Mitchell’s ‘Blue’ period established her as a star

Spencer Patterson

Friday, Feb. 27, 2004 | 8:30 a.m.

Though I don't go out of my way to find obscurities for my weekly picks, I do generally try to avoid the obvious.

That's why you won't find the Beatles' "Revolver," the Clash's "London Calling" or Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue" written about in this space.

Until recently I had always viewed Joni Mitchell's seminal 1971 singer/songwriter statement, "Blue," as another of those classic albums far too prominent to require further discussion.

But of late, it's come to my attention that a fair number of my friends' CD collections are sadly lacking a copy of Mitchell's landmark album.

So this week I'll make a case for "Blue," a disc that merits a spot among the pantheon of absolute essentials.

Anyone who spends time listening to Lilith Fair veterans -- women such as Tori Amos, Sarah McLachlan and Shawn Colbin -- really ought to own a copy of "Blue."

But comparing Mitchell only to other members of her gender vastly undervalues her career. The Canadian-born artist's dreamy melodies and thoughtful lyrics deserve recognition right alongside the works of the 20th century's other great North American songwriters, Bob Dylan and Neil Young among them.

While her first three records established her as a folk star of the highest order, Mitchell truly hit her creative stride with her fourth studio album, a deeply moving, 36-minute, 10-track affair.

"Blue" touches on some serious topics, including marriage ("My Old Man") and adoption ("Little Green"), but never bogs down. Instead, Mitchell's optimistic, haunting vocals provide a light mood even on the heaviest tracks.

The disc also benefits from guest appearances by Stephen Stills, who plays bass and guitar on the upbeat "Carey," and James Taylor, who contributes guitar work to three cuts, including the bouncy "California."

If you don't own "Blue," do yourself a favor and snag a copy sooner than later. If you've already got it, delve deeper into Mitchell's catalog with its two excellent follow-ups, "For the Roses" and "Court and Spark," and her 1980s boxed set, "The Complete Geffen Recordings."

Artist: Joni Mitchell.

Title: "Blue."

Year of release: 1971 (Reprise).

Tracklisting: "All I Want," "My Old Man," "Little Green," "Carey," "Blue," "California," "This Flight Tonight," "River," "A Case of You," "The Last Time I Saw Richard."