Hood Today

Before modern folk songwriters like Regina Spektor, Ani DiFranco, and Ane Brun were spilling their souls through your ear buds, there was Joni Mitchell. Her 1971 release "Blue," defined what it means to be brutally honest with your listening audience. From start to finish the album is coherent and heartfelt. Mitchell uses piano, guitar, and dulcimer accompaniment throughout, to deliver songs that are both catchy and hard-hitting. "Blue" is an excellent showcase of Mitchell's unique guitar compositions that utilize non-standard tuning and a rhythmic, self-taught picking style.

The album is a blend of jazz influence and folk roots. James Taylor lends his guitar prowess to the opening track, "All I Want," while the title track takes the listener down a road of cultural introspection backed by moody off-beat piano melodies. The album is sometimes political, but mostly acts a testament to Mitchell's reflective thoughts as she traveled through Europe on a break from performing in 1970.

It is difficult to single out songs from this 10 track LP, but the album clearly reaches a higher level of emotion and raw honesty as it approaches the last three songs; "River," "A Case of You" and "The Last Time I Saw Richard."

"River" chronicles Mitchell's feelings for fellow folk act Graham Nash and their difficult breakup by utilizing the melody of "Jingle Bells." The unconventional Christmas song is among one of Mitchell's most covered pieces.

"A Case of You" is another favorite among Mitchell's fans. Backed by a simple dulcimer melody, Mitchell dives into a lyrical poem that encompasses what it means to be completely in love.

The album concludes with the long and satisfying "The Last Time I Saw Richard," which leaves the listener in a state of quiet contentment.

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