"The Reprise Albums (1968-1971)" by JONI MITCHELL – Four Studio Album CD Box Set Including Her 1968 Debut "Song To A Seagull", 1969 second LP "Clouds", 1970 third studio LP "Ladies Of The Canyon" and Fourth Studio Album "Blue" – Guests Include David Crosby, Stephen Stills, James Taylor, Milt Holland and more - All Remastered by Bernie Grundman with "Song To A Seagull" Newly Remixed by Original Producer David Crosby (June 2021 UK Rhino/Reprise 4CD Box Set with Mini LP Gatefold Repro Artwork Sleeves – Part of the Joni Mitchell Archives Series) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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RATINGS:

Overall ***** (Stunning Music)

Presentation **** (Missing Lyrics)

Audio ***** (New Bernie Grundman Masters)

"…Songs To Aging Children Come…"

As a lover of this extraordinary artist and owner of more than a few CD reissues down through the decades - you notice a few things with this lovely Box Set right off the bat (part of the Joni Mitchell Archives Series and the 1st of the studio sets). 
Each Mini LP Card Repro Sleeve apes the original American artwork from 1968, 1969, 1970 and 1971 on Reprise Records – so you get the four gorgeous gatefold sleeves (the first two were only single sleeves in the UK with lyric inserts) and in the case of "Ladies Of The Canyon" – the non-titled painting/clear white artwork, and for the mighty "Blue" – the Blue inner bag.

The playing times for 2021's "The Reprise Albums (1968-1971)" as opposed to the 10CD Rhino Box Set of October 2012 ("The Studio Albums 1968-1979") are all different too – they were 38:07, 37:41, 44:59 and 36:13 minutes – these new Bernie Grundman Masters are 37:55, 37:48, 45:01 and 36:15 minutes – some shorter, some ever so slightly longer. But (and this is the big butt) – they are better Audio-wise – the HDCDs and Mini LPs of old – all good – but these Archive releases have had care put into them. And I think it has been a smart idea too to separate out the peripherals, outtakes, live stuff, exclusive sets etc into stand-alone releases. Much to do, so let's have at the details on Door Number One…

Released 25 June 2021 in UK/EUROPE - "The Reprise Albums (1968-1971)" by JONI MITCHELL on Rhino/Reprise R2 653984 – 603497844548 (Barcode 0603497844548) is a Box Set and part of the Joni Mitchell Archive Series (first for Studio Albums). Four CDs contain her first four studio albums (no extras) housed in Mini LP Repro Card Sleeve Artwork (each a gatefold as per the American releases with the lyrics in tiny print) with the debut "Song To A Seagull" remixed by original producer David Crosby. All are Remastered by Bernie Grundman from original tapes. Each CD has a paper/card inner sleeve for protective purposes and the CD labels reflect original US vinyl colouring and design (Riverboat Reprise Records Logo etc). There is also a fold-out set of liner notes from American singer-songwriter BRANDI CARLISLE who has covered Mitchell songs extensively and a advert sheet for the first JMA releases. It plays out as follows…

CD1 "Song To A Seagull" (37:55 minutes):
1. I Had A King [Side 1 – I Came To The City]
2. Michael from The Mountains
3. Night In The City 
4. Marcie
5. Nathan La Franeer 
6. Sisotowbell Lane [Side 2 – Out Of The City And Down To The Seaside]
7. The Dawntreader
8. The Pirate Of Penance
9. Song To A Seagull 
10. Cactus Tree
Tracks 1 to 10 are her Debut LP "Song To A Seagull" [aka "Joni Mitchell"] – released March 1968 in the USA (June 1968 in the UK) on Reprise RSLP 6293. Produced by DAVID CROSBY – Musicians include Joni Mitchell on Guitar, Piano and Vocals with Stephen Stills (then with Buffalo Springfield) on Guitar and Bass

CD2 "Clouds" (37:48 minutes):
1. Tin Angel [Side 1]
2. Chelsea Morning
3. I Don't Know Where I Stand
4. That Song About The Midway
5. Roses Blue
6. The Gallery [Side 2]
7. I Think I Understand 
8. Songs To Aging Children Come
9. The Fiddle And The Drum
10. Both Sides, Now
Tracks 1 to 10 are her second studio LP "Clouds" – released May 1969 LP in the USA (October 1969 in the UK) on Reprise RSLP 6341. Produced by PAUL ROTHCHILD - Musicians include Joni Mitchell on Guitar, Piano and Vocals with Stephen Stills (then with Crosby, Stills & Nash) on Bass

CD3 "Ladies Of The Canyon" (45:01 minutes):
1. Morning Morgantown [Side 1]
2. For Free
3. Conversation
4. Ladies Of The Canyon
5. Willy
6. The Arrangement 
7. Rainy Night House [Side 2]
8. The Priest 
9. Blue Boy
10. Big Yellow Taxi
11. Woodstock
12. The Circle Game
Tracks 1 to 12 are her third studio LP "Ladies Of The Canyon" – released April 1970 in the USA (May 1970 in the UK) on Reprise RSLP 6376. Produced by JONI MITCHELL – Musicians include Joni Mitchell on Piano, Guitar, Lead Vocals, Saskatune Backing Vocals (multi-tracked Joni), Arrangements and Production, Jim Horn on Baritone Saxophone, Paul Horn on Clarinet and Flute, Teressa Adams on Cello with Milt Holland on Percussion

CD4 "Blue" (36:15 minutes):

1. All I Want [Side 1]
2. My Old Man
3. Little Green
4. Carey
5. Blue
6. California [Side 2]
7. This Flight Tonight
8. River 
9. A Case Of You
10. The Last Time I Saw Richard
Tracks 1 to 10 are the LP "Blue" – released June 1971 in the USA on Reprise MS 2038 and July 1971 in the UK on Reprise K 44128. Produced by JM – Musicians included James Taylor playing Guitar on Tracks "All I Want", "California" and "A Case Of You", Stephen Stills (of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young) plays Guitar and Bass on "Carey", Sneaky Pete Kleinow plays Pedal Steel Guitar on "California" and "This Flight Tonight", Russ Kunkel plays Drums on "Carey", "California" and "A Case Of You"

CD1: You have to say that the card Mini LP repro sleeve for "Song To A Seagull" is beautifully rendered – hell you can almost read the lyrics. Personally, I would have had all the lyrics in a separate booklet – as her words are so important to the experience – something Rhino have not done for any of her boxes. For those of us who have grown up with these precious LPs, the clarity of the guitar and the power of her slightly echoed vocal shocks as you first encounter "Song To A Seagull". This is as lovely as it going to get – and her keys not fitting the door words now ring loud and true. Beautiful is what I would call "Michael From Mountains" – and again the clarity is unnerving. The ultra-quiet opening to "Night In The City" clear – then the Bass and Piano lift things up and her doubled-vocals there but not intrusive. The vocal on "Marcie" – the way it was recorded – still feels slightly off. No such problem with "Nathan La Franeer" – gangs and girly shows – aging cripples selling Superman balloons – her Banshee vocals suitably eerie and yet musical. Improvement on those guitar pings too for "The Dawntreader" – but again the vocals are detached somehow. We romp home on this Folky Acoustic debut album with "Song To A Seagull" and "Cactus Tree" – more words that stun and in the case of "Cactus Song"  - a melody that gets to you (busy being free). Often called "Joni Mitchell" – her debut album is an acquired hippie taste for sure – but her second blew everyone out of the water…

CD2: the sense of singer-songwriter progress between "Song To A Seagull" from March 1968 and "Clouds" - her second studio album from May 1969 (only a little over a year later) – is astonishing. You could accuse the debut of meandering and not actually having tunes you could get your teeth into – not so with "Clouds" – which feels like her real beginning. And then there is the Paul A. Rothchild production values – now squeaky clean at the hands of magician Bernie Grundman. "Tin Angel" is beautifully handled – the vocals and only a guitar – so delicate. "Chelsea Morning" smacks of joy – a soul being free to just enjoy the day – toast and milk and honey – it feels renewed (jewel light). Her first real emotional masterpiece hits you like a soft mallet "I Don't Know Where I Stand" – her tremulous I-miss-you emotions echoing every girl in the same boat (is it any wonder her work engenders such devotion). Compared to my old battered British LP – the audio here is hair-raising. Standing out like a ruby – like a devil wearing wings - "That Song About The Midway" talks of a cheater-man wondering whether the emotional gamble is worth the price. Beautiful clarity on "Roses Blue" – a tale of a lady gone too deep into Zodiac and Zen, Tarot Cards and Potions – friends must schedule meets (if the stars align). Side 2 opens with another gorgeous melodic and lyrical winner "The Gallery" – and don't you just love how JM sings that word cruel and how Josephine is now the girl who cannot do without him. Deep LP cut comes in the shape "I Think I Understand" – a searching song that wants to avoid the wilderland and sinking sands of fear. Songs to aging children come – crows and ravens whistling – and then the lone voice of "The Fiddle And The Drum" – clear and unnerving. And then "Clouds" nails her legend to every musical mast – makes every musician want to pick up an acoustic guitar and cover "Both Sides Now". Coming as it does after the solemnity of "The Fiddle And The Drum" – the strummed magic of moons and dunes and Ferris Wheels - "Both Sides Now" is a stunning song achievement – leave them laughing – then you go – life’s illusions – we recall - wow!

CD3: by 1970 Joni and her songwriting genius was hitting it dollar down - "Ladies Of The Canyon" opening with the brilliant "Morning Morgantown" – a buy your dreams song of the new decade. She also expanded the pallet of musicians too. Audio-wise both "Morning Morgantown" and the noisy-corner of "For Free" sound just beautiful – her piano playing sailing out your speakers. The trappings of fame are already hitting home – limousines and bouncers accompanying her to gigs where she plays for big bucks - while the humble non-famous clarinet player on the street plays "For Free". But I am solid gone with "Conversation" – a fantastic JM song where she talks of Mister Chinwag – a man she wants to save who does not want to be saved – a man who will speak endlessly to another woman of why he cannot leave his woman (the Sax and Flute work so well). Wampum beads and filigree waft around the swirling guitars of the title track – fat ones and skinny ones baking brownies as the "Ladies Of The Canyon" eye themselves in nearby mirrors. While you could read the lyrics on the "Clouds" album inner sleeve, because they were hand drawn on the original "Ladies Of The Canyon" cover – they are too tiny to read - which is a crime when you catch the power of the sad words of the piano-led "Willy" and "The Arrangement". 

Continuing a masterclass in classiness, Side 2 of "Ladies Of The Canyon" opens with "Rainy Night House" – another song about girls who make other girls nervous – too pretty – too talented – therefore too dangerous. Time to acoustic again, "The Priest" sitting in the airport bar with his father's tie on – his look of contradictions – asking for truth during his sermons. "Blue Boy" is another sad piano song – statues in gardens staying the same as the girl stares out the window pane in the empty-bed morning light – the promises of the her last-night man faded away again. Things jump up a notch to the fantastic paving Paradise song "Big Yellow Taxi" – farmers urged to leave their DTD spray off their apples and states urged not to put trees in museums and charge punters a buck-and-a-half to see them. The album ends with a lethal double-whammy – her song about the July 1969 3-day festival and Love, Peace and Music that she could not attend - "Woodstock" (Matthews Southern Comfort with Ian Matthews would take their cover version of Joni's song to Number 1 in the UK singles charts that same year of 1970). The bombers may not have turned into butterflies just yet – but her final offering on a hugely accomplished 1970 album is the deeply affecting "The Circle Game". Along with "A Case Of You" from 1971’s "Blue" – Joni Mitchell will be remembered for "The Circle Game" – the carousel of time never forgetting this gorgeous song. When Joni Mitchell gets it right - you get the culmination of great melody and words that burn their intellectual way into the consciousness of entire generations – you get "The Circle Game" (and here is fabulous clarity).

CD4: to the point, blunt force trauma, barefoot and soft-machine broken - all of this and matching artwork too. 1971's "Blue" had entered Joni Mitchell legend - to the point where its 50th Anniversary in 2025 was celebrated by being singled out as a stand-alone release - the only LP from her 60ts and 70ts catalogue to receive that. The audio before was good - here it sparkles - tracks like the opener "All I Want" - James Taylor's guitar contributions to both "California" and "A Case Of You" and Stephen Stills to the witty but acidic "Carey" rise just enough about subtle. I never did dig "This Flight Tonight" (Nazareth would cover it and chart too) but the majesty of the last three on Side 2 - "River", "A Case Of You" and "The Last Time I Saw Richard" is mind-blowing. I mean what with Carole's "Tapestry", The Who's "Who's Next", Marvin's "What's Going On", Don McLean's "American Pie", Faces "A Nod's As Good As A Wink...", Rod Stewart's "Every Picture Tells A Story", Yes' "Yes Album" and "Fragile", "Zep 4", Santana's "III", Cat Stevens' "Teaser And The Firecat" to name but a few - 1971 was a ludicrously good year chock with Rock Classics and future singer-songwriter touchstones. And there nestled towards the apex - is Joni's "Blue" - shimmering like a great open wound - relationship breakdown on show for all the world to see - damn the torpedoes - this is what heartache and pain feels like. It brings an extraordinary first chapter to a close with the gentle slap of an artistic glove.

If I am to be churlish - I would dock a star for the lack of a lyrics booklet for an artist who so defined the greatness of words - especially for women - but outside of that - "The Reprise Years (1968-1971)" by Joni Mitchell is gobsmacking. The following two studio set Box Sets up to 1979 (see reviews) are even better - and that really says it all. "I wish I had a river I could drift away on..." Well now we do and sounding better than ever...

"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...

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"…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)