Joni Mitchell – The Reprise Albums (1968-1971) (4xLP)

"Joni Mitchell (Song to a Seagull)" (1968)

"Song To A Seagull" (also known as "Joni Mitchell") is the first album by Joni Mitchell. This album was originally released as "Joni Mitchell" due to the LP cover being misprinted and part of the title "Song To A Seagull" being cut off. The truncation, plus the fact that the publishers at Reprise Records didn't realise that the birds spelled the album name, caused the eponymous album title. A great album with a whole new sound in folk music.

"Clouds" (1969)

Joni Mitchell's second album signalled a big step forward from her debut album. Mitchell performed mostly with just her voice and guitar, occasionally accompanied by Stephen Stills, also on acoustic guitar, to round out her sound. It's a work of maturity and humility that points to the absolute best Mitchell has to offer, and acts as an exciting harbinger of her masterpieces to come.

"Ladies of the Canyon (1970)"

Joni Mitchell's third album, Ladies of the Canyon, showcases her rapid musical evolution; the self-produced album's sophisticated arrangements expand the singer-songwriter's sonic palette to include piano, clarinet, saxophone and multi-part vocals. The dozen originals include some of Mitchell's most popular compositions, including "Big Yellow Taxi," "Woodstock" and "The Circle Game" - songs that may be better known through cover versions (by Janet Jackson, CSNY and Tom Rush, respectively), but Joni's versions are just as memorable. Released in 1970, LADIES OF THE CANYON was neither Mitchell's biggest seller nor her best-known album - but it may be the hidden gem in one of rock's most rewarding catalogs.

"Blue" (1971)

Following "Ladies of the Canyon" (1970), this unmatched pop classic became Joni Mitchell's fourth studio album, released in 1971. The "Rolling Stone" lists "Blue" on position 30 of the most important albums of all times. Pitchfork writers gave the album a perfect 10-out-of-10 rating, calling it "possibly the most poignant breakup album ever made." 

Reviews

"... the Mitchell box is not only a listening pleasure, but also a representative picture of a time we now call the hippie era." (stereoplay, September 2021)