Les pointed the way to this article:
http://www.jmdl.com/articles/docs/940827bb.cfm
And it was a nice Timothy White piece about the release of TI. Since I read it this
morning, I've been contemplating the record and marvelling over just what a powerful
tour-de-force it is.
I recall the first time I heard it...I wasn't expecting it to be as powerful as it
was, I was really blown away. It's VERY dark, but that's never bothered me.
Sunny Sunday has such a complex and interesting chord pregression, and the "snapshot"
lyrics are as telling as much as they are mysterious. She says as much between the
lines as she does with her words; indeed that's one of Joni's gifts. Telling a
specific story yet giving me a scenario I can directly relate to.
"Sex Kills" lyrically reminds me of some of the DED material, but musically it's SO
much stronger. Joni said that she intended for the music to be more upbeat as the
lyrics were so bleak. I'd love to hear it taken up a couple more notches, I love the
"angry" feel she gives this one in a live setting.
"How Do You Stop" is sort of the sore thumb for me...it's a pretty enough song (her
duet w/Seal on his record is stronger), but I don't see where it fits thematically
with the rest of the record. Maybe it's directed towards Klein, like "Last Chance
Lost" (?)
Anyway, one can look at the lyrics and know that Joni didn't write it...not that it's
BAD, just not up to her speed.
"Magdalene Laundries" & "Not To Blame" are specific in terms of their addressing
cruelty towards women. Both are heartbreaking...always hard for me to hear "They just
stuffed her in a hole..." and not break into tears.
"Borderline", like "Sex Kills", is a scathing lyrical composition set to an almost
lilting melodic line, making for an interesting juxtaposition...some of Joni's best
lyrics and rhyme schemes in this song. She starts it talking about "Everybody" and by
the end of the song she's addressing it to one person.
Again, "Yvette", like "Sunny Sunday" is another example of how Joni applies the
painter's touch to her writing...vivid images, almost impossible to listen to this
song and not see specific sights in your mind. WOuld have made an interesting video
using subtle suggestive images as opposed to merely acting out the storyline. And
again, what she DOESN'T SAY is just as interesting as what she does!
"The Sire of Sorrows" is a masterpiece in the same way "Paprika Plains" & "Judgement
of the Moon & Stars" are, in my mind anyway. Such an epic lyrical sweep as she details
the classic story of suffering without sin. Joni's probably (make that definitely) the
only writer who could have composed this.
Anyway, just some random thoughts about Joni's '94 masterwork...I'd love to hear some
other thoughts as well.
Did she "invent" new tunings for some of these songs? It sure sounds like it to me.
Bob
NP: Talking Heads, "Life During Wartime"
