Can someone recommend a few Joni Michell albums?

For simplicity it's best to divide Mitchell's work into three relatively distinct periods: the folkie, the jazzy years and the Larry Klein years. Her vocal artistry is the constant element throughout. "Blue" is generally considered the peak of the folkie period. A lot of people like "Court and Spark", but I prefer "Hejira" for the jazz period. The Larry Klein years is something of an extension of the jazz period, but the overall tone is more mature and relaxed. Try "Night Ride Home" or "Chalk Mark In A Rain Storm".

Mitchell always surrounds herself with first rate musicians (Jaco, Tom Scott, Larry Carlton, Pat Methenay, Joe Sample etc.) and sonically the albums are high quality studio multi-track, but not audiophile recordings.

Don Juan's Reckless Daughter; when the late Jaco Pastorious bangs the detuned E string on his bass at the beginning of Cotton Avenue all time stands still. This remains the best lineup she ever played with in her jazz era.

Tarsando, Kind of Blue was by Miles Davis, but it is a good, if overplayed album. There's better stuff by Miles out there.....but that's another thread.

My favorite is "Both Sides Now."

Viridian, it was a joke...both titles (now). Seriously speaking however,, I just listened to Blue for the first time in years and was reminded that "Carey" and "A Case of You" are two of the finest songs ever written. I also think the For the Roses album is up there with her best.