Joni Mitchell‘s Archives Vol. 2: The Reprise Years (1968-1971) will arrive via CD, vinyl and digital formats on October 29 through Rhino Records. Rhino also today issued the digital EP, Blue 50, featuring demos and outtakes from the singer-songwriter’s landmark album, Blue, in celebration of the LP’s 50th anniversary tomorrow.
Blue 50 boasts five previously unheard tracks including an early version of “A Case Of You” with different lyrics from the album, as well as a demo of the beloved song “California.” The EP also features alternate takes on “River” with a french horn accompaniment and a version of “Urge For Going” with strings. Additionally, Blue 50 contains a song cut from the record, “Hunter,” which Mitchell performed live but never included on a studio album.
All five of those tracks will also appear on the upcoming Joni Mitchell Archives Vol. 2: The Reprise Years (1968-1971), following Vol. 1: The Early Years (1963-1967), which arrived in October 2020. Vol. 2 is sequenced chronologically and follows Mitchell through one of the most creative periods in her career leading up to the release of Blue. The compilation includes a number of unreleased Mitchell originals including “Jesus” recorded at her friend Jane Lurie’s New York apartment in Chelsea, which was also the setting for “Chelsea Morning.”
Archives Vol. 2 also collects live performances including a March 19, 1968 play at Le Hibou Coffee House in Ottawa which was captured by Jimi Hendrix as well as an October 1970 appearance at Paris Theatre in London — featuring classics like “Carey,” “River” and “My Old Man” — and also seeing a sit-in from James Taylor. Additionally, the collection contains Mitchell’s February 1, 1969 Carneige Hall debut and more.
Head here to pre-order Joni Mitchell Archives Vol. 2: The Reprise Years (1968-1971) and also find complete tracklist info. Preview the archival release by streaming the Blue 50 EP below:
