Zack: Janis Joplin was an odd bird. While watching a documentary on the Monterey Pop Festival a few years back, some dude claiming to be an expert confirmed this by telling a story of a time when Janis met a record producer who wanted to sign her. She agreed to do so, but only if the man sexed her brains out. That’s a deal I would take in a second, but I’m sure it caught that lucky guy off guard. Behind all of that craziness, however, was an incredibly talented voice. To me, her voice is both soothing and sharp. These two contradictions don’t alternate, however, but somehow mesh together flawlessly. Her voice seems to beckon you forward but at the same time warn you of the world that you are entering. It’s almost like the song of the harpies, but that comparison doesn’t quite capture the majesty of her sound. The most haunting part of the album isn’t her voice, however, but rather the lack of it. This album was released about four months after she passed away from a heroin overdose. The day her body was found also happened to be the day she was to record the vocals for the song Buried Alive in the Blues. As if that song title wasn’t macabre enough, they included the song as it was. The quiet makes the listener feel as if the ghost of Janis Joplin is hovering right next to them, remaining silent as they are left to contemplate what Janis would have said. Through all her quirks and oddities and flaws, the time spent listening to that song is enough to make anyone miss the beautiful individuality that was Janis Joplin.
Favorite Tracks: Buried Alive in the Blues; Cry Baby; Get It While You Can
Emily: Janis Joplin’s voice is like no other. Pearl, which was Joplin’s last album before her untimely death, pays great homage to that. The instrumentation, although strong enough to stand on its own (as in the instrumental track Buried Alive in the Blues), takes a backseat to Joplin’s heartbreaking vocals. The listener can feel the pain and emotion with every word she belts. Janis Joplin was a troubled soul, but an amazingly talented one. This album is a testament to both her troubles and her talent.
Favorite Tracks: Trust Me; Cry Baby; Get It While You Can
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