Joni Mitchell - Song to a Seagull

Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell debuted in 1968 with this impressionistic and slightly overwrought album. Produced by David Crosby, the album uses very sparse instrumentation--mostly Mitchell on acoustic guitar with Stephen Stills on bass--to back Mitchell's incredibly complex lyrical forays. (The original LP's sides were subtitled.) But despite her grand plans, the disc is most successful in its humblest moments. "Michael from Mountains" (successfully covered by Judy Collins), "Night in the City," and "Marcie" all contain the seeds of Mitchell's best work, her melodic explorations, and observant eye. Tracks such as "The Dawntreader" and "The Pirates of Penance" are too close to creative-writing exercises to succeed. Nonetheless, a tantalizing debut. --Rob O'Connor Amazon.com

She set the standard

if anyone dominates my music collection, it's Joni. I first heard her in 1970, with 'Ladies of the Canyon',so I backtracked to this album, I believe I now have most, if not all of her work. She defines what an "Artist" is...she is art, the very expression of life. Pure, honest, raw, and powerful. So many Singer-Songwriters, when asked who influenced them the most, will say Joni Mitchell. She has been the Soundtrack for much more than 1/2 my life,,, October 3, 2008

song to a seagull

this is a wonderful album which showcases the range of talent that Joni Mitchell encompasses. This is not her jazz selections on the geflen label, but....I much prefer this album. This album was great when I first listened to it on vinyl in the 70's and is still great listening now! Especially good for the memories it evokes. September 30, 2008

One of the truly great folk/rock albums of all time

Song To A Seagull was Joni's first, and what a beginning. I've been
listening to this album as well as most of her others all these years,
and the songs are as fresh today as they were when I first heard
them. With exquisite poetry, lush acoustic guitararrangements,
and terrific overdubbing, this is one I'll never tire of. June 19, 2008

The best of her first four albums

Joni's voice never sounded sweeter than this, and the collection of songs on this album is her best until her breakthrough "For the Roses" four years later (although "Blue" comes close). The simplicity of the arrangements suits the songs and there is nothing to distract the listener from a full appreciation of Joni's skillful and sensitive acoustic guitar work. Best thing about the album: Joni's full deep vocal tones that never seemed quite the same on later works. Each song is a gem - no exceptions - but my favorites are "I Had a King" and "Night in the City", the latter especially because it stands out from the others. I would probably rank this album 5th all time for Joni, after "Hissing of Summer Lawns", "For the Roses", "Hejira" and (surprise!) 1994's "Turbulent Indigo". April 27, 2008

Pretty good starter

One of the most flat-out gorgeous I've ever heard, with a ton of overdubbed vocals ("Night in the City") and beautifully strummed acoustic guitars. The lyrics are fantastic, too, either meditations on lost love ("I Had a King"), full-tilt philosophy ("Cactus Tree"), or portraits ("Nathan La Freener"; "Michael from Mountains"). And Joni's complex acoustic guitar on "The Dawntreader" earns it some pretty high praise from me - same for the complex vocal overlaying on "The Pirate Penance". The big problem with this (and Clouds, for that matter), is that there are few melodies that really stick with me, which means a lot of the material wanders to pointlessness, particularly the longer songs ("Marcie"; "Sisotowbell Lane"; title song). And when she tries to break the acoustic-guitar-and-vocals formula, it's hit or miss: she nails it with the pianos on "Night in the City", but the sound effects on "Nathan La Freener" are annoying. November 22, 2007

More reviews at Amazon.com ...