Joni Mitchell is feeling BETTER!

[kmar]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2010/apr/23/bob-dylan-joni-mitchell


Joni Mitchell in 1970


Sean Michaels guardian.co.uk,
Friday 23 April 2010 09.56 BST


In an outspoken interview, Joni Mitchell claims Bob Dylan's 'name and voice are fake', but remembers Jimi Hendrix fondly


Bob Dylan is "a plagiarist", Joni Mitchell said in a rare interview this week, offering cranky comments on old Bob and warm memories of Jimi Hendrix. The legendary singer-songwriter, who has wrestled with health problems, said she may quit music to lobby for recognition of her rare medical condition.

But let's begin with Dylan. Mitchell was speaking to the LA Times as part of a joint interview with performance artist John Kelly, who has performed Mitchell's songs in drag. The Times interviewer referred to Old Nasal Voice in passing, citing his name-change from Robert Zimmerman to Bob Dylan. (Mitchell also abandoned her birth name, Roberta Joan Anderson.) Mitchell launched into an unprovoked assault. "We are like night and day, he and I," she scoffed. "Bob is not authentic at all. He's a plagiarist, and his name and voice are fake. Everything about Bob is a deception."

Cowed, the interviewer moved on to safer topics – such as Prince (apparently a Mitchell fan) and sex appeal. Yet Mitchell still had time to slag off Grace Slick and Janis Joplin (allegedly they were "[sleeping with] their whole bands and falling down drunk"), and Madonna. Railing against the "stupid, destructive" era we live in, Mitchell took aim at the Material Girl. "Americans have decided to be stupid and shallow since 1980. Madonna is like Nero; she marks the turning point."

It wasn't all pee and vinegar. Mitchell fondly recalled Hendrix, "the sweetest guy", and late-night listening sessions together. But even this memory is shaded in frustration. "He made his reputation by setting his guitar on fire, but that eventually became repugnant to him," she recalled. "'I can't stand to do that anymore,' he said, 'but they've come to expect it. I'd like to just stand still like Miles.'"

If Mitchell seems ornery, it may simply be because she is feeling better. Last year, the singer announced that she suffers from Morgellons syndrome, a rare skin condition. It's a controversial diagnosis – many doctors deny that Morgellons is real, calling it delusional. "[It's a] weird, incurable disease that seems like it's from outer space," Mitchell told the Times. "But my health's the best it's been in a while. Two nights ago, I went out for the first time since 23 December."

"Garbo and Dietrich hid away just because people became so upset watching them age, but this is worse," she said. "Fibres in a variety of colors protrude out of my skin like mushrooms after a rainstorm: they cannot be forensically identified as animal, vegetable or mineral. Morgellons is a slow, unpredictable killer – a terrorist disease: it will blow up one of your organs, leaving you in bed for a year."

"In America ... [doctors] send you to a psychiatrist," Mitchell explained. "I'm actually trying to get out of the music business to battle for Morgellons sufferers to receive the credibility that's owed to them." Then again, this campaign will need funding.

Perhaps Bob Dylan could record a benefit album?

[Jo]

Horray!! thanks Kmar.

Sounds like Joni's committed to weighing in. Brilliant. Very self less.

Thank you Joni !!

[kmar]

Yes, this is great news!

WOW, she must really have been feeling bad. Joni Mitchell said she has not been out since Decemer 23rd until 2 nights ago.


I am happy to hear she is feeling better AND that she wants to battle for Morgellons sufferers.


I was hoping to be able to read about the song she dedicated to Morgellons sufferers.

[jonsi]

One can hope that we will have a music fest that will bring awareness to "M".

Whenever I play my fiddle for a large crowd I mention that I have "Morgellons" & it is a crazy disease that no one understands, but it is REAL. A lot of people ask me what I am talking about and I compare "M" to having lymes with fibers.... A lot of people remember me when I was really sick & a recluse, 70 pounds heavier, lesions.

Homeopathic/natural medicine, good diet, meditation got me to the point where I am.

Like 2nite, I'm going out to play & I will mention "M" again.

Peace, love, listen to music!

In the white light,
~jonsi

[kmar]

Yes, Thank You Joni Mitchell

Here today are some more NEWS sources that have picked up the story making more publicity for Morgellons disease.


I received these below from the Google NEWS alert:


Joni Mitchell accuses Bob Dylan of plagiarism - News, Music - The Independent

TheSpec.com - Local - Both sides now: Joni Mitchell slams Bob Dylan as 'plagiarist'

( Same article, just different publications )


Mitchell talked at length about a skin condition she claims to suffer from. Morgellon's syndrome is regarded by most doctors as a delusional condition where sufferers imagine fibres growing under their skin, rather than a clinical disease. But Mitchell said it left her largely housebound, calling it a "weird, incurable disease that seems it's from outer space. But my health's the best it's been in a while. Two nights ago, I went out for the first time since 23 December."

[sammy]

We need more people who are well known too get involved w this terrible disease that is leaving many suffering and doctors so relucent too treat.

[kmar]

WOW ---- The Los Angeles TIMES!!!!!

John Kelly channels Joni Mitchell - latimes.com

Thank you Joni Mitchell

[Doc Holliday]

Originally Posted by kmar

WOW ---- The Los Angeles TIMES!!!!!

John Kelly channels Joni Mitchell - latimes.com

Thank you Joni Mitchell

>>>Kmar? .. your around cool hope all is well,..Take care .....Doc ....