Joni Mitchell has announced Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980), the latest installment of her archival release series. Today, along with the announcement, she released the single, a live cut of “Coyote.”
Arriving on October 4th via Rhino Records, The Asylum Years (1976-1980) will span an era of Mitchell’s career in which she experimented with jazz-folk fusion, releasing 1976’s Hejira, 1977’s Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter, her 1979 collaboration with Charles Mingus (titled Minugs), her 1980 live album Shadows and Light, and more. The collection will feature unreleased studio sessions, alternate versions, numerous live recordings, and more.
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The Asylum Years (1976-1980) will be available on 6xCD and 4xLP formats, and will arrive with a 36-page book featuring photographs and an “extensive conversation” between Mitchell and Cameron Crowe, in which she shares “intimate anecdotes, memories, and stories” from the five-year period. Check out the artwork and tracklist for the vinyl release below.
On the technical side, the audio for the new release is sourced from “original stereo reels, nagra film recordings, multi-track tapes, radio airchecks, cassettes and more.” Pre-orders are ongoing.
Arriving today as the album’s lead single is a live track, “Intro to Coyote / Coyote,” recorded at the Montreal stop of Bob Dylan’s “Rolling Thunder Revue” tour. Stream the song below.
Mitchell’s previous archival box sets have included Vol 1: The Early Years (1963-1967); Vol. 2: The Reprise Years (1968-1971); and Vol. 3: The Asylum Years (1972-1975).
The announcement of The Asylum Years (1976-1980) comes after a triumphant year for Mitchell, who memorably stole the show with a masterful performance at the 2024 Grammys. That night, she also accepted the Grammy for Best Folk Album for her live album, Joni Mitchell At Newport. This October, she will perform two nights at The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles (get tickets here).
Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980) Artwork:
Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980) Tracklist:
LP1
Side One — Rolling Thunder Revue
01. Introduction
02. Edith and the Kingpin
03. Don’t Interrupt the Sorrow
04. Introduction
05. Harry’s House
06. A Case of You
Side Two — Rolling Thunder Revue and 1976 Tour of the United States
01. Intro to Coyote
02. Coyote
03. Free Man in Paris
04. Shades of Scarlett Conquering
05. For Free
LP2
Side One — 1976 Tour of the United States and Hejira Demos
01. Shadows and Light
02. In France They Kiss on Main Street
03. Intro to Furry Sings the Blues
04. Furry Sings the Blues
05. Traveling (Hejira)
Side Two — Hejira Demos and Rolling Thunder Revue
01. Black Crow
02. Amelia
03. Intro to Song for Sharon
04. Song for Sharon
LP3
Side One — Hejira Sessions, Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter Sessions, and Mingus Sessions
01. Refuge of the Roads (Early Mix with Horns)
02. Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter (Early Rough Mix)
03. Otis and Marlena (Early Rough Mix)
04. Sweet Sucker Dance (Vocals & Drums Version – Take 5)
Side Two — Bread & Roses Festival and Mingus Early Alternate Version
01. Introduction
02. The Dry Cleaner from Des Moines
03. Intro to Goodbye Pork Pie Hat
04. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat
05. Intro to The Wolf That Lives in Lindsey
06. The Wolf That Lives in Lindsey
07. God Must Be a Boogie Man
LP4
Side One — Mingus Early Alternate Version, 1979 Tour Rehearsals, and 1979 Tour of the United States
01. Sue and the Holy River
02. Jericho
03. Help Me
04. Big Yellow Taxi
05. Just Like This Train
06. Raised on Robbery
Side Two — 1979 Tour of the United States
01. The Last Time I Saw Richard
02. Intro to A Chair in the Sky
03. A Chair in the Sky