Michael, The Pazfest cds are fantastic! Full of such wonderful surprises! It's the first time I've ever enjoyed "Sex Kills". What a great version, starting with the snapping fingers, the piano, the drums, it's really great, not nearly as strident sounding as Joni's version. It's a very sexy sex kills. That song was the biggest surprise.
And I love Susan Cowsill's low voice. I'm a sucker for a slight burr in the voice; that bit of imperfection really appeals to me. And her "Last Time I Saw Richard" was so heartfelt... she was pushing that sound and feeling out there and there was no resisting. What a thrilling evening this must have been! I like the way the cds capture the happy, friendly energy along with the great music. Michael Michael the love cycle... can we all call you that? :-) The tempo of the Priest is so strange, it bops along and then all of a sudden it slows down and sounds like a dirge... very serious stuff! It's fascinating. And the intro to Woodstock makes me smile. What a smooth voice Kim Prevost has. Such a pleasure listening to this version. Another favorite is the Amelia-Beth's Solo-Hejira set. I like all the sounds, your voice, the bass, and am in love with the drummer making all those shimmery sounds in Amelia, like hissing snakes in the desert she's driving across. The song sounds alive and mysterious and full. And the way it winds down into the almost country-sounding instrumental (guitar? banjo?) solo... fantastic! And then into Hejira without a break... the guitar on this blows me away. Everyone, buy at least one of these for yourself, and a few to give to people who might like Joni's songs but just can't stand her voice. Great songs! Great music! Great cause! How can anyone resist? Thanks, Michael, for making these available and for the good work you're doing in Honduras. Debra Shea NP: The start of Black Crow... anticipation builds. I really like hearing men's voices singing Joni's songs. Blue Boy was another wonderful surprise...
