Song To A Seagull
Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell debuted in 1968 with this impressionistic and slightly overwrought album.  Produced byDavid Crosby, the album uses very sparse instrumentation--mostly Mitchell on acoustic guitar withStephen Stillson 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 byJudy 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