May 31, 2004

Posted May 31, 2004

The Beginning of Survival is the title of Joni's latest anthology, due out July 27 on Geffen. Calling the CD "commentaries on the world in which we live," Joni focuses on songs from her 1985-1998 releases, serious and weighty subjects all: greed, hunger, corruption (just for starters). The material on this CD demonstrates the ongoing relevance and timelessness of Joni's exquisite songwriting, in this case when she's addressing subjects that we all wish weren't so timeless. The beauty of the music draws the listener into Joni's impassioned, sometimes outright angry lyrics.

In addition to the original artwork and song lyrics we always look forward to, Joni's written an essay for inclusion in the CD package. Also included is a reproduction of an inspiring circa-1850s speech by Chief Seattle. The CD title is taken from a translation of this speech; the Chief was speaking to address a proposed treaty under which the Indians were persuaded to sell two million acres of land to the US Government for $150,000. Reading any one of the many translations of Chief Seattle's letter 150 years on can be an eerie, unsettling experience.

A wide range of guest artists appear with Joni on The Beginning of Survival: Willie Nelson duets with Joni on her version of "Cool Water," originally by the Sons of the Pioneers, a group Joni has called one of her very early influences. Playing a fire-and-brimstone televangelist, actor Rod Steiger spikes "Tax-Free" with incendiary shouts as he feeds off his flock. Other guests include Wayne Shorter, Iron Eyes Cody, James Taylor and Don Henley.

Audiophiles are sure to enjoy the sound quality: the tracks have all been 96k/24-bit mastered from the original master tapes (for those of us lacking technical expertise, that means it's going to sound great).

This isn't going to be an easy CD to listen to. I think Joni's challenging us to look society's ills straight in the eye instead of running off in the other direction. If you're looking for the intimacy and warmth that's evident in so much of Joni's music, you should also pick up one of her other CDs, but don't miss The Beginning of Survival. Let these songs sink in.