Sean Nelson

"Court and Spark" is Joni Mitchell's most overt attempt at making a hit record, full of glossy production, catchy choruses, and even guest stars from every stratum of rock culture, high (Robbie Robertson) and low (Cheech and Chong). The record was a smash, reaching number two on the charts in March of 1974, spawning three hit singles; "Help Me, "Free Man in Paris" and "Raised on Robbery" and cementing Mitchell's position as a commercial as well as an artistic force.