This may seem odd to some, but Laura Nyro's "Xmas & Beads..." reminds me of Janis Joplin's "Pearl" (who was still going strong when "Xmas" was recorded in the Spring of 1970) more than anything else. Both albums represent the artists most polished projects. And I think Joplin's "Me And Bobby McGee" or even "Mercedes Benz" sounds great next to Nyro's "Been On A Train" or perhaps "Up On The Roof."
And BTW Mark, how can you stand listening to k.d. lang? Argh!! Melissa Etheridge and Natalie Merchant are two more I can't hardly stomach. But then again, you might hate my Yoko Ono records as well. LOL. Billy NP--"Grand Prix" by Penelope Houston. If you're unfamiliar, a great Joni disciple. On Reprise...
