From billboard.com: http://billboard.com/bbco...1003524519

Bjork, Prince, James Taylor and Elvis Costello are among the artists who have recorded covers for "A Tribute to Joni Mitchell," due in the spring via Nonesuch. The 11-track set also boasts contributions from Sarah McLachlan, k.d. lang, Emmylou Harris and Sufjan Stevens.

In related news, Billboard.com has learned that Mitchell has been recording original material at a Los Angeles studio in recent weeks. It is unknown in what form she plans to release the music; she angrily announced she was quitting the music business in 2002 after her last album, "Travelogue."

"A Tribute to Joni Mitchell" comes concurrently with 429 Records' "Endless Highway: A Tribute to the Band," due Jan. 30. That projects boasts covers from Death Cab For Cutie, My Morning Jacket, Jack Johnson and Widespread Panic, among others.

Here is the track list for "A Tribute to Joni Mitchell":

"Free Man in Paris," Sufjan Stevens
"Boho Dance," Bjork

"Dreamland," Caetano Veloso
"Don't Interrupt the Sorrow," Brad Mehldau
"For the Roses," Cassandra Wilson
"A Case of U," Prince
"Blue," Sarah McLachlan
"Ladies of the Canyon," Annie Lennox
"Magdalena Laundries," Emmylou Harris
"Edith and the Kingpin," Elvis Costello
"Help Me," k.d. lang
"River," James Taylor
[Edited 12/22/06 2:59am]

A bit harsh to say Prince's version of A Case Of U is crappy! Should think it is the version from the ONA piano album, so not exactly 'recorded for' this project.

metalorange said:

Annie Lennox's "Ladies of the Canyon" was already a B-side from Medusa too

a prince recording appearing among the likes of bjork and sufjan stevens is at least a step up from the "happy feet" soundtrack.

it wasn't 'crappy' when he sang it 3 foot in front of me in 3121 on December 1st

Anx said:

oh and why the fuck isn't Tori Amos on this?

It certainly is crappy when compared to the original. Half the song is missing, so it's not even a faithful rendition.

And yeah, why no Tori?

Wow... Joni is getting mad recognition lately. Doesn't Sarah McLaughlan currently have a version of "River" out also?

wow, three songs from "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns" album.
Nice.
...although I am not really a fan of tribute albums

I liked the version of "A Case Of U" that Prince did live in the early 80's. It was on the "Chicken Grease" bootleg.

I'd buy this tribute if "A Case Of U" jams out on the coda that Prince just let fade out on 'One Nite Alone.'

i might get it for the bjork and sufjan tracks, plus the fact that i like joni. i already have the ONA version of 'case of u', but i'm glad it's getting released for those who don't have that album.

Prince? Crappy? Impossible.

IstenSzek said:

I was wondering the same thing since she's covered like a bazillion Joni songs.

I love his version of this song.

sebastian said:

Me too. I thought it was absolutely beautiful.

Isn't it a bit ignorant to call ANY Prince tune "crappy"? I mean, maybe you don't like it (for whatever reason). But, maybe one should limit their descriptions to what is their internal personal opinions, and not make it part of the description of the song for others to interpret, ya know?

Maybe I'm just being sensitive. But, for every song someone questions regarding it's quality, there's others who believe it to be masterful. Isn't that the joy of art anyway?

Just my 2 cents.

Tom said:

It's only one verse, but is a million times better than the ONA version.

It depends which version you are talking about...I'm not a big fan of the one ONA...But most of the other live versions through the years have been dope....

FruitToAttractBears said:

Big ol' co-sign.