Each week XPN's Mike Vasilikos, serves up another Featured Album of the Week. Tune in to the XPN Morning Show every Monday as Mike reviews another great CD.

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Joni Mitchell - Shine (Hear Music)

For her new album, Joni Mitchell has chosen to look back upon one of her most interesting musical periods, in my opinion. Shine reminds me a lot of her mid-70's albums like Hejira or Don Juan's Reckless Daughter. Time will tell how well this stands up to her classic material, but it sounds very good so far.

After a strange choice for an opening track - the instrumental "One Week Last Summer" - Joni settles into her patented confessional mode for some very nice moments, including "As", "If I Had A Heart", and the very cool, driving "Hana". I'm not sure the re-make of "Big Yellow Taxi" totally hits the mark, though.

A strong comeback from a classic songwriter. This could be an album that sounds better and better the more we listen.

Written by Dan Reed

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