Search - Big Brother & Holding Company :: How Hard It Is

How Hard It Is

Stuart Jefferson | San Diego,Ca | 06/08/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Approximarely 34 min. Remastered sound. This album is a continuation from the previous Big Brother album Be A Brother. The core group is once again joined by David Shallock on guitar,Mike Finnegan on keyboards,with an assist on vocals from Kathy McDonald and Nick Gravenites. The musicianship has improved,which may or may not be a good thing,depending on what you're looking for. As on their previous album the un-tutored,un-bridled guitar sound has been smoothed out for a bit more of a commercial sound. Hearing this album you might not immediatley know who this is. The tunes themselves are more focused than previously,with a flow that's much better than the previous album. The vocal work seems to be thought out more,along with the solos,which helps this album immensely. The two or so years that Big Brother tried to keep it together when recording this and the previous album were hard times,as they struggled without Janis Joplin. Growth is evident on this album,however,musical growth is not something a lot of Big Brothere fans look for. The excitement,the seemingly barely thought out arrangements and the primitive guitar playing was truly awesome to experience live,and the first few albums bear this out. One listen to the track Maui will tell you what you need to know about this album-good arrangement,good guitar,subtle percussion. But the old magic is gone-and I wish it was still here."