Both Sides Now

1	You're My Thrill 3:52
2	At Last 4:28
3	Comes Love 4:29
4	You've Changed 5:00
5	Answer Me, My Love 3:23
6	A Case of You 5:52
7	Don't Go to Strangers 4:10
8	Sometimes I'm Happy 3:58
9	Don't Worry 'Bout Me 3:49
10	Stormy Weather 3:07
11	I Wish I Were in Love Again 3:36
12	Both Sides, Now Version 5:45

Barnes & Noble

While she's built her reputation as a songwriter of the first degree, Joni Mitchell is a truly multidimensional talent. On this ornate limited-edition collection, Mitchell shows off her breadth and sophistication as a song stylist, and -- thanks to four lithographs of her acclaimed artwork packaged here -- her talents as a painter. While the glimpse at her art may open a few eyes, the music will truly dazzle, especially for fans of her jazzier explorations. Mitchell interprets 12 romantic favorites spanning several decades, from the rich tapestry of jazz to the smart and sassy tang of Tin Pan Alley. Set against a lush backdrop provided by members of the London Symphony Orchestra, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer's distinctively expressive voice and elegant piano style invigorate such oft-recorded chestnuts as "Stormy Weather" and "You're My Thrill." Likewise, her remade, remodeled renditions of the title track and "At Last" (made famous by Etta James) ring positively true, burnished as they are by years of experience. This gorgeous strictly limited edition seems clearly targeted at Joni's legion of devotees, but the music aims at the ears of sophisticated pop fans everywhere. David Sprague

All Music Guide

Ex-husband Larry Klein, who serves as co-producer and musical director, explains in his liner notes that Joni Mitchell intended to tell the story of a "modern" romantic relationship in the songs, most of which come from the '30s and '40s. If so, her concept of a modern relationship is very troubled -- most of the selections are unhappy love songs. Vince Mendoza's arrangements -- a third of them played by a gigantic 71-piece orchestra, a third by a regular-size orchestra, and a third by a swing-style big band -- often suggest the oceanic sweep and serious, melancholy tone of film noir movie music. They also do a lot of Mitchell's work for her. As a singer, she has never had much projection or power, but she is a master of phrasing and tone. Mitchell often sounds like an alternate Billie Holiday, with the breathiness and note decay characteristic of later Holiday, if none of her delayed timing. Both Sides Now is not revelatory in a musical sense, but it does achieve its intention of reconceiving Joni Mitchell as an interpretive singer. William Ruhlmann