Blonde On The Rocky Shore

Joni Mitchell's album For The Roses is something of a transition album from the folksy "girl with a guitar" style of Blue or Ladies Of The Canyon to the more adult jazz based style of Hejira and The Hissing Of Summer Lawns. The contributions from Tom Scott on woodwinds and reeds is partially responsible for this but mainly the impetus is coming from Mitchell's writing. Still semi autobiographic lyrically, the music is taking a more sophisticated turn in terms of melody and harmony. It features some of her most enduring songs outside of the obvious hits, such as Cold Blue Steel And Sweet Fire, Barangrill, You Turn Me On I'm A Radio and Ludwig's Song. A good sample Joni Mitchell album to have if you don't want to invest in the entire output or the orchestral double cd that I posted about way back when. Striking inside cover pic too.