COUNTING CROWS Big Yellow Taxi (3:56) Producer: Ron Fair Writer: J. Mitchell Publisher: Siquomb, BMI Geffen/Interscope (CD Promo) "Big Yellow Taxi" has certainly been down the highway a few times, with charted versions by originator Joni Mitchell, Janet Jackson, and Amy Grant. Counting Crows somehow manage to jump-start new life into the old jalopy, while adding an amiable rock edge that shakes out any suspected tread wear. The song is perfectly suited to Adam Durwitz's folksy storytelling vocal style and in fact, conjures fond memories of the group's quirky 1994 bow, "Mr. Jones." Producer Ron Fair stripped on Vanessa Carlton in one version to sing a series of "bop bops" in the background (a seemingly self-serving move, considering that he produced her debut), which adds an appreciable playfulness. It's been a while since these guys have burned up the charts, but "Taxi" is certainly a warm reminder of the Crows' undeniable verve. A worthy contender.--CT [Chuck Taylor]
In the spirit of synchronicity, on another page of the same issue, there is a strange ad by a guy named Van Gogh holding a guitar with the quote "I'll cut off one of my ears...if I don't get a deal in 2 years" [hey, he knows how to rhyme] Began 3/21/01, he then appeals to Sheryl Crow, Lenny Kravitz, Dave Matthews, Alanis and Anthony and Flea of RHCP to pass a recommendation to a professional manager or record company on his behalf, so he will be saved from a "harsh fate and eternal ridicule. My time is very limited". I'm not making this shit up. This guy has less than 3 weeks. Or his ear does, anyway. Dear Theo, ......... RR
