Search - Big Brother & Holding Company, Janis Joplin :: Big Brother & The Holding Company

5 stars for Janis....

Stacy Pulliam | US | 11/25/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"...because she makes this album worthwhile..as expected. While it is interesting to hear the early little folky sounds of BBHC it is even more interesting to hear Janis Joplin in her early BBHC days.

This album was the first release for Big Brother from a failing record company called Mainstream. The album's producer Bob Shad was a 'scout' of sorts at concerts and shows in San Fransisco or anywhere he thought he might find the almighty dollar. Well we can sit and listen and be thankful for Mr. Shad's capitalism. This is an awesome little buncha tunes.

This album was produced and recorded in a studio with people who were reportedly not used to hearing the loud freak-out sounds of BBHC so this is not as big sounding as Cheap Thrills. It IS however a great trip back in time and it sounds more like Janis does folk rock rather than the usual trip-out and boogie kind of stuff. ALL the songs are great but its Janis that makes them great. Her own songwriting comes to life here and even though the band werent allowed to record at volume levels that suited them- this is NO cheap bargain bin disc. (by the way an original vinyl copy of this album is worth a pretty penny and is a GEM for collectors and fans alike)



Its a young vibrant Janis doing great tunes with an underground feel. I bought this a long time ago and I have enjoyed it more than I can say here. Its a glimpse into a youthful, innocence that a lot of people dont see or hear very often with typical Janis stuff.



STANDOUT TRACKS (in my opinion) ARE:



*Easy Rider

*Call On Me

*Intruder (great lyrics by Janis herself here)



Extra tracks were added to this later and those CDs are still very available.

This version of Bye Bye Baby is heard on Janis' Greatest Hits album/CD. Some of these songs on this album have double tracked vocals and it makes Janis' voice stand out and brighten the songs.



Even tho' BBHC were NOT the best band in the world- this album/CD makes you love Janis even more. Its Janis in her youth- and as I said before- its the sound of innocence and playfulness that makes this so special.

"