Customer Reviews

Both Sides Now

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Joni Mitchell as turned out a wonderful collection of songs, Very pleasant to the ear. Unfortunately, as a dedicated fan I purchased the Limited Edition version of the CD. Mine came loose in the shipping resulting in scratching (it is very poorly secured). Lithos are very poor quality, I can't even begin to consider them limited edition quality, (were better on the last album by far). Wait for the regular CD, sans overpriced packaging and you'll love it!

This is not your father's Joni Mitchell. Nothing in her career prepared me for this album, not even her fine "Mingus" project. Joni's interpretations of these songs are warm, vulnerable, technically beautiful and (note to those who fear Joni is out of her element) completely authentic. Her phrasing is impeccable, and her mature voice is husky, flexible, gorgeous. Her new versions of "A Case of You" and the title track brought me to tears.

One caveat: the packaging on this limited edition is beautiful, but impractical. The CD is not secure in the box, and mine arrived scratched. As difficult as it may be, it would be prudent to wait for the traditional jewel-case release in March if you want to ensure yourself a playable copy.

I have always loved the music of Joni and this CD is the best thing she's done in a long time. I especially enjoy her re-recording of "A Case of You". However, the packaging in this Limited Edition is absolutely terrible! It is certainly not worth paying almost triple the price of a regular CD. I highly suggest that you wait until it is released in March without all of the fancy packaging.

The nonlimited, no lithographs version of this C.D. is due March 21. If you'd rather not sink money into the art, just wait a few weeks. This is a very screwy marketing strategy, to put out an expensive limited edition with content many listeners won't want but may buy because they think it's only way to get the C.D. Then, six weeks later, surprise! A C.D. at a third of the cost with nothing you don't want. Not a way to keep fans as friends. As for the album well, naturally, she's absolutely brilliant (is she ever not?) and the album is gorgeous (with a 70-plus musicians orchestra yet).

No other song can capture the spirit of losses and skepticism towards love itself as succinctly and poetically as Joni Mitchell's classic "Both Sides Now". An adapted version of the very same song is also featured in the second season of Ally McBeal, but too bad Vonda Sherpard's interpretation only makes Joni's stand in its own right.

I am more than thrilled to hear Ms. Mitchell's going to remake her own composition. Only one thing worries me--the orchestra. For the past year I have heard too many classics were degraded to pop cliches. Illustrations? To name a few, Barbra Streisand's A Love Like Ours and George Michael's Songs from the Last Century.

Of course some might say Joni Mitchell's voice is still worth a listen. True, and that's the reason I buy the CD. But something is missing: the soul, the originality, or at least some revolution. The pompous arrangement makes the piece of music extravagent but insincere.

The limited edition encloses 'four original lithographs suitable for framing', as claimed by the promotional sticker. But I would rather call them postcards instead. The package is more of a chocolate box than of a CD case. No wonder the CD gets scratched too. Wait until the un-limited version comes out.

I was apprehensive about ordering the limited edition because of all of the complaints about the packaging. But, as the days moved too slowly toward the general release in March, I found I couldn't wait.

I'm glad that I didn't. Granted, "A Case of You" was a bit scratched and skipped around a bit, but the rest of the set played beautifully. And why not... it's a virtually flawless collection of great material, impeccably arranged and delivered by a voice that has (at least vicariously) lived every word during her 55 years.

I can honestly say that this is the first Mitchell release on which every song clicked with me on the first go-round. It is so lovely and romantic, I just got caught up in the voice, the sound and the material and simply enjoyed it.

In retrospect, I realize that I am usually too busy analyzing the lyrical content of Mitchell's compositions to allow myself to "just listen". The result is several times on the changer before I can completely get into it. On this project, the focus is on that voice of hers.

"Both Sides Now" and "A Case of You" fit well with the rest, and I like the new takes, especially on the latter, but "Comes Love", "Sometimes I'm Happy" and "I Wish I Were in Love Again" are the standouts for me. Throughout, Mitchell consistently brings the words to life and delivers them with the same honesty with which she writes.

She's always gotten credit for being one of the best songwriters of the last century... it's time to give her due as a gifted singer.

As for that packaging.... well, it happens to contain a really great CD.

At last....there's something Joni Mitchell can't do well: Design limited edition packaging. The new limited edition package, while it looks gorgeous, doesn't hold a CD securely. I bought two and both CD's were damaged. As for the contents: the 4 (not 3 as mentioned above) lithographs are small but wonderful; and the music (which is why we are all here) is gorgeous. (The new version of "A Case of You" is worth the price of the packaging alone.) It is a thrill to hear Joni's current take of her older material with a beautifully matured voice. It adds new meaning to the songs. Of course, a full orchestra doesn't hurt either. Joni has taken some of the greatest love songs and incorporated them into a musical story. With the title track as the sensitive-retrospective encore to the album (and even career. Please, no.) The album has such a theatrical quality, it's like "JONI! The Musical" without the Broadway-esque title.

I've read reviews that claim Joni's voice has become damaged by years of heavy smoking. Don't believe it. Joni is in top form on this CD. Every song is a winner.

But do yourself a favor and don't fall for the "limited edition" packaging. It's very awkward, and is certainly not worth the extra money.

The packaging is nuts, I agree, but the music is exquisite. I was especially moved by "Answer me, My Love," "A Case Of You," and "Both Sides Now." The arangements by Vince Mendoza are first rate, and the orchestra seems really committed - no hack job, this! I haven't enjoyed a record this much for ages, and I can't remember the last record that brought tears to my eyes. Really wonderful and subtle. Her voice has aged magnificently. Bravo Joni!

I wish I would have known that the CD only version was being released in a few weeks. I would have waited to buy this CD until then. My CD arrived scratched because of the "fancy" packaging and there are a couple of tracks unplayable. While Joni Mitchell's singing is AMAZING (5 stars! ) on the tracks I could play, it is NOT worth the extra money to buy this edition. WAIT until the CD only one is available.