"Boogie" was an actual thing in the 1970's. I'm not going to explain what the Boogie is, you can't explain the Boogie, Boogie is just something that comes from deep in your soul. Today's entry from Hound Dog Taylor and the Houserockers is all about the Boogie. On this album, Boogie is Hawaiian, Buster has his own, and it's how you say Goodnight. But most importantly, on this album, the Boogie is Natural.
Joni Mitchell is not so much about the Boogie. Her singing and songwriting has been growing in popularity for several albums now, You will remember her from such hits as "Both Sides Now" and "Big Yellow Taxi". One of the top five female singer-songwriters of her time, I can't wait to hear what she has to offer us, even if she is less boogie-intensive than her competitor. Here is Court and Spark.
Hound Dog is the man. _________________ "And can’t you see you’re in on it?
You were born though you need not
And is that not some cause
For worship, being born among these trees?"
I've always wanted to like boogie, but it just never happens. I can appreciate the guitar playing here a lot, but something else isn't clicking for me. It's the same probably I've had with most of Canned Heat's discography. Captain Beefheart was weird enough to make boogie enjoyable.
I used to think Joni Mitchell was terribly boring. Then it all clicked after a listen to Hissing of Summer Lawns. Just a year earlier, Court and Spark isn't quite as innovative, but the songs are silky smooth _________________ http://jonnyleather.com
To me, just sitting down and listening to an album like Natural Boogie doesn't work. It's meant to be lived. To be seen live at some some south side (or west side) blues club. Or just as good, on the jukebox at the neighborhood dive bar while you and and friends are uninhibitedly tying one on as you play pool, occasionally stopping whatever you're doing to groove to the guitar, and than going back to trying to line up your shot. This type of music is my soundtrack to kicking back and letting loose. So sitting on my couch and analyzing it feels a bit off. Still killer, but not the same thrill by half.
Court and Spark is simply brilliant. It transcends its setting. Help Me is one of the best falling-in-love songs EVER.
This one is kinda painful for me. Joni is a goddess. Her ability to craft her emotions into a seamless blend of jazz and folk is second to none and I actually think this is one of her best. The production is exquisite, showcasing her gift for melody like the backdrop to a spring morning.
By contrast, the production on Natural Boogie is downright amateurish in places. I imagine Taylor playing these songs through an amplifier perched his front porch… from the sound of it, that may be how it was recorded. But I have a much easier time putting myself in Taylor’s place than Joni’s. To me, Joni’s inner drama is every bit as inaccessible as would be a goddess’, while Hound Dog’s porch is welcoming.
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