So, I'm either going through a Joni Mitchell appreciation phase, or I finally know what critics and musicians have been saying....

I just bought the tribute album (released this week) and "Hits" to get some stuff. I really want "A Case of You" however.

So simple poll question, do I buy "Misses" or just get "Blue?"

Is there a case to be made for "Misses?"

Here are links:

Blue: http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Joni-Mitc...7550076&sr=8-1

Misses: http://www.amazon.com/Misses-Joni-Mi...153411-6779100

blue

Slight edge to "Blue" being that is the original home for "A Case of You" and continuity issues. "Misses" has a LOT of great songs, "Wolf That Lives in Lindsey" for example that many have missed out on since they don't care for Joni's *jazz* phase, i.e., "Mingus", which is a classic of its own but for more acquired (dare I say) sophisticated tastes.

Blue. Do you already have Court and Spark?

No. I just bought "Hits" and I figured I was good for awhile with "Free Man in Paris" and "Help Me."

I'm really into "A Case of You" right now. If it had been included on "Hits" I probably wouldn't have this dilemma right now.

Anyway, "Court and Spark" was going to be after "Blue" or "Misses." You think I should get it before "Blue?"

Hejira - Coyote and Amelia are the two of the finest songs she's ever recorded in my opinion. Plus, you get Jaco Pastorius to boot.

Joni is an artist that you should really avoid greatest hits compilations with. She made albums that are very carefully constructed as such. The songs just don't work as well outside their original context.

"Blue", "For the Roses", and "Court and Spark" consitute one of the best three album spans in pop history. All three should be owned and enjoyed in their entirety.

Blue - no question.

Misses is a great collection, and well worth owning, but Blue is... well, Blue. It should be in every music collection.

Blue is great. So is Court and Spark. I haven't heard For the Roses, I guess I'll have to check it out.

It's a tossup. If you really want Blue, get it, but I'd get Court and Spark soon afterwards.

A compilation album vs. one of the greatest albums of its kind ever recorded? No, there's no comparison here. I couldn't imagine a music collection without "Blue" (so long as you're into that singer-songwriter sorta thing). It would be the first Joni record I'd recommend.

And, man oh man, if you ever get a chance to hear the Steve Hoffman mastering... whew! Both the DCC "Blue" and DCC "Court and Spark" are among the very best sounding CDs I own. I got lucky on both, getting them for around $60 each off eBay several years ago.

You should get in order:

1. Night Ride Home
2. Hejira
3. Turbulent Indigo
4. Ladies of the Canyon
5. Blue
6. Court and Spark
7. For the Roses