I’ve always loved the six degrees of separation concept as it relates to my musical discoveries. The career of Joni Mitchell is a perfect example of that  I didn’t discover Joni because of her much revered albums, Blue or Hejira. I found Joni in her much maligned Geffen records phase which started with the 1982 album, Wild Things Run Fast and ended with 1991’s Night Ride Home. Part of the reason I discovered Mitchell revolves around the facts that Wild Things Run Fast included vocal contributions by Lionel Ritchie who at the time of the release praised Mitchell. Additionally, the album featured significant contributions from guitarists Michael Landau, Steve Lukather and drummer  Vinnie Colaiuta. Most significantly, this was the first of Mitchell’s work to include bassist Larry Klein. Klein would go on to be Mitchell’s husband, writing partner and co-producer.

‘Wild Things’ represents another sharp turn in Mitchell’s career after the challenging jazz of her Mingus album and the subsequent live album, Shadows and Light. Mitchell had decided she wanted a contemporary rock setting for her songs and initially entertained the idea of using the band, The Police as a backing band for her new album. It is said that she set on another path when she met bassist Larry Klein. Klein was capable of brining in the jazz elements he used when he played with trumpeter Freddie Hubbard and well as incorporate the contemporary rock feel which meshed perfectly with Vinnie Colaiuta’ s drum sound . Lyrically, Mitchell had a lot to say and its was much more personal and happy than in her Mingus period. The album reflects the unbridled love and joy Mitchell was experiencing in her whirl-wind romance with Klein. The album is also supported by fine players. Of course Mitchell provides her unique and underrated guitar skills and handles piano playing. She also effectively uses Larry Williams on piano and saxophone, Wayne Shorter on soprano saxophone, Russell Ferrante on Oberheim synthesizer and James Taylor on vocals

The leadoff track, “Chinese Café/Unchained Melody” starts the somewhat tentative journey of a middle aged women daring to dream of love. The song successfully incorporates the Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody” into the story weaving together two into one. By the time we reach the second track, Mitchell and her band are already in full gallop. “Wild Things Run Fast” has an unapologetic rock sensibility provided by Steve Lukather’ s guitar and the stellar rhythm section. “Ladies Man” follows with a little trepidation. Is her suitor too slick? Is his love for cocaine stronger than his love for her? How does the next track, “Moon At The Window” fit in? I’m not sure The song is introspective, and gorgeous, with subtle brush paying by Colaiuta and a gorgeous fretless bass performance by Klein. Not only is this one of the strongest songs on the album, it’s one of her strongest songs. “Solid Love” seems to be an acknowledgement of her luck at finding that one special person and “Be Cool” finds her giving herself advise when things are not as perfect as they seem.

Side two continues Mitchell’s exploration of the new found relationship peaking with the song “Dream Flat Tires” . Michael Landau gets the opportunity to provide some impressive rock chords over a hard rocking foundation centered around Larry Klein’s prominent bass licks and augmented by vocals from Lionel Ritchie. Additionally “Man to Man” and “Underneath the Streetlight” cap off a musically intriguing and lyrically satisfying journey which almost makes the final song, “Love”  redundant.

Joni Mitchell doesn’t stay in one place for too long as the next album in the series, “Dog Eat Dog” proves.