Asylum Albums 72-75

“Joni’s music is so deep and transporting. She comes right from the source. There is no mistaking it. 'For The Roses', 'Court & Spark', 'Miles Of Aisles' and 'The Hissing Of Summer Lawns' are all classics in my book. I listened to every album as it came out. The musicians she played with were always above my abilities. She had grown from folk to jazz and in between, creating a unique kind of sound that I loved to listen to over and over.” ~ Neil Young

Joni Mitchell was at a turning point 50 years ago. After making 4 acclaimed albums with Reprise Records, including her 1971 masterpiece "Blue", she left the label to join the brand new Asylum Records in 1972. Over the next 7 years, Mitchell would record some of the most acclaimed music of her career while changing her musical direction by adding more jazz elements into her songwriting. The evolution culminated in 1979 with "Mingus", her collaboration with jazz titan Charles Mingus, and her last studio album for Asylum.

Explore the beginning of that prolific era with "The Asylum Albums 1972-1975", the next installment in the Joni Mitchell Archives series. Due September 23rd, 2022, the box set will be available as 4 CD and limited edition 5 LP 180 gram vinyl sets, as well as digitally. The collection features newly remastered versions of the 4 albums released between 1972 and 1975. All 4 were recently remastered by Bernie Grundman.

The new box set follows Mitchell’s musical evolution over 4 albums as she embraced more jazz inspired pieces and moved away from the folk and pop of her early years. It includes essential tracks like her first Top 40 hit, “You Turn Me On, I’m A Radio”, and her highest charting single, “Help Me”, plus favorites like “Free Man In Paris”, “Raised On Robbery” and “In France They Kiss On Main Street”.

"For The Roses, which was released 50 years ago this November, was certified gold and added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry in 2007. "Court & Spark" topped the US album chart and was certified double platinum, making it the best selling album of Mitchell’s career. It was nominated for multiple Grammy awards, including 'Album Of The Year', and won Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist for “Down To You”.

"Miles Of Aisles" is a double live album that spotlights the tour for "Court & Spark". It reached #2 on the album chart and was certified gold. "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns" was certified gold as well, peaking at #4 on the album chart and earning a Grammy award nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

The cover art for the box set features an original painting by Mitchell. The set also includes a note by friend and fellow Canadian Neil Young.