Next up the boys have some swaying and aye-aye-aye singing fun with a Son & Tumbao style song called "Candello" which at 5:27 minutes probably outstays its welcome just a tad.

 

Ry and Joachim Cooder join the muchachos guitarist fray with subtle contributions to the short but deeply lovely "Amor De Loca Juventud" – a cellulite-reducing Americana shuffle with Gospel and Acoustic Blues influences. Old timey pre-war trombone and even Hawaiian steel convergences make "Orgullecida" a giggle and delight. But they pale when the voices and piano of "Murmullo" show up – Ibrahim Ferrer swooning and humming in a Romantic Casablanca kind of style while Rubén González plinks on a grand piano with a beautifully captured tone. A Danzon-style instrumental shuffles like a cheeky sea fog into view for the cha-cha-cha of the title track "Buena Vista Social Club" (wowser for the audio again). And it all comes to a sort of early-hours-cantina-on-the-brink-of-stupor moment – a Criolla-style sung ballad where the men are nearly weeping or too drunk to explain – whichever arrives first.

 

I suppose the only tiny complaint would be that it easy to hear why large numbers of the outtakes were left on the cutting room floor – they are good – but they are not the great stuff on the album. Having said that the up mood of "Vicenta" is damn cool while the Alternate of an album fave "Das Gardenias" is lovely even if the vocals go awry towards its end. Piano and Bongo chill-out fun comes in the shape of "Mandinga" where Rubén González gets the boys to stop talking and even join in the melody. Another lovely moment of acoustic sweetness comes with the song called Ensayo which is upended when piano rudely interrupts – it’s a segment more than a tune. But again – others have loved "La Cleptómana" – a Trova song about a Kleptomaniac who likes to burn pretty things (nice).

 

Buena Vista Social Club was and still is a beautiful thing and this 25^th Anniversary reminder has done its legend proud. And I got my copy in 2023 for under a tenner shrink-wrapped with its display sticker and looking perky. Time for me to re-join the waist-train as its shimmies across the retirement home – aye aye aye...