Both Sides Now – Duo Session
Oh, Joni Mitchell …
… you wrote some beautiful, beautiful songs 🙂 It’s hard not to fall in love with this woman and her music once you tap into her work. Fearless, earnest, honest songwriting that keeps floating around your head long after you stop listening. We’ve caught the Joni bug a few years ago and her music has been part of our lives’ soundtracks ever since.
When it came to our Duo Sessions we knew we wanted to try some of her material. There were many favourites to choose from but we felt like “Both Sides Now” was a good, obvious choice. It is the first time we recorded something with an open guitar tuning, one of Joni’s trademark sounds.
We hope we did the song justice and that you’ll enjoy this little clip, as always filmed in our Duo Session corner.
Take care,
Mona & Lisa
Thank you for sharing this brief moment in time. Four minutes and twenty-five seconds of peace and harmony. 🎶To say I love you right out loud🎶 You both sound fantastic!
Love,
Marlo and JP
Beautiful version of this song. Stunning….
For a stripped down version there is some fine intricate work going on here. Those high vocals can’t be easy to do especially while playing guitar. A little change up too with Lisa strumming and Mona picking and playing the harp. I really love this version. You would have made great “Hippy Chicks”.
Love the open tuning on this! I’d love to hear you try something with Appalachian dulcimer, another signature sound of Joni’s.
I hope it’s not too hackneyed to say that I live for Fridays to hear from you two, but if it is, it’s nonetheless true. Stay groovy!
Beautiful performance ladies! Perfectly angelic harmonies and impressive musicianship. Extra kudos to Mona for the delicate fingerpicking AND lovely harmonica. The only thing better than hearing you both is seeing you perform. Exquisitely beautiful!
You certainly did this song justice. I have been a member a few months and thought I had listened to all your music. Nope I came across this and it’s brilliant ????
Just Incredible!!! Lisa,your vocals on this are Heavenly,you truly have the voice of an angel.
And Mona’s harmonies,guitar & harmonica are a perfect compliment.
It is now my favorite version of this song,which I have loved for many,many years.
Lisa, your voice is just so incredibly beautiful on this song and Mona’s harmonies are simply perfect … thanks for putting your hearts into everything you do … I can feel it.
November 7,2020…Happy Birthday Joni Mitchell..77
You two are incredible! Lisa gives a masterful vocal performance here and Mona provides wonderful harmonies plus intricate guitar work and harmonica. Absolutely brilliant! Well done girls.
This is sooooooo beautiful! Thank you.
Hi girls, this is wonderful. Will you be able to share some info about the unique guitar tuning that Joni Mitchel is using in this song, and what tabs/chords are generated this way? I think you recreate it just perfectly! I think she was using the same tuning for “Big Yellow TAXI” as well…
One of my favourite songs and a beautiful version girls – Tim x
So impressed with the open tuning Mona and Lisa what a fabulous Job on the harp! John Sebastian would love that ! Stay Groovy!
This is one of my favorites. I’d love to be able to share it. Any chance with will be released for public viewing soon?
My current MLT favorite! This was a favorite of mine when I was young. And what a great rendition you have done. So fresh and clear. You two continue to shine! Thank you!
What a beautiful rendition of an old classic. I’m so glad I joined your MLT Club to be able to listen to your wonderful music, Thank you so much. Don’t ever lose your “Groovy”!!
Simpy said: Pure beauty ! Lisa´s lead vocal is angelic and those harmonies sound heavenly. One of my favorites on “Duo Sessions” album.
Tears
Quite a few have mentioned tears. I was wondering where your moment was.
I think this arrangement is perfect. The emotion in the girl’s vocals match the song note for note and the video’s sombre mood ties it all together. They are truly masters of their craft.
I love when Mona sings “The dizzy dancing way you feel.” It is amazing how these beautiful sounds conjure up so much emotion.
Misty
JP
Great question, Johnnypee. As I mentioned in my review of this video: “And if you care, don’t let them know. Don’t give yourself away” Its a really moving line. To me it both demonstrates the singer’s inner strength and vulnerability at the same time. She has a strong sense of self to know that some times you have to hide whats deep inside you; your emotions, your true self but at the same time obviously she does care. Mona and Lisa capture that beautifully.
When I first listened to the Duo Sessions album, I thought this was my favorite track. But now that I’ve seen the video, it just went up a notch.
You two have made plenty of beautiful covers over the years, but this… this is next level. Wow. Not a dry eye in the house. I really hope Joni hears this.
So lovely! With all of the madness going on in the world now you’ve no idea how wonderful it is to receive these gifts of song from you two. After all, I believe that’s musics’ main purpose; to bring beauty and joy in troubled times. Thank you!
Wow. You two have just brought so many memories back to me and left me with tears in my eyes. Is there nothing you can’t portray. Your harmonies are excellent. Cant say any more.x
Anytime I think I couldn’t love you girls any more you drop something like this on me! Lisa you were made to sing this song! Such a lovely voice! And Mona with the perfect harmonies and lovely harp playing! I have goose bumps! Once again you’ve taken another persons song and made it your own! I bow before you!
I love this song, I’ve been playing it over and over, it’s struck me deeply with its maturity and perfect simplicity. It’s amazing to follow the Twins to new grounds yet the essence remains the same.
Joni certainly wrote a beautiful song and sung it beautifully, ranked by some as one of the best songs ever written. Mona and Lisa take this song beyond the clouds. What Lisa does with her singing is a master class. Even seasoned singers shy away from this song as it is deceptively difficult to pull off. Yet Lisa has us floating above the cotton clouds in a beautiful trance while conveying the maturity of the lyrics in every note. Mona’s harmonies and harmonica are like a pineapple, sweet and undefinable. This is one of those covers that take the original song to another level, no small feat.
I also love Mona’s plants, I hope they grow and start taking over the studio. I’m sure they love the music!
“Wish You Were Here” is about to hit a million views on YouTube making it the fastest to 1 MM, I think Both Sides Now, has the potential to be another fast riser on YouTube once it’s released.
Great review, Tomás. Really well said. I couldn’t agree more. I think you’re right ,when this hits youTube its going to generate an incredible amount of glowing comments. Imagine what it will be like for someone who has never heard of the MonaLisa Twins & this video is their introduction.
Wonderful!!!
Another one that gets better with every listen.
Thanks again for sharing these.
This is is such beautiful performance.
Rows and flows of Lisa’s hair and Mona’s blues harp floats on air
I sit here on my derrière
I’ve watched the clip that way
But now I’m swaying to the song
I’ll be dancing before too long
I worry what my kids will say
They’ve made fun of me before
I’ve watched this clip from both sides now
Front and back and still somehow
It’s only dust that troubles me
On the back of my tv
Now the cats are acting strange
They’ve heard this song somewhere before
I think they like it in a cat’s way
With Tex flat on the floor
BRAVO!! Encore, encore!
Thank you for sharing this one. I thought you might save it for last.
You have really raised the bar here. I have had a couple earwigs lately, and this is a big one. You are right. The song lingers for a while after listening. Especially after I saw this week’s Wire. I was at work when the email arrived, and I could not get the song out of my head. I knew I had to give it a proper premiere on the big screen. I will wait until I get home. Ugh, at least I can listen to it on the way home.
Mona’s harmonica is just perfect here. I love the way it slides into the song and just floats there. It is subtle, yet demands the listener’s attention. And her harmonies sound so angelic.
Your voices are beautiful. Guitars are perfect. Your mixes are crystal clear. The videos are over the top. I just love watching your rock & roll dream come true. I know everyone here is constantly on the edge of our ergonomic desk chairs awaiting your next release.
I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!!
Let’s make it a groovy one,
JP
Nice poetic flair there ….humm…you have me thinking now….???
Tex looks very happy and content JP. Must be the effect of the song.
Well played sir!
Bravo Johnny, your lyrics are both funny and wistful. Great rhyme for ‘Mona’s blues harp floats on air’ … Of course, M and L sing and play this beautifully, but I do feel a bit down after hearing it.
Jung I totally agree with your comments, we are so lucky to witness these ladies and their god given talents. Like One member said, no gimmicks, nothing fake, just plain good music and done with splendor and honest beauty and love and spirit. No one in my book can come close to the Mona Lisa Twins. I also want to correct myself, I posted that if you listen close to Sweet Lorraine you can hear Mona say …Yea…but it is on In It For Love …so my apologies to the ladies and the club. The Orange Album is raked on my all time albums. And My list is Albums like ” Exile On Main Street” And Orange is right up there with the Stones !!!!
Well said Bill, couldn’t agree more. I’ve loved music all my life, but since discovering MLT, I’ve come to experience more than ever how truly beautiful music can move you, console you, and make your life better.
This song has always been one of my Joni Mitchel songs going back to when it was first released. Again you ladies are in a very special group of musicians that can cover a song and make it your own. It is so great to open this email and see this video and the music just lifts my spirits knowing that there are 2 very talented ladies in this world that care and love what they do, you can feel the love and spirit in each note that you sing and every instrument you play. I mentioned before that at this point in time, our world is in a bad time, but your music gives us hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Great job on this beautiful classic and kuto’s to your open tuning with the guitar! Keith Richards and Ry Cooder would love that. SO glad I found the Mona Lisa Twins, and stay groovy!!
Thank you so much and keep it coming
Bill Isenberg A Huge Fan from Pittsburgh PA USA
Being Canadian, and you’ve chosen an iconic Canadian music legend to go and do a cover of on of her classic songs, well, you’ve mad this Canucker Gal quite proud and pleased , and I’m hoping Joni getscwind of this and is happy too, I know Icam…Kudos, and I just absolutely Luv this FabAwesomely EH…Certainly in my MLTBuzzLuvGroovingGlory, Thankyou EH, you made my Friday and Wknd EH…Indded in my mind, you’ve earned your Honourary Canadianship Keep ?????
I’ve never listened to much Joni Mitchell however that’s about to change.
This is my favourite song on the unplugged CD at the moment.
Love the alternate tuning, just sounds beautiful, along with the subtle harp and falsetto vocals.
Fantastic.
WOW…as I said in the album review I didn’t realize that Joni Mitchell had written that…in 1967 I was age 17 and this was a platinum seller Top 10 hit for Judy Collins …a Big song in my life and Judy Collins was a Star back then…who knew that 53 years later two girls from Austria were gonna blow the roof off this song and memories come flooding back into my life again…LISA…absolutely stunning vocal performance and again I ask how is it these two girls keep taking something that was already great and make it better….It’s Getting Better All The Time…yeah yeah yeah ….Mona and Lisa you are a breath of fresh air…THANK YOU❤️
Hi Mona Hi Lisa.. Your version of Both Sides Now is absolutely sublime. Lisa moves us with her voice accompanied by the perfect, sweet and soft harmony of Mona’s voice and blues harp. When I downloaded this fantastic album I heard this wonderful track several times in row.. Well done again..you are very elegant and beautiful too. but I missed Mona’s smile. thanks
Proper justice? You’ve made this song completely your own! Lisa, your singing I can’t find words to do it proper justice, just incredibly beautiful, beyond any female singer I’ve ever heard. Such beautiful and graceful vocals from the lows to highs, you carry the listeners spirit with you up on high. You did it in John Lennon’s Imagine, and again here. Angelic, superhuman beauty.
Mona, your blues harp, is so soothing in the background, raises the song yet another level if one could think that is even possible the way Lisa elevates it with her vocals already. Real clever arrangement to add the blues harp as another voice in the background. Plays off the guitars wonderfully.
Let there be no mistake, Mona and Lisa are the greatest singing duo powerhouse of this and the last century! Magnificent job on this ladies! Bravo!
BTW your pastel blue flowery dresses somehow fit the mood perfectly. You both look so elegant and beautiful!
Wonderful job Mona and Lisa! Lovely outfits to go with the lustrous guitar work and impeccable MLT harmonies. Mona’s harmonica so subtly completes the song.
I think you shouldn’t worry about doing any song justice – quite the opposite, I feel you outdo the originals almost every time…
Great job. Lisa,I love your falsetto. Beautiful vocals.
Nice job both of you! ?❤
Ladies, you have more than done justice to this important work, you have enhanced and deepened an already significantly heartfelt musical experience!
I find your attraction to Mitchell’s work a very natural one as you both have in common the rare ability to beautifully convey deeply felt emotions through your music in a very compelling and personal way.
Thank you so much for this! I’m in joyful anticipation of each new musical experience you offer. Groovy indeed!
Absolutely beautiful rendition of such a classic song! Well done!
Definitely the best version I’ve ever heard, including Joni. And oh Mona, that dress! Gorgeous.
My favourite from the duo album, so great to see a video too. Such a beautiful cover, just perfect
I grew up loving this song so much, both the (overproduced) Judy Collins version and Joni’s release. You ladies have absolutely nailed it. Just enough instrumentation to set off the lyrics, melody, and your SWEET HARMONIES!
Mona & Lisa,
The song is amazing, and I am not even a big Joni Mitchell fan even thought I can appreciate her work and skill as a singer/song writer and contribution to music. I like your take on this song. You combine a Classic cover with a great performance and great arrangement. Lisa, your voice has such feeling, depth and maturity, and Mona your harmonies, classical guitar work and harmonica are subtle but complement the song so well.
My dream for the both of you is to write and record such original songs that become the classics for future generations to come! You are such gifted and talented musicians but still have a little ways to go in the song writing department. With perseverance and dedication, you two could just be the Lennon and McCartney of your generation?
Really enjoying my membership in the MLT Club!
Thanks,
John Derrick Horres
Charleston, SC (USA)
Did the song justice? Are you kidding me? You knocked it out of the park! Its stunningly beautiful
I am still reeling and mesmerized. Your harmonies have never sounded better.
Like a gentle saying breeze. Beautiful interpretation.
Thanks so much ladies. Perfect choice.?❤
That was absolutely beautiful!! ❤
Beautiful. What more can I say? Yes, you certainly did this song justice and as usual, haven’t disappointed. Another great start to the week-end courtesy of Mona and Lisa and their wonderful Duo Session treats. ?❤️
I just got the Duo Sessions CD and have not listen to it yet. One Mona and Lisa you must make your father very happy. In this day and age where the music out there really doesn’t
cut it for me. Right now you are my favorite band. Along with two American groups. Blueberry Smoke and Larkin Poe. I think you have hit a nerve with me with your original material and your versions on the classics. Keep playing and be meaningful with your music.
Oh and stay groovy!!!!! Now I’m going to have a great day listening to your four cd’s I bought. Good day Ladies..
I often watch Larkin Poe too, those two girls knows how to play the blues. They couldn`t have done this one as well as M&L though. Simply beatifully sung
Beautiful!
such a great version of that // its my favorite offering on the duo album // although it is very hard to choose just one , since you do so many things so well
Sheer perfection! It gives me chills! BRAVO!
amazing.
Yes you definitely did the song justice, very well done. Love listening to it on your CD, brings back some great memories!
One of my favorite covers by MLT. Beautiful song
Simply beautiful. Among the most beautiful of the beautiful things you’ve presented to us. It may be the first Jodi Mitchell you’ve recorded, but I sincerely hope it wont be the last.
Lisa, your vocal treatment is superb and really shines on the awesome growth of your control and emotional rendering. Mona, you soft harmonica and gentle harmonies are such a treat. This was such a wonderful experience to listen to …
Absolutely beautiful.
Oh Mona & Lisa…
You’ve made my day yet again. Thanks again for your moving & earnest cover. To hear and see you both sing “If you care, don’t let them know. Don’t give yourself away” is just sublime. You’ve really captured the essence of the original & made it your own. I feel the same about Joni Mitchell. Her vast catalogue has also been a soundtrack to my life as well. Especially her album Blue and songs like Amelia & For Free.