Best Joni Mitchell album?

Man, Joni is one of those artists I used to play the hell out of back in the 70's, and hardly ever listen to any more, not because I dislike her. You are making me go back and pull all these records out. I did fire up Miles of Aisles not so long ago. Although that whole Tom Scott sound is a little dated, it really makes some of the tracks, particularly the side with the track 'Love or Money,' cook. Love Robin Ford, killer tone. And John Guerin nailed it. I spotted her a few tables away, years ago in a cafe in Amsterdam, sitting alone. It made me happy just to see her, without having to go thru the whole "hey, you're great" thing.

 

Clouds

 

Hard to choose, but if I had a gun to my head I suppose I'd have to pick Blue.

 

As a fellow fan of the early stuff, I'd like to suggest experimenting with the organization. Half of the stuff on Clouds and Ladies of the Canyon was copyrighted BEFORE
the material on her first album (official title: Joni Mitchell), and was in her pre-recording contract repertoire. Personally, I think the stuff plays better if organized that way.
One album of material predating JONI and one album of material following it.

 

I dig Seagull and Ladies the most

 

1. Court and Spark
2. Hejira
3. For the Roses

After '76, I'm most partial to Wild Things Run Fast and Chalk Mark in a Rain Storm. So, sue me...

Oh, I forgot about Don Juan's Reckless Daughter. There's a few things on there I'd cut to make it a stronger album, but definitely not the one track people would assume:

 

Mine has always been Ladies of the Canyon.

 

I'm surprised how many people are not saying Blue. I understand she has made a bunch of great albums. But Blue has alway been super special to me. Blue.

 

Court & Spark

 

I believe this is a boot. It has been circulating for years. If there has been a legitimate release I was not aware of it.

 

I don't want to have to choose. But if I must...

The correct answer has to be Blue.
But I have a feeling her greatest achievement might just be Hejira.
And if I could only have one Joni record for the rest of time, y'all are gonna laugh at me but it would almost certainly be Travelogue.

 

Yup. Making it my correct answer.

 

Blue has a far deeper emotional resonance with me, though, and that counts for something.

 

Both!

 

Wow, after reading just the first page, I can see that I need to get Hejira.

Blue is by far my favorite Joni album.

 

Some versions are available. Amazing performances.

http://www.amazon.fr/Circle-Game-Mi...69&sr=8-1&keywords=Joni+mitchell+james+taylor

 

Blue

 

If I could only listen to one from now on, it would be HISSING.

Closely followed by DON JUAN'S, HEJIRA & ROSES.

 

A dangerous combination.

 

Not sure how you can say any Joni Mitchell album is "by far" your favorite if you haven't heard Hejira. Everything on it is stellar, and IMO "Song for Sharon" is the best thing she ever did:

 

Court And Spark for me.

 

They are all excellent, but my favorite has to be "Songs for a Seagull", it has always had great listening ambiance for me.

 

Court and Spark by miles, for me.

 

Court
Hissing