Joni Mitchell: Ladies Of The Canyon (LP)

Joni Mitchell's third album, "Ladies Of The Canyon," showcases her rapid musical evolution; the self-produced album's sophisticated arrangements expand the singer-songwriter's sonic palette to include piano, clarinet, saxophone and multi-part vocals. The dozen originals include some of Mitchell's most popular compositions, including "Big Yellow Taxi," "Woodstock" and "The Circle Game" - songs that may be better known through cover versions (by Janet Jackson, CSNY and Tom Rush, respectively), but Joni's versions are just as memorable. released in 1970, "Ladies Of The Canyon" was neither Mitchell's biggest seller nor her best-known album - but it is perhaps the hidden gem in one of rock's most rewarding catalogs.