I started Janis late June 2020 and recommend Cheap Thrills and Pearl.
Big Brother & the Holding Company: Big Brother & the Holding Company (1967): B-
Big Brother & the Holding Company: Cheap Thrills (1968): A-
I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again Mama (1969): B
Pearl (1971): B+
Big Brother & the Holding Company: Live at Winterland '68 (1998): B-
Big Brother & the Holding Company: Big Brother & the Holding Company (1967):
It took me a bit to appreciate Janis's voice, but it is quite exceptional. It isn't always there and neither is the band (less so than her in fact) but "Down on Me" is something to be happy about. B-
Big Brother & the Holding Company: Cheap Thrills (1968):
Despite guitarists Gurley and Andrews barely giving any reason to believe it, I could tell there was some bubbling talent in them from listening to their debut. However, I wasn't prepared for the exponential growth they went through in between this and their debut. "Summertime" and the live "Ball and Chain" showcase just how great this duo-onslaught is and Joplin's powerful voice couldn't compliment them better. Perhaps her voice and the duo's bombastic playing come together best on the exceptional "I Need a Man to Love." Joplin shines on "Piece of My Heart" and her self-written "Turtle Blues" and while this album is nearly flawless, I hope this isn't Joplin's best album--she could still take center stage more--but with such spectacular backing with her, it's nearly guaranteed this is the best album she's on. A-
I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again Mama (1969):
Janis Joplin the singer definitely shines here more so than Cheap Thrills, which was my main wish for this LP. But the instrumentals aren't even close to being as good--too much brass for anyone's taste. Also, only two original songs--to be fair though, they are the best songs. B
Pearl (1971):
The backing band and overall direction would have made for an excellent follow-up to her solo debut and this pieced-together result still is able to outdo it despite the fact that Joplin died before recording was completed. Many of the tracks are obviously not completed pieces, but it's still an enjoyable listen as it is. "Me and Bobby McGee"! B+
Big Brother & the Holding Company: Live at Winterland '68 (1998):
Just listen to Cheap Thrills and you can tell this is a great live band. And they prove it here. "Ball and Chain" and "I Need a Man to Love"! B-
