Record Reviews

JANIS JOPLIN ~ THE PEARL SESSIONS SONY 886978422422 (Barcode: 886978422422) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2012 We all love to bitch how the Major record labels are ripping us off by releasing the same material again and again in a slightly different packaging. Although this release might be considered by some as one of those cases, especially in view of the "Pearl (Legacy Edition)Find albums with this title", released not so long ago, in fact it shouldn´t be, as it brings a plethora of previously unreleased material (a whole CD worth of it), which is simply sensational. Considering the fact that Janis JoplinFind albums by this artist was the absolutely best white American singer of the 1960s every piece of archival material, especially of such high quality as the studio stuff from the "Pearl" sessions included here, is worth its weight in pure gold. I have written extensively about Joplin, her life and Art and the tragic waste she represents more than any other victim of the conflict between the Person and the Artists, which can be devastating; so let´s see what is new on this 2CD edition. The first CD includes the original posthumously released "Pearl" alum in its full glory. In addition the mono versions of some of the album´s tracks, which were released as singles, are also present. The second CD includes mostly material recorded in the studio during the recording sessions in July and September 1970: pieces of conversation between Janis and the members of Full Tilt Boogie BandFind albums by this artist and legendary producer Paul RothchildFind albums by this artist, different takes and false starts, all these living documents of the artistic process called "making an album", which the listener is usually completely unaware of. In addition a couple of live tracks are also included. Song after song, take after take Joplin is singing her heart out, with power, conviction and that great natural talent, which was simply unparalleled at the time and stayed as such for posterity. This album is much more than a historic document of an era and a portrait of an Artist; it is a superb and masterful piece of music, which deserves to be heard again and again. Since the legacy Janis left is so criminally small, an addition like this is absolutely priceless and every serious Joplin fan will definitely grab it immediately as will most Classic Rock fans. On the other hand we are a dying breed, so who knows. I certainly don´t mind to be ripped off in this case!

Updated: 26/08/2020Posted:

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