Good Christmas Music: Joni Mitchell's 'River'
Our listeners take exception to music critic Christian Bordal's opinion that there is "no such thing as good Christmas music." The second in a series of suggested tunes is "River," written and performed by Joni Mitchell.
MADELEINE BRAND, host:
We're featuring Christmas songs today, suggested by you. Many listeners responded to a music review we ran last week. Music critic, Christian Bordal maintained there is no such thing as good Christmas music. John Wentworth(ph) of Chattanooga, Tennessee has some advice for Christian Bordal. It always helps, he writes, to have a sense of humor about these things. Mr. Wentworth says he raised his kids on everything from Nat King Cole to Dr. Demento. His pick for today: “The River” by Joni Mitchell.
(Soundbite of song, “River”)
Ms. JONI MITCHELL (Singer/Songwriter): (Singing) It's coming on Christmas, they're cutting down trees, they're putting up reindeer, and singing songs of joy and peace. Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on. But it don't snow here, it stays pretty green. I'm going to make a lot of money, then I'm going to quit this crazy scene. I wish I had a river I could skate away on...
BRAND: NPR's DAY TO DAY continues. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright National Public Radio.
