Various Artists - A Tribute To Joni Mitchell

The Joni Mitchell songbook is bandit country for the faint-hearted, but these heavy hitters to square up to the challenge. You’d expect a little extra from Elvis Costello, and he tackles “Edith And The Kingpin” with a quizzical orchestral arrangement reminiscent of Kurt Weill or Gil Evans.

Emmylou Harris finds troubling depths within “Magdalena Laundries”, while k.d. lang’s “Help Me” works all the better for its lack of clever-dickery. Highlight for many will be Prince’s teasing, evocative take on “A Case Of You”, a fine tribute from a self-confessed Joni groupie.

ADAM SWEETING

Rating: 4 / 10

(Nonesuch)