Ladies of the Canyon

by

Joni Mitchell

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In a thousand years, when someone wants to know what was so special and creative about the 1960s, they would do well to dust off this CD a give it a spin. From beginning to end this song cycle is her wondrous paean to the simple and beautiful countercultural dreams of peace, love and community. From "Morning Morgantown" and "Ladies of the Canyon" to an evocative and ethereal acoustic rendition of "Woodstock" (which Joni wrote) to "Rainy Night Priest" about singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen to "The Circle game", Joni sings in perfect pitch with the contemporary ethos of the hopes and dreams of the sixties babyboomers. Taken in total, the song cycle represents a sort of informal manifesto of the counterculture's social and political worldview, and a commentary on their earnest efforts to create a gentler, more meaningful way of living. The dream may be gone, but Mitchell's gorgeous and intricate lyrics, melodies and acoustic guitar arrangements meld into an indescribably beautiful work. This album shows Joni at her apex, full of love, hope, and compassion. For folk fans and people just interested in one of the best albums to have come out of the unforgettable sixties, this is an essential album. Enjoy.