Track Listing

1. In France They Kiss On Main Street
2. Jungle Line
3. Edith And The Kingpin
4. Don't Interrupt The Sorrow
5. Shades Of Scarlet Conquering
6. Hissing Of Summer Lawns
7. Boho Dance
8. Harry's House
9. Sweet Bird
10. Shadows And Light

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9009 in Music
• Released on: 1987-10-19
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.co.uk Review
Court and Spark had earned Joni Mitchell mainstream pop acceptance but its underlying spirit of discovery pushed her to risk new-found success with this edgier, experimental sequel released in 1975. Although the session crew is largely the same, and sleek jazz elements again abound, these songs find her introducing Burundi drums (on "The Jungle Line"), layering magisterial but forbidding vocal harmonies ("Shadows and Light") and casting rueful shadows across the sun-dazed Southern California of the title song. Her daring promptly earned critical scorn and halted her commercial expansion, but the album's confident eclecticism and dark beauty have outlived that reception; from the safety of hindsight, Hissing was a promise to stay hungry and creatively adventurous, a promise kept then and now. --Sam Sutherland

CD Description
A continuing move towards jazz was the most striking element of this record when first released. Larry Carlton and Robben Ford became two names to bandy around and appear cool. Indeed, their guitar playing throughout is superlative. The real strength, however, is the way in which Mitchell reached new plateaux with graceful ease. The remarkable "The Jungle Line" features the drums of Barundi and must be played loud to fully appreciate its avant garde quality. The opening line, "Rousseau walk on trumpet paths", has the listener reaching for the Dictionary Of Art. As understated and lyrically deep as anything she has recorded, it is a stunning piece of work.

Customer Reviews

LA life analysed by the Queen
This is Joni's expert analysis of LA life, as both observer and ambilvalent participant. A masterpiece it definitely is.

I must disagree with those who have said that 'Jungle Line' is sub-standard, weak or horrid. It is a wonderful portrayal of innocense newly lost on arrival in the 'jungle' of LA. The metaphor of Rouseau's art and the sounds of burundi drums, Moog synth and Joni's voice and guitar, work hypnotically together to break up the smooth veneer of the album as a whole (representing the smooth veneer of LA itself!) exposing the lusting and dangerous 'belly of the beast'. I actually see 'Jungle Line' as one of Joni's finest tracks.

'Edith and the King Pin' is a fine study of how an LA millionaire builds up his charmed hareem, seducing with jewels, champagne and drugs, choosing his women like Rouseau would his shades of paint. Another beautifully detailed highlight.

This is one of Joni's masterpieces. Along with Hejira, Blue and Court & Spark, Summer Lawns represents her artistic maturing and daring as a writer. A fabulous collection

Sonically Joni's best album
While Hejira is my favourite Joni album this record is fighting it out with 'For the Roses' for second place. The record generally has quite a laid back feel to it. The opener takes up from where 'Court and Spark' left off, after that however the album becomes more adventurous without compromising on melody. Some have cticised the 'the jungle line.' True it isn't in keeping with the rest of the album and for that reason it perhaps disrupts the record's rhythm. Yet it is undeniably innovative. Other tracks, especially 'Harry's House/Centrepiece' incorporate overt forays into jazz. All in all this is an essential and original album.

Exotic jazz from the queen of lyrical genius
When I first heard "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns", I had only previously heard the much less ornate, folkie-rock albums "Blue" and "Ladies Of The Canyon". Having read loads of reviews of this album, I didn't know what to expect but I knew I wouldn't be disappointed because the two I had heard were brilliant.
This album is so much different...it is jazzier with trumpets, flutes, clarinets, saxophones and horns aplenty but there are still some Joni piano and guitar parts. The track 'In France They Kiss On Mainstreet' is the elegant opener, while 'The Jungle Line' is a very strange Moog-led uptempo track featuring the Warrior Drums of Burundi. Some parts of this song sound dated, but it is thoroughly amazing 26-and-a-half years after release.
'Don't Interrupt The Sorrow' boasts a strong melody, 'Harry's House - Centerpiece' is enthralling and the title track is just wonderful. 'Shadows And Light' is another great one, with gospel-like backing vocals.
But in amongst the good stuff is some not-so-good stuff. The songs that have not been mentioned are not that memorable, but they will grow on you after a few listens. Even if the melody is not very strong or catchy, the lyrics and the sublime music that works as accompaniment will blow you away - how can this woman be so brilliant? you will frequently ask yourself on an album like "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns".
If you absolutely adore "Ladies Of The Canyon" or "Blue" and want more of the same, then "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns" might be a disappointment. It certainly won't work for everyone, but Joni Mitchell and her astounding musical prowess makes the grade for me!