Search - Janis Joplin :: Pearl

Classic and historic

Karen Anderson | USA | 04/29/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Paul Rothchild (Doors' producer) came along at just the right time to produce this classic and historic work, which was Janis' last album, released posthumously after her tragic and premature departure from the planet. "Me and Bobby McGee" never ceases to amaze me, especially when she delivers the word "nuthin" after singing the famous line, "freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose." The way she says "nuthin" is just so flat-out REAL, you know she's speaking to you straight from her bones. (The acoustic demo of this song is available on the 3-CD box set, which sheds light on how Janis single-handedly created the blueprint for this track, just her and her guitar). "My Baby" is gospel-like and redemptive, and is my favorite song on the "Pearl" album. It's as though her voice is a gateway into another realm and sends chills thru the body. "Cry Baby" is also one of Janis' most amazing vocal performances. (I like the alternate version of "Cry Baby" available on the 3-CD box set even better, because it captures some interesting moments of spontaneity and laughter in the studio, along with a very amusing rap midway thru the song.)What many people don't realize about Janis is that she wrote some of her own (and best) material. "Move Over" is a Janis original and rocks as hard as anything she ever recorded. She sang this song on the Dick Cavett show right before her infamous high school reunion in Port Arthur.She also performed "Get It While You Can" on the same show, which is as much of an anthem as any song she recorded. The line, "we may not be here tomorrow," is all too prophetic. And the instrumental track of the ironic "Buried Alive in the Blues" is hard to listen for all the obvious reasons because Janis is conspicuous by her absence. (She was scheduled to finish the vocals for this Nick Gravenites tune the day she was found dead from an accidental overdose in her hotel room. The juxtaposition of the uptempo, happy beat of "Buried Alive in the Blues" is at odds with the circumstances, but it is a fitting tribute that it was included on the album, and a stark reminder that Janis was truly a force of nature and an highly exuberant (and joyous) personality, even when missing in action.) ... "Pearl" is rock 'n' roll history, a must for every record collection. There will always be a bummer element to this album because of the association of her death, but her energy and brilliance rock on and shine on, none the less. All praise to Janis---Legend, icon, pioneer---the late, the great Janis Joplin, still-reigning queen of rock."

Justin Crawford's Pearl review

justin crawford | USA | 08/11/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Janis Joplin's 1971 release "Pearl" is the best album by Janis. Even though it's not a finished album but it never will be. She died before she had time to finish the album. Thats why "Buried Alive in The Blues" has no vocal, because she died the night before she was suppose to record that vocal. The rest of the album is Janis at her best vocally and musically "Move Over" a song penned by Janis is the lead track and probably the best song on the record. All the songs are great and very emotional. She left this world too soon but we do have her music. What little there is, but go get pearl it is her best."

Awesome tracks!

10/30/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I really think this cd was great and it really is a damn shame that Janis had to go. Man she was one gorgeous lady and an awesome artist and I'll bet you that she's rocking in heaven right now!!!"