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California (Joni Mitchell song)
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Wikipedia article
{{Infobox song
| name = California
| cover = California Joni Mitchell Dutch single cover.jpg
| alt =
| type = single
| artist = Joni Mitchell
| album = Blue
| B-side = A Case of You
| released = 1971
| recorded = 1971
| studio =
| genre = Folk rock
| length = 3:48
| label = Reprise
| writer = Joni Mitchell
| producer = Joni Mitchell
| prev_title = Carey
| prev_year = 1971
| next_title = You Turn Me On, I'm a Radio
| next_year = 1972
| misc =
}}
"'California'" is a song written by Joni Mitchell that first appeared on her 1971 album 'Blue'. It was also released as the second single from the album, as a follow-up to "Carey".
Background
Mitchell wrote "California" while living in France, but longing for the creative climate she had experienced in California.
Composition and reviews
In the song, she expresses the depth of her longing for California despite considering herself a member of the counterculture. Like "Carey", "California" takes the form of a travelogue, and uses a stream of consciousness narrative technique. 'Pitchfork' critic Jessica Hopper describes both songs as "how-Joni-got-her-groove-back ditties". The lyrics tell of her time in France, a trip she took to Spain, and an excursion to a Greek island. At the end of each story in each location, she expresses her desire to be back in California. The character that "Carey" was based on also appears in the second verse of "California".Marc Myers, "[https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-muse-behind-joni-mitchells-carey-1415721658 Joni Mitchell on the Muse Behind Carey]", 'The Wall Street Journal', 11 November 2014. According to author Larry David Smith, Mitchell uses the descriptions in "California" as a strategy to demonstrate "principles associated with the Earth Mother manifesto."
"California" uses a verse-bridge structure. James Taylor plays guitar, Sneaky Pete Kleinow pedal steel guitar, Russ Kunkel drums and percussion. According to singer Estrella Berosini, the recitative phrasing Mitchell uses on "California" was influenced by California singer Laura Allan. According to 'Rolling Stone' critic Timothy Crouse, the song "jumps along in quick bursts", but the refrain is "flowing" with tango elements.
Crouse praised the "subtlety" of the production, particularly "James Taylor's twitchy guitar and Russ Kunkel's superb, barely detectable high-hat and bass-pedal work."
Critic Kim Ruehl called "California" one of the highlights of 'Blue', describing it as "personal and largely sentimental." 'Cash Box' said it was "within the basic framework of most of Joni's previous material except for a most unusual melody."
"California" was included on Mitchell's 1998 compilation album 'Hits' and on her self-chosen 2004 compilation album 'Dreamland'.
Covers and legacy
American group Wilson Phillips covered the song as the title track to their 2004 studio album 'California'.
Bob Dylan played Mitchells recording on the "California" episode of Season 2 of his 'Theme Time Radio Hour' show in 2007.
"California" is quoted in the 2014 film 'Wild', in which Cheryl Strayed (as played by Reese Witherspoon) writes the line "Will you take me as I am?" in the Pacific Crest Trail register on day 9 of her journey.
Personnel
*Joni Mitchell Appalachian dulcimer, guitar, vocals
*James Taylor guitar
*Sneaky Pete Kleinow pedal steel
*Russ Kunkel percussion
References
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