For the price, you get an excellent sampling of the essentia
Priscilla A. Arnold | Minneapolis, MN | 03/27/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Samplers are created for the people that aren't avid fans who will go buy every album the artist ever recorded. Or for those who want to get a taste of someone's music before investing a lot. For me, that was the reason I bought this album. Cheap & basic. Now, I'm hooked on Janis, but there's not a lot of need to start with more than this. She's phenomenal, and has such a unique voice and delivery. An essential part of an American music lover's collection!"
A Janis Compilation with a standout Single
G. Possert | Lancaster, CA USA | 11/16/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"With a small crowd, some low budget recording equipment, and a few drinks, Janis belts-out her emotional, soulful story, no holds barred, on Track 8. This is another of those CD's where the price is worth paying for one single track, that being "Turtle Blues". Joplinists are familiar with this "non-commercial" track, but those buying this CD for the more well-known cuts are in for a singular treat.
"Turtle Blues" is a raw, un-mastered Janis autobiography of sorts. There is even the crash of a breaking cocktail glass and the sounds of the glass being swept up in the room background noise. The small crowd gives her polite but sparse applause at the end... I'd pay a thousand to have been there. No matter, "ain't nobody goin' to dog her down". Except Janis herself."