The Hissing of Summer Lawns

The Hissing of Summer Lawns is the seventh studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, released in November 1975 by Asylum Records. The album features a mix of Folk rock and Jazz fusion styles, with contributions from notable musicians such as John Guerin, Victor Feldman, and Wilton Felder of The Crusaders. The album's lyrics explore themes of social commentary, relationships, and personal growth, showcasing Joni Mitchell's unique storytelling ability, reminiscent of her earlier works like Blue and Court and Spark. The album has been praised by critics and fans alike, including Robert Christgau and Greil Marcus, for its innovative production and lyrical depth, often drawing comparisons to the works of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen.

Background

The Hissing of Summer Lawns was recorded during a period of significant creative and personal change for Joni Mitchell, who had recently ended her relationship with Graham Nash and was exploring new musical directions, influenced by her collaborations with Charles Mingus and Herbie Hancock. The album's title is inspired by the sounds of suburban lawns, which Joni Mitchell has said reminded her of the hissing of snakes, evoking the works of Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton. The album's themes of social commentary and personal growth are reflected in songs like "The Boho Dance", which critiques the excesses of the 1970s music scene, and "Don't Interrupt the Sorrow", which explores the complexities of relationships, echoing the sentiments of Carly Simon and James Taylor. The album's production was handled by Joni Mitchell and Henry Lewy, who had previously worked together on Court and Spark and Miles of Aisles, and features a range of instruments, including the piano, guitar, and saxophone, played by musicians such as Tom Scott and Chuck Findley.

Composition and Recording

The composition and recording of The Hissing of Summer Lawns involved a number of notable musicians, including John Guerin, who played drums on several tracks, and Victor Feldman, who contributed percussion and keyboards, similar to his work with Steely Dan and Tom Waits. The album's jazz-influenced sound is reflected in songs like "Edith and the Kingpin", which features a complex time signature and intricate instrumental arrangements, reminiscent of the works of Charles Mingus and Thelonious Monk. The album's recording process was marked by a high level of experimentation and collaboration, with Joni Mitchell working closely with her musicians to create a unique and innovative sound, often incorporating elements of free jazz and avant-garde music, similar to the approaches of John Coltrane and Ornette Coleman. The album's lyrics are characterized by their poetic complexity and emotional depth, with songs like "Shadows and Light" exploring themes of love, loss, and spiritual seeking, echoing the sentiments of Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan.

Release and Reception

The Hissing of Summer Lawns was released in November 1975 to widespread critical acclaim, with reviewers praising the album's innovative production and lyrical depth, often drawing comparisons to the works of Van Morrison and Neil Young. The album was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the US Billboard 200 chart and earning Joni Mitchell a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, alongside artists such as Stevie Nicks and Linda Ronstadt. The album has since been recognized as one of the greatest albums of all time, with appearances on lists such as Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time and Pitchfork's Top 100 Albums of the 1970s, alongside albums by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Pink Floyd. The album's influence can be heard in the work of later artists, such as Prince, Kate Bush, and Tori Amos, who have all cited Joni Mitchell as a major inspiration, alongside artists such as David Bowie and Elton John.

Track Listing

The Hissing of Summer Lawns features 10 tracks, including "In France They Kiss on Main Street", "The Boho Dance", and "Don't Interrupt the Sorrow", which showcase Joni Mitchell's unique vocal style and lyrical ability, often incorporating elements of poetry and spoken word, similar to the approaches of Patti Smith and Laurie Anderson. The album's track listing is as follows: * "In France They Kiss on Main Street" * "The Boho Dance" * "Edith and the Kingpin" * "Don't Interrupt the Sorrow" * "Shadows and Light" * "The Hissing of Summer Lawns" * "The Jungle Line" * "Boho Dance" (reprise) * "Sweet Bird" * "Dreamland"

Personnel

The personnel involved in the creation of The Hissing of Summer Lawns include Joni Mitchell on vocals and guitar, John Guerin on drums, Victor Feldman on percussion and keyboards, and Wilton Felder on bass guitar, alongside other notable musicians such as Tom Scott and Chuck Findley, who have all worked with a range of artists, including Steely Dan, Tom Waits, and James Taylor. The album's production was handled by Joni Mitchell and Henry Lewy, who have both worked on a number of other notable albums, including Court and Spark and Miles of Aisles, and have collaborated with artists such as Neil Young and Crosby, Stills & Nash. The album's engineering and mixing were handled by Henry Lewy and Ellis Sorkin, who have both worked on a range of other notable albums, including Blood on the Tracks and After the Gold Rush, and have collaborated with artists such as Bob Dylan and Neil Young.

Category:Joni Mitchell albums