Joni Mitchell — Be Cool
Album: Wild Things Run FastAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 234
Length: 4:09
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If there's one rule to this game
Everybody's gonna name
It's, be cool!
If you're worried or uncertain
If your feelings are hurtin'
You're a fool if you can't keep cool
Charm 'em
Don't alarm 'em
Keep things light
Keep your worries out of sight
And play it cool
Play it cool
Fifty-fifty
Fire and ice
If your heart is on the floor
Cause you've just seen your lover
Comin' through the door with a new fool--
Be cool
Don't get riled
Smile-keep it light
Be your own best friend tonight
And play it cool
Play it cool
Fifty-fifty
Fire and ice
Don't get jealous
Don't get over-zealous
Keep your cool
Don't whine
Kiss of that flaky valentine
You're nobody's fool
Be cool fool
Be cool
(Lots of other fish in the sea)
Play it cool
Play it cool
Fifty-fifty
Fire and ice
So if there's one rule to this game
Everybody's gonna name
It's--be cool
If you're worried or uncertain
If your feelings are hurtin'
You're a fool if you can't keep cool
They want you to
Charm 'em
Don't alarm 'em
Keep things light
Keep your worries out of sight
And play it cool
Play it cool
Fifty-fifty
Fire and ice
Everybody's gonna name
It's, be cool!
If you're worried or uncertain
If your feelings are hurtin'
You're a fool if you can't keep cool
Charm 'em
Don't alarm 'em
Keep things light
Keep your worries out of sight
And play it cool
Play it cool
Fifty-fifty
Fire and ice
If your heart is on the floor
Cause you've just seen your lover
Comin' through the door with a new fool--
Be cool
Don't get riled
Smile-keep it light
Be your own best friend tonight
And play it cool
Play it cool
Fifty-fifty
Fire and ice
Don't get jealous
Don't get over-zealous
Keep your cool
Don't whine
Kiss of that flaky valentine
You're nobody's fool
Be cool fool
Be cool
(Lots of other fish in the sea)
Play it cool
Play it cool
Fifty-fifty
Fire and ice
So if there's one rule to this game
Everybody's gonna name
It's--be cool
If you're worried or uncertain
If your feelings are hurtin'
You're a fool if you can't keep cool
They want you to
Charm 'em
Don't alarm 'em
Keep things light
Keep your worries out of sight
And play it cool
Play it cool
Fifty-fifty
Fire and ice
Comments (70)add comment
lmic wrote:
I try to keep my mind open... how can she possibly ever follow up Blue, Hejira, and Court and Spark - IMHO possibly the greatest albums ever recorded.
Are there any post-classic-Joni albums that folks especially recommend?
if you mean by post-calssic anything after Shadows & Light I definately recomend Night Ride Home, Turbulent Indigo and Travelogue.
lmic wrote:
I try to keep my mind open... how can she possibly ever follow up Blue, Hejira, and Court and Spark - IMHO possibly the greatest albums ever recorded.
Are there any post-classic-Joni albums that folks especially recommend?
NOPE
I think the bell curve bit is from those who like Joni and/or this style of music. The '3' mini-curve is from people who like Joni, but ho-hum this track. (I can sort of understand that). And the 1's are from people like PG and catmaven etc who will never understand either Joni nor the style and seem think that, no matter how talented an artist is, they can deserve a 1 just because..
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, a '1' is just not giving credit where it is due. Artists like Joni should never get a single 1. Give it a 2 if you want, and so give a little credit. A 1 is for real junk from a non (or is it con?) artist.
lmic wrote:
I try to keep my mind open... how can she possibly ever follow up Blue, Hejira, and Court and Spark - IMHO possibly the greatest albums ever recorded.
Are there any post-classic-Joni albums that folks especially recommend?
I love "Night Ride Home" (1991) and "Taming the Tiger" (1998). One of my all time favorites is an odd one..."Both Sides Now" (2003) - lush orchestral covers of some of her best work, with her mature vocal overlays.
Two artists frequently played on RP have the same effect on me: they make me instantly want to rip the headphones from my poor, battered ears. One of them is Rickie Lee Jones, and the other is Joni Mitchell. There's a certain vocal quality they both have that just makes me cringe.
Ok, I admit I'm a Joni fan. And what I like most about this song is the feel...the great musicians backing her up. Nice sax work (sounds like Wayne Shorter) and bass almost worthy of Jaco status. (We miss you Jaco.)
I guess I'm shocked this only "rates" a 5.4 at RP.
meower215 wrote:
I am a big Joni fan, but I think this album stinks. The only song worthy on it IMHO is Chinese Cafe' Unchained Melody.
I try to keep my mind open... how can she possibly ever follow up Blue, Hejira, and Court and Spark - IMHO possibly the greatest albums ever recorded.
Are there any post-classic-Joni albums that folks especially recommend?
laozilover wrote:
It's got a bizarre distribution of ratings - not "normal" (bell-curve). The distribution's "mode", the rating with the most occurrences, here is "8"! However, that third of the ratings in the 1-3 range (the contributions of physicsgenius and company) really drag down the average! 
If you ignored the votes in the 1-4 range, you'd get a more normal distribution and an average of 7.4.
Just like if I ignore 1/3 of any political poll, I can get a 'normal distribution' and the outcome I like.
People are allowed to dislike a song.
It's got a bizarre distribution of ratings - not "normal" (bell-curve). The distribution's "mode", the rating with the most occurrences, here is "8"! However, that third of the ratings in the 1-3 range (the contributions of physicsgenius and company) really drag down the average!
If you ignored the votes in the 1-4 range, you'd get a more normal distribution and an average of 7.4.I am a big Joni fan, but I think this album stinks. The only song worthy on it IMHO is Chinese Cafe' Unchained Melody.
And what a painting.
chillin' time. nice.
I feel like I should reach out and press the 1st floor button. Or the emergency stop.
casablues wrote: It's got a bizarre distribution of ratings - not "normal" (bell-curve). The distribution's "mode", the rating with the most occurrences, here is "8"! However, that third of the ratings in the 1-3 range (the contributions of physicsgenius and company) really drag down the average!
If you ignored the votes in the 1-4 range, you'd get a more normal distribution and an average of 7.4.
How can this great song be rated so low when so many other mediocre tunes on RP are rated higher?
It's got a bizarre distribution of ratings - not "normal" (bell-curve). The distribution's "mode", the rating with the most occurrences, here is "8"! However, that third of the ratings in the 1-3 range (the contributions of physicsgenius and company) really drag down the average!
If you ignored the votes in the 1-4 range, you'd get a more normal distribution and an average of 7.4.
this should be Sunday morning coffee music, not Saturday night!
redeyespy wrote:
Can't say I'm surprised. You have a formidable competitor in catmaven.
There is something in the wave of Joni's sound that just can't be denied. Power to her intelligence in songwriting, if not to complete independence of her inspiration on this particular track. 
If i hear 'fire and ice' once more I'm starting the car, getting in and not opening the garage door.
Shooby dooby poopie scoopie....
Not good. Was this from a cheezy Adam 12 episode or something?
physicsgenius wrote:
I agree 100% with this entire post.
Can't say I'm surprised. You have a formidable competitor in catmaven.
Be 
catmaven wrote: 
You win the prize for best sophomoric, pompous ass. Your comments broadcast your utter lack of appreciation for musical variety and talent.
Eat another lemon, catmaven.
From Ms. Mitchell's sucko-barfo period. Hate the breathiness, the atonality and tunelessness, the cocktail-lounge sound, the horns trying to be seductive. Instead, they are just plain irritating. The pointless peroration is so beyond vexatious.
Jazz crud like this should be confined to cocktail lounges where fools waste their time.
(Ray Davis is more pure about it somehow, though I don't want to listen to him either.)
I disagree 100% with this entire post.
"The pointless peroration is so beyond vexatious." You win the prize for best sophomoric, pompous ass. Your comments broadcast your utter lack of appreciation for musical variety and talent.
Eat another lemon, catmaven.
catmaven wrote:
From Ms. Mitchell's sucko-barfo period. Hate the breathiness, the atonality and tunelessness, the cocktail-lounge sound, the horns trying to be seductive. Instead, they are just plain irritating. The pointless peroration is so beyond vexatious.
Jazz crud like this should be confined to cocktail lounges where fools waste their time.
I agree 100% with this entire post.
I'm not a big fan of Joni's later albums with their attempts at jazz arrangements. The arrangements and performances feel like they are just trying too hard. Contrast that to the effortless performance on Chet Baker's Tangerine which followed "Be Cool" in the current set.
ndfan75 wrote:
I'll drink to that
Would a drink help?
mooseisadick wrote:
40 years of ridiculous vocal gymnastics. Someone should smack her.
I'll drink to that
very popular tune this time of year!!!!
40 years of ridiculous vocal gymnastics. Someone should smack her.
Raminocs wrote:
It's your imagination, We only had two Joni Songs today ....
For Joni Mitchell, that's a lot. And not in a good way.
-mt-
cool!
highwindows wrote:
Is it my imagination or have we (finally) been getting more Joni recently?
It's your imagination, We only had two Joni Songs today ....
Is it my imagination or have we (finally) been getting more Joni recently?
Another top album from Joni, great song!
SCJoniguy wrote:
If you had only been on here a week, you might have an excuse for this exaggeration. 
Yay!! Thanks for the Joni! However I will add that she has a much larger catalogue than the three songs you play here.
If you had only been on here a week, you might have an excuse for this exaggeration.
shampa1n wrote:
very nice, she doesn't let you down
nice and cool on a hot day
very nice, she doesn't let you down
nice and cool on a hot day
i know joni is famous and all, but yuck.
casablues wrote:
How can this great song be rated so low when so many other mediocre tunes on RP are rated higher?
That'd be because it sounds awful and lots of people don't like it.
SCJoniguy wrote:
Yay!! Thanks for the Joni! However I will add that she has a much larger catalogue than the three songs you play here.
100% agree - There is not enough Joni on RP!
What about some tracks from (IMHO)her "golden" period; "Blue", "Court & Spark", "Hejira", "Hissing", "Don Juan" etc, etc
Yay!! Thanks for the Joni! However I will add that she has a much larger catalogue than the three songs you play here.
How can this great song be rated so low when so many other mediocre tunes on RP are rated higher?
Oh please! Granted there are periods of Joni's music that I like more than others but obviously your tastes in music suffer from tunnel vision. What if it's not mediocre enough for you you can't get it.
catmaven wrote:
From Ms. Mitchell's sucko-barfo period. Hate the breathiness, the atonality and tunelessness, the cocktail-lounge sound, the horns trying to be seductive. Instead, they are just plain irritating. The pointless peroration is so beyond vexatious.
Jazz crud like this should be confined to cocktail lounges where fools waste their time.
(Ray Davis is more pure about it somehow, though I don't want to listen to him either.)
She annoys me so much, but I can't put my finger on exactly why. It's cool if you dig her, to each his/her own.
Ah yes. Joni. More Joni please. 
From Ms. Mitchell's sucko-barfo period. Hate the breathiness, the atonality and tunelessness, the cocktail-lounge sound, the horns trying to be seductive. Instead, they are just plain irritating. The pointless peroration is so beyond vexatious.
Jazz crud like this should be confined to cocktail lounges where fools waste their time.
(Ray Davis is more pure about it somehow, though I don't want to listen to him either.)
I just love Joni when she's in this mood
BTW essbee. You're completely wrong on both counts
BTW essbee. You're completely wrong on both countsThis would sound soooo much better with Marvin Gaye.
Be .
.rabbit ears on album cover!
p.s.
p.s.
Sting ruined the soprano sax for everyone else. Anyway, could never stand Joni Mitchell's voice. That clipped patter thing she does in irritating.
The saprano sax, to me, is always hit or miss....
but sometimes you just gotta like the beautifully cheesy sound
Joni
I didn't know who was playing and thought effortless jazz crossover. Who is underplaying the current trend I thought.
None other than Joni. My musical timeline in a mirror image.
Also Sprach Zarasopranostra
Yeah, she be way COOOLLL.......
This is my first time hearing Joni Mitchell on Radio Paradise. She is my favorite female singer/songwriter and all I can say is, "Play her songs more!".
Very Retro. Reminds me of 70's pop. Seems that my mother used to listen to artists doing similar stuff.
masterhead wrote:
Rock, jazz, folk...she is just great ...you name it
Joni is what all these other girl singers have been influenced by. And rightly so. So good. Her library of great songs is so extensive, its a shame to just roll with a few. RP take note!
If they removed the whispering, Id give this song a 9.
trekhead wrote:
She's decent. CHALKMARKS ON THE SIDEWALK was cool. (w/ PG)
Although I always think of Sally Kellerman singing these....
Chalkmarks was one of the best albums of the 80's, but even there you find her semi-modern-jazz vocalizations. She's someone you either get or don't, with not a lot of in-between.
Decent song, but I'd much rather hear something off Chalkmarks.
sacarmic wrote:
She's a great songwriter, but i just can't get into her vocals.
She's decent. CHALKMARKS ON THE SIDEWALK was cool. (w/ PG)
Although I always think of Sally Kellerman singing these....
Joni is pretty much the epitome of cool, Mmmmm groovy
masterhead wrote:
Rock, jazz, folk...she is just great ...you name it
YES! Soooooo fine and what a band she manages to bring together!
When this started, I assumed it was "Cherokee Louise" from her Night Ride Home album. It's a bit disconcerting how similar the songs are. "Cherokee Louise" is a much better song and Night Ride Home is a great album.
Rock, jazz, folk...she is just great ...you name it
I guess this is just too cool for me. Oh well.
She's a great songwriter, but i just can't get into her vocals.