REQUIRED LISTENING: a musician's personal notes about favorite artists.
JANIS JOPLIN
The Essential Janis Joplin.
Janis Joplin, undoubtedly was one of the boldest, soulfulest, REAL vocalists in rock history. The pain of her upbringing is
easily detected in her manic, live performances and all of her original (four) albums. Like Hendrix and Morrison, her recording
career extended only from 1967-1970. In those four years, she compacted a lifetime full of heartache and sweet soul power.
Classics like Big Momma Thorton's "Ball and Chain," "Half Moon," "Move Over," "Kosmic
Blues," and the incredible "Work Me, Lord" are in this collection (which shows all sides of her musical persona).
Janis Joplin had the ability to shanghai the listener and take them right into her soul and that's the mark of a truly great performer.
She will never be equaled for her contributions to music and for opening up a place for females following their muses.
posted: February 2005. |
