Joni Mitchell: The Complete Poems and Lyrics (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The sweeping imagery and confessional tone of Joni Mitchell's lyrics have made her a pop icon for decades. Her writing, like that of Paul Simon and Bob Dylan, helped legitimize song lyrics as poetry by adding sophisticated shadings and nuances that earlier rock and folk music often lacked. What's more, as a woman writing in a medium dominated by men, Mitchell became an important role model for young women trying to make sense of their lives during turbulent times. Given her importance as a pop poet and the care and craft with which she approached her craft, it is a treat now to have her work compiled in one volume. Mitchell's has been an aural art, but having the words to read on the page without benefit of melody heightens one's appreciation of the lyrics as poems. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

In the generation of singer-songwriters who came to fame in the '60s, none has had more impact--or created a more evocative, bittersweet, literate, and reflective body of work--than Joni Mitchell. Today's music owes much to her innovation and inspiration. This complete collection of her poetry and song lyrics reads like a poem cycle that finds unexpected meaning and beauty on the page.

After displaying a haunting and sophisticated quality in her first albums, Joni Mitchell (1968), Clouds (1969), Ladies of the Canyon (1970), and Blue (1972), Mitchell reached her poetic apotheosis in the surreal and mythical Hejira (1976) and Don Juan's Reckless Daughter (1977). During the '80s, Mitchell used her words to explore and mirror the commercial energy of the decade. She became more reflective in the following years with Night Ride Home (1991) and Turbulent Indigo (1994). Mitchell continues to grow her already remarkable talent, as is evident with her latest work, Taming the Tiger (1998).

The importance of Mitchell's entire oeuvre is unequivocal when seen as a lifetime of accomplished writing. As epic poet and tragedian, the power and honesty of her voice has inspired generations past and those to come. Joni Mitchell: The Complete Poems and Lyrics gives us the first opportunity to reconsider Mitchell's written work and her exalted place among the great poets and lyricists of our time.

This paperback edition includes the lyrics to Joni Mitchell's new album, Taming the Tiger, as well as an index for easy access to all titles.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 341 pages
• Publisher: Three Rivers Press; 1st Pbk. Ed edition (November 17, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0609802186
• ISBN-13: 978-0609802182
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #966,572 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars The text is fraught with errors., February 5, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Joni Mitchell: The Complete Poems and Lyrics (Hardcover)

Mitchell's work is not given the care it deserves. There are numerous silly errors: the same little typos and mondegreens which we forgive on an album sleeve were reproduced in this high-priced book. Also, the title is misleading. "Poems AND Lyrics" implies (to my mind) that the book contains previously unpublished poetry as well as the lyrics to her recorded songs, and that is not the case. Joni deserves far better.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Joni defines feminine..., December 2, 2001

By	Matthew "suomynona" (Seattle) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Joni Mitchell: The Complete Poems and Lyrics (Hardcover)

It's difficult to write a review about an artist's lyrics to her recordings, since they are all subjective. While I may love Joni, the next person may prefer the fluff of Christina Aguilera. Not that there's anything wrong with Christina, but she'll never be as poetic as Joni, or mean as much to the world of art as Joni has.

Since I was born in 1969, I am a second generation Joni fan. My Mom and Dad have always been fans, but I didn't become a serious admirer until Prince mentioned in an interview that the only CD he'd loved listening all the way through during that time period was "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns." While that's a fantastic album, it just opens you up to her world. My favorite track of her's is "A Case Of You." And my favorite album is "Hejira." No... wait. It's "Mingus." No... wait. It's "Shadows & Light." No...

It's simply impossible to pick just one album. "Shadows & Light" for the unbelievable band she had at that time. Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius in his prime. Lyle Mays. Don Alias. Michael Brecker. Wow....

Anyway, like Leah wrote in a previous review, this is an inspiring book. Any aspiring writer, should have this book, if only for the reason to have an insight into how to write honestly. I highly recommend it as a gift to someone you love. I'll have to keep that in mind if the opportunity presents itself again...

If your daughter loves Britney, or Christina, and you're having a hard time reaching her, buy her this book and leave it on her dresser. She may not thank you now, but she may tomorrow...

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Joni's poems and lyrics stand alone and are outstanding, December 10, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Joni Mitchell: The Complete Poems and Lyrics (Hardcover)

I was drawn to this book because of the gorgeous cover photo of Joni Mitchell by Herb Ritts. I pleasantly discovered how wonderful it is to hold her beautiful poems and lyrics between the pages of a book, and to have them all in one place. True, an intro or bio or artwork or other photos would have been a bonus, but I like this book for what is. A little pricey but a great gift. I hope a companion volume of Joni's visual art is in the works.