Hissing of Summer Lawns - Joni Mitchell

I can only imagine this depiction of suburban underbelly in the 70's, and its collective stereotypes are right on the mark... 'Victims of typewriters', 'Skinny black models with raven curls'. All the characters are graphic, and this would come as no revelation for any who are familiar with the quality of Joni Mitchell's music. The detail however on The Hissing of Summer Lawns, is more so immaculate than what might have been expected of the archetypal introspective songwriter.

The band-orientated music fused with Joni's convicting vocals painted 'what's wrong with this picture?' type pieces. The nuclear family is under doubt, as is the idea/ideal of art. The often-romanticised tones hint at affectations. Not a million miles from a Randy Newman song, but the emphasis here is less on stupidity more on desperation. The actress 'Dressed in stolen clothes' from "Shades of Scarlet Conquering" parallels her love life to that of the movie character. She is left 'Running from the reels... Cast iron and frail'.

The music itself is a contradiction with echoes and understatement but finally it submerses with frantic textures. Again working with jazz-rock band The LA Express, this time something less mainstream than Court and Spark is created. It is not is for everyone. Joni Mitchell took a leap and didn't sell out when it was prime time for doing so.

First published on: vegansteven.blogspot.com (2007)