Joni Mitchell: The Complete Poems and Lyrics

`The Complete Poems' covers the Canadian singer's work from her first self-titled album in 1968 through 1994's `Turbulent Indigo.' The book provides a very nice look at the talented songwriter's work without the voice that some find irritating. (I happen to find it beautiful.) Lovers of modern poetry and great lyric writing will enjoy the book immensely. 321 pages

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...

No new insight on Joni is contained here, but that is not really the point, is it? What we have here is a way to curl up with the words of a fantastic poet on cold night, to take her lyrics with us wherever we may roam. To those who would rather carry around their bulky CD cases to these scenes, be my guest. To those who would like to have the wisdom of Joni with you anywhere, this book is for you.

This book is excellent. It has everything you could want by Joni Mitchell, except for the sheet music...

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.