Arriving on October 4th via Rhino Records, The Asylum Years (1976-1980) will span an era of Mitchell’s career in which she experimented with jazz-folk fusion, releasing 1976’s Hejira , 1977’s Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter , her 1979 collaboration with Charles Mingus (titled Minugs ), her 1980 live album Shadows and Light , and more. The collection will feature unreleased studio sessions, alternate versions, numerous live recordings, and more.
The Asylum Years (1976-1980) will be available on 6xCD and 4xLP formats , and will arrive with a 36-page book featuring photographs and an “extensive conversation” between Mitchell and Cameron Crowe, in which she shares “intimate anecdotes, memories, and stories” from the five-year period. Check out the artwork and tracklist for the vinyl release below.
On the technical side, the audio for the new release is sourced from “original stereo reels, nagra film recordings, multi-track tapes, radio airchecks, cassettes and more.” Pre-orders are ongoing.
Arriving today as the album’s lead single is a live track, “Intro to Coyote / Coyote,” recorded at the Montreal stop of Bob Dylan’s “Rolling Thunder Revue” tour. Stream the song below.
The announcement of The Asylum Years (1976-1980) comes after a triumphant year for Mitchell, who memorably stole the show with a masterful performance at the 2024 Grammys. That night, she also accepted the Grammy for Best Folk Album for her live album, Joni Mitchell At Newport . This October, she will perform two nights at The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles (get tickets here).
Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980) Artwork:
Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980) Tracklist:
LP1 Side One — Rolling Thunder Revue 01. Introduction 02. Edith and the Kingpin 03. Don’t Interrupt the Sorrow 04. Introduction 05. Harry’s House 06. A Case of You
Side Two — Rolling Thunder Revue and 1976 Tour of the United States 01. Intro to Coyote 02. Coyote 03. Free Man in Paris 04. Shades of Scarlett Conquering 05. For Free
LP2 Side One — 1976 Tour of the United States and Hejira Demos 01. Shadows and Light 02. In France They Kiss on Main Street 03. Intro to Furry Sings the Blues 04. Furry Sings the Blues 05. Traveling (Hejira)
Side Two — Hejira Demos and Rolling Thunder Revue 01. Black Crow 02. Amelia 03. Intro to Song for Sharon 04. Song for Sharon
LP3 Side One — Hejira Sessions, Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter Sessions, and Mingus Sessions 01. Refuge of the Roads (Early Mix with Horns) 02. Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter (Early Rough Mix) 03. Otis and Marlena (Early Rough Mix) 04. Sweet Sucker Dance (Vocals & Drums Version – Take 5)
Side Two — Bread & Roses Festival and Mingus Early Alternate Version 01. Introduction 02. The Dry Cleaner from Des Moines 03. Intro to Goodbye Pork Pie Hat 04. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat 05. Intro to The Wolf That Lives in Lindsey 06. The Wolf That Lives in Lindsey 07. God Must Be a Boogie Man
LP4 Side One — Mingus Early Alternate Version, 1979 Tour Rehearsals, and 1979 Tour of the United States 01. Sue and the Holy River 02. Jericho 03. Help Me 04. Big Yellow Taxi 05. Just Like This Train 06. Raised on Robbery
Side Two — 1979 Tour of the United States 01. The Last Time I Saw Richard 02. Intro to A Chair in the Sky 03. A Chair in the Sky
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