Joni Mitchell: Miles Of Aisles

THE TWO MOST annoying things (to me) about Joni Mitchell in the early years of her career were her songs, which often seemed impersonal, shallow and written by formula (remember that oft-played opus about the surly New York cabbie?); and her voice, which leapt all over the place in a shrill demonstration of technique. ("Congratulations to Joni Mitchell upon her conquest of the octave, "Richard Goldstein wrote sarcastically of her first album.) Voice and songs! Two big strikes against a budding singer-songwriter. It's no wonder many checked out after her second or third record and refused to listen anymore despite rumors of artistic maturity and increased sophistication.