“Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 3: The Asylum Years (1972-1975)” is the latest entry in Rhino’s ongoing, Grammy-winning series exploring the vast untapped archives of rare Joni Mitchell recordings — a project guided intimately by Mitchell’s own vision and personal touch. “Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 3: The Asylum Years (1972-1975)” will be available as a 4 LP with an accompanying book featuring photos and a conversation about this period between Joni Mitchell and long-time friend Cameron Crowe.
The collection begins with an early cut of “Cold Blue Steel And Sweet Fire,” one of two songs (along with “For The Roses”) test-driven during a visit to a Graham Nash David Crosby recording session at Wally Heider’s in Hollywood.
From there, listeners are treated to early demos and alternate versions from sessions from “For The Roses”, “Court & Spark”, and “The Hissing Of Summer Lawns“; historic live show recordings, including the entirety of Mitchell’s triumphant 1972 return to Carnegie Hall and a definitive gig with her “Court And Spark” backing band Tom Scott & the L.A. Express;.
The Set aIso ncludes Sessions with Graham Nash, James Taylor, Neil Young and the Santa Monica Flyers, Never-Before-Heard Demos, Early and Alternate Versions of Classic Songs, and Historical Performances. Plus A Gorgeous 40-Page Photo Book and Liners.
Joni Mitchell has released a never-before-heard song called “Like Veils Said Lorraine.”
The song was originally recorded in late 1971 and early 1972 at A&M Studios in Hollywood but has been shelved until now. It will be included in Mitchell’s upcoming box set,
According to Mitchell, she wrote the song based on a conversation she had with a real-life woman named Lorraine, a real estate agent who took Mitchell to see properties at one point. “She had a Marlene Dietrich kind of look,” Mitchell explains in the liner notes to “Archives Vol. 3”.
“She was a platinum blond and she was elegant. She had lived in China with her husband, so she was kind of worldly … and glamorous. It’s an account of our conversation. … Houses are important to me, and I know how to pick them.”
Fascinating document. It reveals Joni Mitchell’s singular genius; she worked out all the parts, all the harmonies, the concept for each song before bringing anyone else into the picture. The vision for this great album is hers and hers alone.
This era comes into even greater focus on Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 3: The Asylum Years (1972-1975), out October 6th, 2023
The Fat Angel Sings 