Can't Go Wrong., 05 Jul 2007
Etta James is one of my all time favourite female singers and this album is brilliant and it just so happens it is a bargain. For those more dedicated fans I would suggest the complete chess recordings, however, you cannot go wrong by having this in your collection and for those unfamiliar with Etta James, this is a great introduction, which could get you hooked!

Great introduction to Etta's music, 16 May 2005
Etta was one of the finest R+B singers of the sixties and early seventies, with an incredible voice and an amazing ability to interpret a song. This compilation contains a selection of the music that she recorded forr the Chess label during that period. There are so many great songs here but I'll tell you about some of my favorites.

Almost persuaded, originally a number one country hit for David Houston, is given a bluesy R+B treatment here. Maybe Etta was inspired to try this by Ray Charles' re-interpretation of country songs, but whatever the reason she did it, the result is impressive. Loving arms, recorded by many singers but generally associated with Elvis Presley, is another inspired cover, as is At last, originally recorded by Glenn Miller.

Etta was first to record I'd rather go blind. In Britain, this became a top twenty UK hit via a cover by the British blues group Chicken Shack. Christine McVie (later of Fleetwood Mac fame) was the lead singer on that single but much as I love Christine's voice, the original version by Etta is superior. Etta's only UK hit of her own came following its use in a TV commercial in 1996 - it made the UK top five and is, of course, the raunchy opening track here, I just wanna make love to you.

Etta had plenty of R+B hits in America, though she only made a limited impact on the main pop charts. Among Etta's R+B hits to be found here are Pushover, Tell Mama and Stop the wedding, all of them excellent.

As an introduction to Etta's music, this is brilliant, especially considering that it is a budget release.

the Best of Etta James is the best!!, 09 Aug 2002
I bought this record for one track only - 'At last' having heard it in a number of films, but now I am completely hooked on all of the songs.

I didn't realise I would know so many of the other tracks like 'I Just Want To Make Love To You' and 'Leave Your Hat On' but I find myself singing along to each and every one.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable album and a definite must for anyones collection.

Fantastic - a must have for all those a little sentimental, 14 Sep 2000
This CD is wonderful, I first listened to it whilst visiting family in America, and as soon as it came on I felt so emotional. Etta's wonderful soulful voice with an oldfashioned yet timeless melody in the song 'AT LAST' featured in many films and more to come. I am sure this is bound to bring on some great feelings. Then in the basement just make s you want to dance. I was dancing round the ktichen with my four year old neice and her grandmother, 3 generations all still loving her tunes. For backgound music, to party tunes those Etta fans will be satisfied with this compilation, those new fans should check it out!

Can't Go Wrong., 05 Jul 2007
Etta James is one of my all time favourite female singers and this album is brilliant and it just so happens it is a bargain. For those more dedicated fans I would suggest the complete chess recordings, however, you cannot go wrong by having this in your collection and for those unfamiliar with Etta James, this is a great introduction, which could get you hooked!

Great introduction to Etta's music, 16 May 2005
Etta was one of the finest R+B singers of the sixties and early seventies, with an incredible voice and an amazing ability to interpret a song. This compilation contains a selection of the music that she recorded forr the Chess label during that period. There are so many great songs here but I'll tell you about some of my favorites.

Almost persuaded, originally a number one country hit for David Houston, is given a bluesy R+B treatment here. Maybe Etta was inspired to try this by Ray Charles' re-interpretation of country songs, but whatever the reason she did it, the result is impressive. Loving arms, recorded by many singers but generally associated with Elvis Presley, is another inspired cover, as is At last, originally recorded by Glenn Miller.

Etta was first to record I'd rather go blind. In Britain, this became a top twenty UK hit via a cover by the British blues group Chicken Shack. Christine McVie (later of Fleetwood Mac fame) was the lead singer on that single but much as I love Christine's voice, the original version by Etta is superior. Etta's only UK hit of her own came following its use in a TV commercial in 1996 - it made the UK top five and is, of course, the raunchy opening track here, I just wanna make love to you.

Etta had plenty of R+B hits in America, though she only made a limited impact on the main pop charts. Among Etta's R+B hits to be found here are Pushover, Tell Mama and Stop the wedding, all of them excellent.

As an introduction to Etta's music, this is brilliant, especially considering that it is a budget release.

the Best of Etta James is the best!!, 09 Aug 2002
I bought this record for one track only - 'At last' having heard it in a number of films, but now I am completely hooked on all of the songs.

I didn't realise I would know so many of the other tracks like 'I Just Want To Make Love To You' and 'Leave Your Hat On' but I find myself singing along to each and every one.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable album and a definite must for anyones collection.

Fantastic - a must have for all those a little sentimental, 14 Sep 2000
This CD is wonderful, I first listened to it whilst visiting family in America, and as soon as it came on I felt so emotional. Etta's wonderful soulful voice with an oldfashioned yet timeless melody in the song 'AT LAST' featured in many films and more to come. I am sure this is bound to bring on some great feelings. Then in the basement just make s you want to dance. I was dancing round the ktichen with my four year old neice and her grandmother, 3 generations all still loving her tunes. For backgound music, to party tunes those Etta fans will be satisfied with this compilation, those new fans should check it out!

Incomplete, 24 Oct 2004
Although Janis Joplin's genius shines through all of these tracks, the selection is inadequate. An album with a title like greatest hits needs to contain Combination Of The Two (from Cheap Thrills, with Big Brother and the Holding Company) and Joplin's version of the Bee Gees' To Love Somebody (from Kozmic Blues).

Luckily there are more comprehensive compilations available, and this album would do as an introduction to the Joplin novice. It contains the impressive acid rock onslaught of Piece Of My Heart, the original version of the timeless Me And Bobby McGee (a huge posthumous hit for her in 1971), the wrenching Maybe from Kozmic Blues and her popular novelty song Mercedes Benz.

Most of the tracks are from Pearl and while I love all of them, especially Cry Baby, Move Over and Get It While You Can, one must never forget her lesser known albums that contain many gems. The obscure Farewell Song, for example, has brilliant tracks like The Magic Of Love, One Night Stand and the title track.

For Joplin completists and those who would like to get more of her best in one place, there are The Essential Janis Joplin, a 2-CD set with 30 tracks, and The Janis Joplin anthology, a brilliant compilation of 19 of her very best performances.

A voice that makes you shiver, 08 Feb 2004
Janis Joplin was a force of nature and this collection is a useful, if limited, introduction to her awesome power. Janis had a voice that will literally send shivers through your spine as she rips out of the very depths of her being: I am not exaggerating, the pain, the power and the passion of her music comes from the enormous part of herself she threw into every recording.

Janis was famous for power blues-rock and this collection will give you a flavour of this. Standouts? Her reworking of the Gershwin's Summertime from Porgy and Bess is an atmosphere drenched (you can smell the cigarette smoke!) crawl through the song, heavy with distorted guitars and a persistent bass. Try (just a little bit harder) from the career high of 'Got Dem Old Kozmic Blues Again Mama' is a more upbeat song featuring a prominent brass section that gives it an almost old soul feel. And her reworking of the Kris Kristofferson track 'Me and Bobby McGee' is a beautiful ballad that shows Janis' vocal talents to the full.

It is sad then that for many people the only track that they will know of Janis is the comical Mercedes Benz as it was used in an advert for the company. If you are one of the people buy this or better still '18 Essential Songs' and find out what Janis was really about.

It'll do......, 09 Jan 2004
This album may have been a big hit back when it was released in 1973 but time and a growing appreciation of Janis Joplin's talent hasn't been kind to it's choice of tracks. Nearly half the tracks chosen here are from the 'Pearl' album and indeed it was with the Full Tilt Boogie Band that Janis's voice could come to the fore, not having to compete with the spaced out acid rock of Big Brother & The Holding Company and the soul-influenced horns of the Kozmic Blues Band. Her seminal live performance of 'Ball & Chain' from the 1967 Monterey Festival was ignored for the lacklustre performance featured here. Ironically this is the best selling and least satisfying of all the Janis compilations out there.

Having said that there are some great Janis moments on this album. Her vocal performances on the Big Brother tracks are powerful and unrelenting. 'Cheap Thrills' was recorded in a way that would capture some essence of their intense live act. Although Janis's live shows with the Kozmic Blues Band never reached the same level of intensity, the album 'I Got Dem 'Ol Kozmic Blues Again Mama' proved she could adapt her vocal style to soul-influenced riffs with veritable ease. 'Move Over' was an indication that she was also a pretty handy songwriter. A talent which unfortunetly never came to full fruition.

An average compilation in the end that needed an inspired compiler brave enough to make some track changes (or at least insightful enough to add 4 or 5 more bonus tracks).

janis' singing is gritty and full of blues., 04 Jul 2000
this albumn is deep and blusey, even more so with janis' history. she sings from the heart and the lungs, with backing to add to the general 'get on down' tone.

I think summertime is the most haunting piece,guitars flow under the rough deep purple voice,an equal duet of voice and guitar. with the guitar yeilding to janis' voice.

the whimsical me and bobby mcgee is an antidote and almost quaint (for janis)in the general goings on in this CD.

not unlike other tourtured female singers not an easy listen, but great for a drink and a think.

one down side i miss the crackles of the vinyl or if live the talk and the smells, hence the 4 out of five!

Janis RULES!, 13 Oct 1999
Janis fasinated me from the moment I heard this album as ateenager I fell in love with that gravily voice which as you may not know was acctually trained in opera at school, so you know despite what alot of people think this woman can sing! As like many of my favourite artists she sings very openly and honestly. My favourite songs on this are Ball and Chain, Me and Bobby McGee! Fantastic.

Can't Go Wrong., 05 Jul 2007
Etta James is one of my all time favourite female singers and this album is brilliant and it just so happens it is a bargain. For those more dedicated fans I would suggest the complete chess recordings, however, you cannot go wrong by having this in your collection and for those unfamiliar with Etta James, this is a great introduction, which could get you hooked!

Great introduction to Etta's music, 16 May 2005
Etta was one of the finest R+B singers of the sixties and early seventies, with an incredible voice and an amazing ability to interpret a song. This compilation contains a selection of the music that she recorded forr the Chess label during that period. There are so many great songs here but I'll tell you about some of my favorites.

Almost persuaded, originally a number one country hit for David Houston, is given a bluesy R+B treatment here. Maybe Etta was inspired to try this by Ray Charles' re-interpretation of country songs, but whatever the reason she did it, the result is impressive. Loving arms, recorded by many singers but generally associated with Elvis Presley, is another inspired cover, as is At last, originally recorded by Glenn Miller.

Etta was first to record I'd rather go blind. In Britain, this became a top twenty UK hit via a cover by the British blues group Chicken Shack. Christine McVie (later of Fleetwood Mac fame) was the lead singer on that single but much as I love Christine's voice, the original version by Etta is superior. Etta's only UK hit of her own came following its use in a TV commercial in 1996 - it made the UK top five and is, of course, the raunchy opening track here, I just wanna make love to you.

Etta had plenty of R+B hits in America, though she only made a limited impact on the main pop charts. Among Etta's R+B hits to be found here are Pushover, Tell Mama and Stop the wedding, all of them excellent.

As an introduction to Etta's music, this is brilliant, especially considering that it is a budget release.

the Best of Etta James is the best!!, 09 Aug 2002
I bought this record for one track only - 'At last' having heard it in a number of films, but now I am completely hooked on all of the songs.

I didn't realise I would know so many of the other tracks like 'I Just Want To Make Love To You' and 'Leave Your Hat On' but I find myself singing along to each and every one.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable album and a definite must for anyones collection.

Fantastic - a must have for all those a little sentimental, 14 Sep 2000
This CD is wonderful, I first listened to it whilst visiting family in America, and as soon as it came on I felt so emotional. Etta's wonderful soulful voice with an oldfashioned yet timeless melody in the song 'AT LAST' featured in many films and more to come. I am sure this is bound to bring on some great feelings. Then in the basement just make s you want to dance. I was dancing round the ktichen with my four year old neice and her grandmother, 3 generations all still loving her tunes. For backgound music, to party tunes those Etta fans will be satisfied with this compilation, those new fans should check it out!

Incomplete, 24 Oct 2004
Although Janis Joplin's genius shines through all of these tracks, the selection is inadequate. An album with a title like greatest hits needs to contain Combination Of The Two (from Cheap Thrills, with Big Brother and the Holding Company) and Joplin's version of the Bee Gees' To Love Somebody (from Kozmic Blues).

Luckily there are more comprehensive compilations available, and this album would do as an introduction to the Joplin novice. It contains the impressive acid rock onslaught of Piece Of My Heart, the original version of the timeless Me And Bobby McGee (a huge posthumous hit for her in 1971), the wrenching Maybe from Kozmic Blues and her popular novelty song Mercedes Benz.

Most of the tracks are from Pearl and while I love all of them, especially Cry Baby, Move Over and Get It While You Can, one must never forget her lesser known albums that contain many gems. The obscure Farewell Song, for example, has brilliant tracks like The Magic Of Love, One Night Stand and the title track.

For Joplin completists and those who would like to get more of her best in one place, there are The Essential Janis Joplin, a 2-CD set with 30 tracks, and The Janis Joplin anthology, a brilliant compilation of 19 of her very best performances.

A voice that makes you shiver, 08 Feb 2004
Janis Joplin was a force of nature and this collection is a useful, if limited, introduction to her awesome power. Janis had a voice that will literally send shivers through your spine as she rips out of the very depths of her being: I am not exaggerating, the pain, the power and the passion of her music comes from the enormous part of herself she threw into every recording.

Janis was famous for power blues-rock and this collection will give you a flavour of this. Standouts? Her reworking of the Gershwin's Summertime from Porgy and Bess is an atmosphere drenched (you can smell the cigarette smoke!) crawl through the song, heavy with distorted guitars and a persistent bass. Try (just a little bit harder) from the career high of 'Got Dem Old Kozmic Blues Again Mama' is a more upbeat song featuring a prominent brass section that gives it an almost old soul feel. And her reworking of the Kris Kristofferson track 'Me and Bobby McGee' is a beautiful ballad that shows Janis' vocal talents to the full.

It is sad then that for many people the only track that they will know of Janis is the comical Mercedes Benz as it was used in an advert for the company. If you are one of the people buy this or better still '18 Essential Songs' and find out what Janis was really about.

It'll do......, 09 Jan 2004
This album may have been a big hit back when it was released in 1973 but time and a growing appreciation of Janis Joplin's talent hasn't been kind to it's choice of tracks. Nearly half the tracks chosen here are from the 'Pearl' album and indeed it was with the Full Tilt Boogie Band that Janis's voice could come to the fore, not having to compete with the spaced out acid rock of Big Brother & The Holding Company and the soul-influenced horns of the Kozmic Blues Band. Her seminal live performance of 'Ball & Chain' from the 1967 Monterey Festival was ignored for the lacklustre performance featured here. Ironically this is the best selling and least satisfying of all the Janis compilations out there.

Having said that there are some great Janis moments on this album. Her vocal performances on the Big Brother tracks are powerful and unrelenting. 'Cheap Thrills' was recorded in a way that would capture some essence of their intense live act. Although Janis's live shows with the Kozmic Blues Band never reached the same level of intensity, the album 'I Got Dem 'Ol Kozmic Blues Again Mama' proved she could adapt her vocal style to soul-influenced riffs with veritable ease. 'Move Over' was an indication that she was also a pretty handy songwriter. A talent which unfortunetly never came to full fruition.

An average compilation in the end that needed an inspired compiler brave enough to make some track changes (or at least insightful enough to add 4 or 5 more bonus tracks).

janis' singing is gritty and full of blues., 04 Jul 2000
this albumn is deep and blusey, even more so with janis' history. she sings from the heart and the lungs, with backing to add to the general 'get on down' tone.

I think summertime is the most haunting piece,guitars flow under the rough deep purple voice,an equal duet of voice and guitar. with the guitar yeilding to janis' voice.

the whimsical me and bobby mcgee is an antidote and almost quaint (for janis)in the general goings on in this CD.

not unlike other tourtured female singers not an easy listen, but great for a drink and a think.

one down side i miss the crackles of the vinyl or if live the talk and the smells, hence the 4 out of five!

Janis RULES!, 13 Oct 1999
Janis fasinated me from the moment I heard this album as ateenager I fell in love with that gravily voice which as you may not know was acctually trained in opera at school, so you know despite what alot of people think this woman can sing! As like many of my favourite artists she sings very openly and honestly. My favourite songs on this are Ball and Chain, Me and Bobby McGee! Fantastic.

500, 11 Nov 2007
This is generally accepted as one of the top 500 albums of all time. Listen to it and find out why. Not only that, but the live album captures the band at it best.

Just love it!, 24 Oct 2005
One of my favorites. I expected to enjoy it, must say it exceeded my expectations. If you like ... well, if you like music and are serious about it, you must definitely own a copy. Nice bonus tracks, too.

Four gentlemen and one great, great broad..., 11 Jun 2005
That's what the announcer says at the beginning of this live/studio masterpiece... and for good reason because what follows is an outstanding example of blues-rock singing at its very best. But there's a lot more on offer here than just the touchstone that catapulted Janis Joplin to international stardom. First off, the band, in particular James Gurley's guitarwork, lay down some seriously impressive playing that's not only fully up to the task of keeping pace with her but which provides the perfect backdrop for her raw, stunningly powerful vocals. Then there's the quality and range of the songs themselves (other than the unnecessary, second rate "bonus tracks") including the "hippy" enthusiasm of "Combination of the Two", the driving acid-rock of "Sweet Mary" & "I Need a Man to Love", and the quite outstanding electric blues of "Summertime", "Piece of my Heart" & "Ball & Chain". And finally, the whole "style" of the album itself with it's quintessential Robert Crumb artwork, its atmospheric, often heavily reverbed sound, the enthusiastic audience reaction and the announcer's wonderfully laid-back contributions, all of which combine to capture what San Francisco's hugely influential ballroom scene was all about. A perfect time capsule that stands the test of time because it's more than good enough to and which, on the way, showcases a truly great singer on absolutely top form.

Gutsy psychedelic blues-rock!!, 18 May 2004
This is an example of the heavey blues influence on the San Fransisco music at the time. Dominated by Janis Joplin's frightening voice and the screaming guitar of James Gurley, Cheap Thrills invites you on an epic of energetic, predominantly blues numbers. The first track: Combination of the two,for me the highlight of the album, is a real rocker that eptomises the San Fransiscan rock vibe of the time, with awesome whoa whoa chants by Janis. Other blues tracks such as Summertime have a very psychedelic sound (James Gurley = father of psychedelic guitar) and showcase the talent of Janis's voice.(Although second to Grace).
Buyers looking for one of the most prominent (with good reason) acid-rock albums of the era cannot let this one slip!

EXUBERANT ACID ROCK, 19 Jun 2002
Cheap Thrills is a great, raucous, exuberant celebration of life with Joplin's at times desperate, always intensely emotional vocals and the enthusiastic playing of Big Brother in their powerful acid rock/psychedelic onslaught. Piece Of My Heart sweeps the listener along in its maelstrom of sound, while Combination Of The Two has a certain addictive, hypnotic quality that is the trademark of great rock music. Summertime and Ball & Chain are innovative interpretations of the Gershwin and Big Mama Thornton tunes respectively, while of the added tracks, Magic of Love is the only one that matches the intensity of the original album's songs. Because of the Big Brother onslaught, it does sometimes seem that there's a cosmic battle taking place between Joplin's vocals and the band's wall of sound, but this creates a further element of tension that adds to the overall force of these performances. This is a great show of Joplin's magic.

Can't Go Wrong., 05 Jul 2007
Etta James is one of my all time favourite female singers and this album is brilliant and it just so happens it is a bargain. For those more dedicated fans I would suggest the complete chess recordings, however, you cannot go wrong by having this in your collection and for those unfamiliar with Etta James, this is a great introduction, which could get you hooked!

Great introduction to Etta's music, 16 May 2005
Etta was one of the finest R+B singers of the sixties and early seventies, with an incredible voice and an amazing ability to interpret a song. This compilation contains a selection of the music that she recorded forr the Chess label during that period. There are so many great songs here but I'll tell you about some of my favorites.

Almost persuaded, originally a number one country hit for David Houston, is given a bluesy R+B treatment here. Maybe Etta was inspired to try this by Ray Charles' re-interpretation of country songs, but whatever the reason she did it, the result is impressive. Loving arms, recorded by many singers but generally associated with Elvis Presley, is another inspired cover, as is At last, originally recorded by Glenn Miller.

Etta was first to record I'd rather go blind. In Britain, this became a top twenty UK hit via a cover by the British blues group Chicken Shack. Christine McVie (later of Fleetwood Mac fame) was the lead singer on that single but much as I love Christine's voice, the original version by Etta is superior. Etta's only UK hit of her own came following its use in a TV commercial in 1996 - it made the UK top five and is, of course, the raunchy opening track here, I just wanna make love to you.

Etta had plenty of R+B hits in America, though she only made a limited impact on the main pop charts. Among Etta's R+B hits to be found here are Pushover, Tell Mama and Stop the wedding, all of them excellent.

As an introduction to Etta's music, this is brilliant, especially considering that it is a budget release.

the Best of Etta James is the best!!, 09 Aug 2002
I bought this record for one track only - 'At last' having heard it in a number of films, but now I am completely hooked on all of the songs.

I didn't realise I would know so many of the other tracks like 'I Just Want To Make Love To You' and 'Leave Your Hat On' but I find myself singing along to each and every one.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable album and a definite must for anyones collection.

Fantastic - a must have for all those a little sentimental, 14 Sep 2000
This CD is wonderful, I first listened to it whilst visiting family in America, and as soon as it came on I felt so emotional. Etta's wonderful soulful voice with an oldfashioned yet timeless melody in the song 'AT LAST' featured in many films and more to come. I am sure this is bound to bring on some great feelings. Then in the basement just make s you want to dance. I was dancing round the ktichen with my four year old neice and her grandmother, 3 generations all still loving her tunes. For backgound music, to party tunes those Etta fans will be satisfied with this compilation, those new fans should check it out!

Incomplete, 24 Oct 2004
Although Janis Joplin's genius shines through all of these tracks, the selection is inadequate. An album with a title like greatest hits needs to contain Combination Of The Two (from Cheap Thrills, with Big Brother and the Holding Company) and Joplin's version of the Bee Gees' To Love Somebody (from Kozmic Blues).

Luckily there are more comprehensive compilations available, and this album would do as an introduction to the Joplin novice. It contains the impressive acid rock onslaught of Piece Of My Heart, the original version of the timeless Me And Bobby McGee (a huge posthumous hit for her in 1971), the wrenching Maybe from Kozmic Blues and her popular novelty song Mercedes Benz.

Most of the tracks are from Pearl and while I love all of them, especially Cry Baby, Move Over and Get It While You Can, one must never forget her lesser known albums that contain many gems. The obscure Farewell Song, for example, has brilliant tracks like The Magic Of Love, One Night Stand and the title track.

For Joplin completists and those who would like to get more of her best in one place, there are The Essential Janis Joplin, a 2-CD set with 30 tracks, and The Janis Joplin anthology, a brilliant compilation of 19 of her very best performances.

A voice that makes you shiver, 08 Feb 2004
Janis Joplin was a force of nature and this collection is a useful, if limited, introduction to her awesome power. Janis had a voice that will literally send shivers through your spine as she rips out of the very depths of her being: I am not exaggerating, the pain, the power and the passion of her music comes from the enormous part of herself she threw into every recording.

Janis was famous for power blues-rock and this collection will give you a flavour of this. Standouts? Her reworking of the Gershwin's Summertime from Porgy and Bess is an atmosphere drenched (you can smell the cigarette smoke!) crawl through the song, heavy with distorted guitars and a persistent bass. Try (just a little bit harder) from the career high of 'Got Dem Old Kozmic Blues Again Mama' is a more upbeat song featuring a prominent brass section that gives it an almost old soul feel. And her reworking of the Kris Kristofferson track 'Me and Bobby McGee' is a beautiful ballad that shows Janis' vocal talents to the full.

It is sad then that for many people the only track that they will know of Janis is the comical Mercedes Benz as it was used in an advert for the company. If you are one of the people buy this or better still '18 Essential Songs' and find out what Janis was really about.

It'll do......, 09 Jan 2004
This album may have been a big hit back when it was released in 1973 but time and a growing appreciation of Janis Joplin's talent hasn't been kind to it's choice of tracks. Nearly half the tracks chosen here are from the 'Pearl' album and indeed it was with the Full Tilt Boogie Band that Janis's voice could come to the fore, not having to compete with the spaced out acid rock of Big Brother & The Holding Company and the soul-influenced horns of the Kozmic Blues Band. Her seminal live performance of 'Ball & Chain' from the 1967 Monterey Festival was ignored for the lacklustre performance featured here. Ironically this is the best selling and least satisfying of all the Janis compilations out there.

Having said that there are some great Janis moments on this album. Her vocal performances on the Big Brother tracks are powerful and unrelenting. 'Cheap Thrills' was recorded in a way that would capture some essence of their intense live act. Although Janis's live shows with the Kozmic Blues Band never reached the same level of intensity, the album 'I Got Dem 'Ol Kozmic Blues Again Mama' proved she could adapt her vocal style to soul-influenced riffs with veritable ease. 'Move Over' was an indication that she was also a pretty handy songwriter. A talent which unfortunetly never came to full fruition.

An average compilation in the end that needed an inspired compiler brave enough to make some track changes (or at least insightful enough to add 4 or 5 more bonus tracks).

janis' singing is gritty and full of blues., 04 Jul 2000
this albumn is deep and blusey, even more so with janis' history. she sings from the heart and the lungs, with backing to add to the general 'get on down' tone.

I think summertime is the most haunting piece,guitars flow under the rough deep purple voice,an equal duet of voice and guitar. with the guitar yeilding to janis' voice.

the whimsical me and bobby mcgee is an antidote and almost quaint (for janis)in the general goings on in this CD.

not unlike other tourtured female singers not an easy listen, but great for a drink and a think.

one down side i miss the crackles of the vinyl or if live the talk and the smells, hence the 4 out of five!

Janis RULES!, 13 Oct 1999
Janis fasinated me from the moment I heard this album as ateenager I fell in love with that gravily voice which as you may not know was acctually trained in opera at school, so you know despite what alot of people think this woman can sing! As like many of my favourite artists she sings very openly and honestly. My favourite songs on this are Ball and Chain, Me and Bobby McGee! Fantastic.

500, 11 Nov 2007
This is generally accepted as one of the top 500 albums of all time. Listen to it and find out why. Not only that, but the live album captures the band at it best.

Just love it!, 24 Oct 2005
One of my favorites. I expected to enjoy it, must say it exceeded my expectations. If you like ... well, if you like music and are serious about it, you must definitely own a copy. Nice bonus tracks, too.

Four gentlemen and one great, great broad..., 11 Jun 2005
That's what the announcer says at the beginning of this live/studio masterpiece... and for good reason because what follows is an outstanding example of blues-rock singing at its very best. But there's a lot more on offer here than just the touchstone that catapulted Janis Joplin to international stardom. First off, the band, in particular James Gurley's guitarwork, lay down some seriously impressive playing that's not only fully up to the task of keeping pace with her but which provides the perfect backdrop for her raw, stunningly powerful vocals. Then there's the quality and range of the songs themselves (other than the unnecessary, second rate "bonus tracks") including the "hippy" enthusiasm of "Combination of the Two", the driving acid-rock of "Sweet Mary" & "I Need a Man to Love", and the quite outstanding electric blues of "Summertime", "Piece of my Heart" & "Ball & Chain". And finally, the whole "style" of the album itself with it's quintessential Robert Crumb artwork, its atmospheric, often heavily reverbed sound, the enthusiastic audience reaction and the announcer's wonderfully laid-back contributions, all of which combine to capture what San Francisco's hugely influential ballroom scene was all about. A perfect time capsule that stands the test of time because it's more than good enough to and which, on the way, showcases a truly great singer on absolutely top form.

Gutsy psychedelic blues-rock!!, 18 May 2004
This is an example of the heavey blues influence on the San Fransisco music at the time. Dominated by Janis Joplin's frightening voice and the screaming guitar of James Gurley, Cheap Thrills invites you on an epic of energetic, predominantly blues numbers. The first track: Combination of the two,for me the highlight of the album, is a real rocker that eptomises the San Fransiscan rock vibe of the time, with awesome whoa whoa chants by Janis. Other blues tracks such as Summertime have a very psychedelic sound (James Gurley = father of psychedelic guitar) and showcase the talent of Janis's voice.(Although second to Grace).
Buyers looking for one of the most prominent (with good reason) acid-rock albums of the era cannot let this one slip!

EXUBERANT ACID ROCK, 19 Jun 2002
Cheap Thrills is a great, raucous, exuberant celebration of life with Joplin's at times desperate, always intensely emotional vocals and the enthusiastic playing of Big Brother in their powerful acid rock/psychedelic onslaught. Piece Of My Heart sweeps the listener along in its maelstrom of sound, while Combination Of The Two has a certain addictive, hypnotic quality that is the trademark of great rock music. Summertime and Ball & Chain are innovative interpretations of the Gershwin and Big Mama Thornton tunes respectively, while of the added tracks, Magic of Love is the only one that matches the intensity of the original album's songs. Because of the Big Brother onslaught, it does sometimes seem that there's a cosmic battle taking place between Joplin's vocals and the band's wall of sound, but this creates a further element of tension that adds to the overall force of these performances. This is a great show of Joplin's magic.

Bring back Big Bro & the Holding Co., 25 Feb 2007
For me Janis's albums (not bootlegs or compliations) split down the middle - those with Big Bro & the Holding Co and those without. Those with are the better, the happier, where she felt part of something. They're guitar based psychedelic rock at its best. They're raw, earthy, exciting, naive and bursting with energy. Cheap Thrills is best (live) and the studio Big Brother & the Holding Company an interesting, quirky innocent debut album.
Those without, Pearl & Kozmic Blues, are the unhappy Janis, full production, no band, orchestrated, brass and keyboard albums. They lack the passion and excitement and raw energy. I still play them often and love them dearly but they're not the best. The spark has gone. That said, Pearl is the better of the two.

Hard Candy, 24 Jun 2002
This is truly a quite fantastic album. Aesthetically, conceptually and for the first time in Janis's career, technically, near unimpeachable, it succeeds where 'Cheap Thrills' fails; i.e. in transmitting her particular intelligence and insouciance, albeit indirectly, to the audience that could appreciate them best; an audience largely constituted, perhaps ironically, of middle class men. The smell of sex and money still lingers, but it is now, brilliantly and paradoxically, the function of reasonably judged 'excess', and so has been neutered to a degree that biographical fallacy could only confuse our understanding of.
The antagonistic symbiosis that forms the crux of Janis's relationship with the Full Tilt Boogie Band, is the centre piece of a series of contradictions and counterpoints implicit in the album as a whole. Lyrically, the salient theme of high expectation/low return relationships, is enlivened by the interplay between stridency regarding her perceived

'masculinity' and nervousness regarding her femininity. Sonically, sparse drumming points up the conspicuous rhythm guitar, and Janis's voice now sounds equal parts 'black' and 'white'. Less specifically, the album's crescendos anticipate its diminuendos, and ultimately its pathos acticipates and defeats its ennui. The excellent choice of covers serves to highlight the thouhtfulness and pace of a very substantial and disarmingly inviting album.

Still sounds fresh today, 19 Jun 2002
What struck me about Pearl upon listening to it again recently, is the authenticity of the music. Some reviewer once claimed that rock merely gets stale whereas pop music rots with time. There is nothing stale about Joplin and her band on this all-time classic. After all these years, it remains a magnificent listening experience because of the quality of the songs, the band's tight playing and the impressive emotional range of Joplin's vocals. Unlike on Cheap Thrills, where there was mostly a cosmic battle between her voice and Big Brother's heavy metal onslaught, here the voice is the star. My favourites on an album of classics include the incredible Me and Bobby McGee, the tender A Woman Left Lonely, the nervous Half Moon, the emotional Cry Baby, the buoyant Get It While You Can and the plaintive/humorous Mercedes Benz. Perfect arrangements, brilliant playing and masterly vocalization combine here to create a timeless masterpiece.

The classic cuts of this classic cutter of the 60's., 21 Nov 2001
For me personally this album has heart-wrenching memories. But more than nostalgia, it perfectly embodies its epoch -- just as Joplin embodied everything that was good and bad in the stellar sixties. Her voice is haunting, her material golden.

Can't Go Wrong., 05 Jul 2007
Etta James is one of my all time favourite female singers and this album is brilliant and it just so happens it is a bargain. For those more dedicated fans I would suggest the complete chess recordings, however, you cannot go wrong by having this in your collection and for those unfamiliar with Etta James, this is a great introduction, which could get you hooked!

Great introduction to Etta's music, 16 May 2005
Etta was one of the finest R+B singers of the sixties and early seventies, with an incredible voice and an amazing ability to interpret a song. This compilation contains a selection of the music that she recorded forr the Chess label during that period. There are so many great songs here but I'll tell you about some of my favorites.

Almost persuaded, originally a number one country hit for David Houston, is given a bluesy R+B treatment here. Maybe Etta was inspired to try this by Ray Charles' re-interpretation of country songs, but whatever the reason she did it, the result is impressive. Loving arms, recorded by many singers but generally associated with Elvis Presley, is another inspired cover, as is At last, originally recorded by Glenn Miller.

Etta was first to record I'd rather go blind. In Britain, this became a top twenty UK hit via a cover by the British blues group Chicken Shack. Christine McVie (later of Fleetwood Mac fame) was the lead singer on that single but much as I love Christine's voice, the original version by Etta is superior. Etta's only UK hit of her own came following its use in a TV commercial in 1996 - it made the UK top five and is, of course, the raunchy opening track here, I just wanna make love to you.

Etta had plenty of R+B hits in America, though she only made a limited impact on the main pop charts. Among Etta's R+B hits to be found here are Pushover, Tell Mama and Stop the wedding, all of them excellent.

As an introduction to Etta's music, this is brilliant, especially considering that it is a budget release.

the Best of Etta James is the best!!, 09 Aug 2002
I bought this record for one track only - 'At last' having heard it in a number of films, but now I am completely hooked on all of the songs.

I didn't realise I would know so many of the other tracks like 'I Just Want To Make Love To You' and 'Leave Your Hat On' but I find myself singing along to each and every one.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable album and a definite must for anyones collection.

Fantastic - a must have for all those a little sentimental, 14 Sep 2000
This CD is wonderful, I first listened to it whilst visiting family in America, and as soon as it came on I felt so emotional. Etta's wonderful soulful voice with an oldfashioned yet timeless melody in the song 'AT LAST' featured in many films and more to come. I am sure this is bound to bring on some great feelings. Then in the basement just make s you want to dance. I was dancing round the ktichen with my four year old neice and her grandmother, 3 generations all still loving her tunes. For backgound music, to party tunes those Etta fans will be satisfied with this compilation, those new fans should check it out!

Incomplete, 24 Oct 2004
Although Janis Joplin's genius shines through all of these tracks, the selection is inadequate. An album with a title like greatest hits needs to contain Combination Of The Two (from Cheap Thrills, with Big Brother and the Holding Company) and Joplin's version of the Bee Gees' To Love Somebody (from Kozmic Blues).

Luckily there are more comprehensive compilations available, and this album would do as an introduction to the Joplin novice. It contains the impressive acid rock onslaught of Piece Of My Heart, the original version of the timeless Me And Bobby McGee (a huge posthumous hit for her in 1971), the wrenching Maybe from Kozmic Blues and her popular novelty song Mercedes Benz.

Most of the tracks are from Pearl and while I love all of them, especially Cry Baby, Move Over and Get It While You Can, one must never forget her lesser known albums that contain many gems. The obscure Farewell Song, for example, has brilliant tracks like The Magic Of Love, One Night Stand and the title track.

For Joplin completists and those who would like to get more of her best in one place, there are The Essential Janis Joplin, a 2-CD set with 30 tracks, and The Janis Joplin anthology, a brilliant compilation of 19 of her very best performances.

A voice that makes you shiver, 08 Feb 2004
Janis Joplin was a force of nature and this collection is a useful, if limited, introduction to her awesome power. Janis had a voice that will literally send shivers through your spine as she rips out of the very depths of her being: I am not exaggerating, the pain, the power and the passion of her music comes from the enormous part of herself she threw into every recording.

Janis was famous for power blues-rock and this collection will give you a flavour of this. Standouts? Her reworking of the Gershwin's Summertime from Porgy and Bess is an atmosphere drenched (you can smell the cigarette smoke!) crawl through the song, heavy with distorted guitars and a persistent bass. Try (just a little bit harder) from the career high of 'Got Dem Old Kozmic Blues Again Mama' is a more upbeat song featuring a prominent brass section that gives it an almost old soul feel. And her reworking of the Kris Kristofferson track 'Me and Bobby McGee' is a beautiful ballad that shows Janis' vocal talents to the full.

It is sad then that for many people the only track that they will know of Janis is the comical Mercedes Benz as it was used in an advert for the company. If you are one of the people buy this or better still '18 Essential Songs' and find out what Janis was really about.

It'll do......, 09 Jan 2004
This album may have been a big hit back when it was released in 1973 but time and a growing appreciation of Janis Joplin's talent hasn't been kind to it's choice of tracks. Nearly half the tracks chosen here are from the 'Pearl' album and indeed it was with the Full Tilt Boogie Band that Janis's voice could come to the fore, not having to compete with the spaced out acid rock of Big Brother & The Holding Company and the soul-influenced horns of the Kozmic Blues Band. Her seminal live performance of 'Ball & Chain' from the 1967 Monterey Festival was ignored for the lacklustre performance featured here. Ironically this is the best selling and least satisfying of all the Janis compilations out there.

Having said that there are some great Janis moments on this album. Her vocal performances on the Big Brother tracks are powerful and unrelenting. 'Cheap Thrills' was recorded in a way that would capture some essence of their intense live act. Although Janis's live shows with the Kozmic Blues Band never reached the same level of intensity, the album 'I Got Dem 'Ol Kozmic Blues Again Mama' proved she could adapt her vocal style to soul-influenced riffs with veritable ease. 'Move Over' was an indication that she was also a pretty handy songwriter. A talent which unfortunetly never came to full fruition.

An average compilation in the end that needed an inspired compiler brave enough to make some track changes (or at least insightful enough to add 4 or 5 more bonus tracks).

janis' singing is gritty and full of blues., 04 Jul 2000
this albumn is deep and blusey, even more so with janis' history. she sings from the heart and the lungs, with backing to add to the general 'get on down' tone.

I think summertime is the most haunting piece,guitars flow under the rough deep purple voice,an equal duet of voice and guitar. with the guitar yeilding to janis' voice.

the whimsical me and bobby mcgee is an antidote and almost quaint (for janis)in the general goings on in this CD.

not unlike other tourtured female singers not an easy listen, but great for a drink and a think.

one down side i miss the crackles of the vinyl or if live the talk and the smells, hence the 4 out of five!

Janis RULES!, 13 Oct 1999
Janis fasinated me from the moment I heard this album as ateenager I fell in love with that gravily voice which as you may not know was acctually trained in opera at school, so you know despite what alot of people think this woman can sing! As like many of my favourite artists she sings very openly and honestly. My favourite songs on this are Ball and Chain, Me and Bobby McGee! Fantastic.

500, 11 Nov 2007
This is generally accepted as one of the top 500 albums of all time. Listen to it and find out why. Not only that, but the live album captures the band at it best.

Just love it!, 24 Oct 2005
One of my favorites. I expected to enjoy it, must say it exceeded my expectations. If you like ... well, if you like music and are serious about it, you must definitely own a copy. Nice bonus tracks, too.

Four gentlemen and one great, great broad..., 11 Jun 2005
That's what the announcer says at the beginning of this live/studio masterpiece... and for good reason because what follows is an outstanding example of blues-rock singing at its very best. But there's a lot more on offer here than just the touchstone that catapulted Janis Joplin to international stardom. First off, the band, in particular James Gurley's guitarwork, lay down some seriously impressive playing that's not only fully up to the task of keeping pace with her but which provides the perfect backdrop for her raw, stunningly powerful vocals. Then there's the quality and range of the songs themselves (other than the unnecessary, second rate "bonus tracks") including the "hippy" enthusiasm of "Combination of the Two", the driving acid-rock of "Sweet Mary" & "I Need a Man to Love", and the quite outstanding electric blues of "Summertime", "Piece of my Heart" & "Ball & Chain". And finally, the whole "style" of the album itself with it's quintessential Robert Crumb artwork, its atmospheric, often heavily reverbed sound, the enthusiastic audience reaction and the announcer's wonderfully laid-back contributions, all of which combine to capture what San Francisco's hugely influential ballroom scene was all about. A perfect time capsule that stands the test of time because it's more than good enough to and which, on the way, showcases a truly great singer on absolutely top form.

Gutsy psychedelic blues-rock!!, 18 May 2004
This is an example of the heavey blues influence on the San Fransisco music at the time. Dominated by Janis Joplin's frightening voice and the screaming guitar of James Gurley, Cheap Thrills invites you on an epic of energetic, predominantly blues numbers. The first track: Combination of the two,for me the highlight of the album, is a real rocker that eptomises the San Fransiscan rock vibe of the time, with awesome whoa whoa chants by Janis. Other blues tracks such as Summertime have a very psychedelic sound (James Gurley = father of psychedelic guitar) and showcase the talent of Janis's voice.(Although second to Grace).
Buyers looking for one of the most prominent (with good reason) acid-rock albums of the era cannot let this one slip!

EXUBERANT ACID ROCK, 19 Jun 2002
Cheap Thrills is a great, raucous, exuberant celebration of life with Joplin's at times desperate, always intensely emotional vocals and the enthusiastic playing of Big Brother in their powerful acid rock/psychedelic onslaught. Piece Of My Heart sweeps the listener along in its maelstrom of sound, while Combination Of The Two has a certain addictive, hypnotic quality that is the trademark of great rock music. Summertime and Ball & Chain are innovative interpretations of the Gershwin and Big Mama Thornton tunes respectively, while of the added tracks, Magic of Love is the only one that matches the intensity of the original album's songs. Because of the Big Brother onslaught, it does sometimes seem that there's a cosmic battle taking place between Joplin's vocals and the band's wall of sound, but this creates a further element of tension that adds to the overall force of these performances. This is a great show of Joplin's magic.

Bring back Big Bro & the Holding Co., 25 Feb 2007
For me Janis's albums (not bootlegs or compliations) split down the middle - those with Big Bro & the Holding Co and those without. Those with are the better, the happier, where she felt part of something. They're guitar based psychedelic rock at its best. They're raw, earthy, exciting, naive and bursting with energy. Cheap Thrills is best (live) and the studio Big Brother & the Holding Company an interesting, quirky innocent debut album.
Those without, Pearl & Kozmic Blues, are the unhappy Janis, full production, no band, orchestrated, brass and keyboard albums. They lack the passion and excitement and raw energy. I still play them often and love them dearly but they're not the best. The spark has gone. That said, Pearl is the better of the two.

Hard Candy, 24 Jun 2002
This is truly a quite fantastic album. Aesthetically, conceptually and for the first time in Janis's career, technically, near unimpeachable, it succeeds where 'Cheap Thrills' fails; i.e. in transmitting her particular intelligence and insouciance, albeit indirectly, to the audience that could appreciate them best; an audience largely constituted, perhaps ironically, of middle class men. The smell of sex and money still lingers, but it is now, brilliantly and paradoxically, the function of reasonably judged 'excess', and so has been neutered to a degree that biographical fallacy could only confuse our understanding of.
The antagonistic symbiosis that forms the crux of Janis's relationship with the Full Tilt Boogie Band, is the centre piece of a series of contradictions and counterpoints implicit in the album as a whole. Lyrically, the salient theme of high expectation/low return relationships, is enlivened by the interplay between stridency regarding her perceived

'masculinity' and nervousness regarding her femininity. Sonically, sparse drumming points up the conspicuous rhythm guitar, and Janis's voice now sounds equal parts 'black' and 'white'. Less specifically, the album's crescendos anticipate its diminuendos, and ultimately its pathos acticipates and defeats its ennui. The excellent choice of covers serves to highlight the thouhtfulness and pace of a very substantial and disarmingly inviting album.

Still sounds fresh today, 19 Jun 2002
What struck me about Pearl upon listening to it again recently, is the authenticity of the music. Some reviewer once claimed that rock merely gets stale whereas pop music rots with time. There is nothing stale about Joplin and her band on this all-time classic. After all these years, it remains a magnificent listening experience because of the quality of the songs, the band's tight playing and the impressive emotional range of Joplin's vocals. Unlike on Cheap Thrills, where there was mostly a cosmic battle between her voice and Big Brother's heavy metal onslaught, here the voice is the star. My favourites on an album of classics include the incredible Me and Bobby McGee, the tender A Woman Left Lonely, the nervous Half Moon, the emotional Cry Baby, the buoyant Get It While You Can and the plaintive/humorous Mercedes Benz. Perfect arrangements, brilliant playing and masterly vocalization combine here to create a timeless masterpiece.

The classic cuts of this classic cutter of the 60's., 21 Nov 2001
For me personally this album has heart-wrenching memories. But more than nostalgia, it perfectly embodies its epoch -- just as Joplin embodied everything that was good and bad in the stellar sixties. Her voice is haunting, her material golden.

Fully recommended, 11 May 2008
Etta James was with Chess for over fifteen years (appearing initially on their subsidiary labels Argo and Cadet) between 1960 and 1976, adapting and rolling with the times, trying out new ideas, never selling out, and making a heap of great blues and soul records. If squeezing fifteen years of material onto just three discs seems a tall order, imagine the absurdity of trying to compile The Best Of Etta James, which is a single CD of her Chess years. This box set represents far better value and is fully recommended, with just a couple of small caveats.

Firstly, there are too many mono mixes, even from the nineteen-seventies when stereo versions were prepared as a matter of course and are available elsewhere, and secondly, there is too little detailed documentation.

Finally, whilst I have no quarrel at all with the title, The Very Best Of Etta James, the subtitle The Chess Singles is just misleading. Some A-sides are absent, seven B-sides are included (just as well, as these include All I Could Do Was Cry, I Just Want To Make Love To You and I'd Rather Go Blind) and contrarily there are several album tracks and even a couple of outtakes that weren't released at the time at all. These include her brilliant version of Do Right Woman, Do Right Man recorded at Muscle Shoals and inexplicably left in the can until 1993.

This collection would be well complemented by Miss Etta James - The Complete Kent And Modern Recordings, the period before she signed to Chess. It's worth remembering that when these days artists are expected to be at their peak after one single, singers like Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone and Etta James had been learning their craft for several years before becoming established, and Etta James' first single appeared in 1955.

What a voice!, 04 Oct 2005
I bought this 3 disc compilation set over the single CD version, because it features all of the songs plus about 30 more for hardly any more money. Was it a good buy? You bet! Etta James is one of the best soul singers, especially if you like you soul a little bit on the bluesy side. 'At last' is worth the cost of the CD alone, but there are about 50 more great tracks in this set-you can't lose.

Whether she sings string-laden pop ballads, lively soul, or gritty electric blues, James's high-powered, enormously expressive voice displays a knack for passionate blues inflections. Emotionally charged ballads including "At Last" and "All I Could Do is Cry" find James blasting through the orchestra with unearthly wails and moans. "If I Can't Have You", a duet with Harvey Fuqua, drops the orchestra in favour of horn-driven R&B and "Something's Got a Hold On Me" is a gospel-flavoured romp reminiscent of Ray Charles. A live version of Jimmy Reed's "Baby, What You Want Me to Do" shows her raunchiest Chicago-blues style, and "In the Basement", with Sugar Pie DeSanto, is a funky workout. Also here are three classics from her soul-drenched 1967 Muscle Shoals sessions. --Marc Greilsamer

Can't Go Wrong., 05 Jul 2007
Etta James is one of my all time favourite female singers and this album is brilliant and it just so happens it is a bargain. For those more dedicated fans I would suggest the complete chess recordings, however, you cannot go wrong by having this in your collection and for those unfamiliar with Etta James, this is a great introduction, which could get you hooked!

Great introduction to Etta's music, 16 May 2005
Etta was one of the finest R+B singers of the sixties and early seventies, with an incredible voice and an amazing ability to interpret a song. This compilation contains a selection of the music that she recorded forr the Chess label during that period. There are so many great songs here but I'll tell you about some of my favorites.

Almost persuaded, originally a number one country hit for David Houston, is given a bluesy R+B treatment here. Maybe Etta was inspired to try this by Ray Charles' re-interpretation of country songs, but whatever the reason she did it, the result is impressive. Loving arms, recorded by many singers but generally associated with Elvis Presley, is another inspired cover, as is At last, originally recorded by Glenn Miller.

Etta was first to record I'd rather go blind. In Britain, this became a top twenty UK hit via a cover by the British blues group Chicken Shack. Christine McVie (later of Fleetwood Mac fame) was the lead singer on that single but much as I love Christine's voice, the original version by Etta is superior. Etta's only UK hit of her own came following its use in a TV commercial in 1996 - it made the UK top five and is, of course, the raunchy opening track here, I just wanna make love to you.

Etta had plenty of R+B hits in America, though she only made a limited impact on the main pop charts. Among Etta's R+B hits to be found here are Pushover, Tell Mama and Stop the wedding, all of them excellent.

As an introduction to Etta's music, this is brilliant, especially considering that it is a budget release.

the Best of Etta James is the best!!, 09 Aug 2002
I bought this record for one track only - 'At last' having heard it in a number of films, but now I am completely hooked on all of the songs.

I didn't realise I would know so many of the other tracks like 'I Just Want To Make Love To You' and 'Leave Your Hat On' but I find myself singing along to each and every one.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable album and a definite must for anyones collection.

Fantastic - a must have for all those a little sentimental, 14 Sep 2000
This CD is wonderful, I first listened to it whilst visiting family in America, and as soon as it came on I felt so emotional. Etta's wonderful soulful voice with an oldfashioned yet timeless melody in the song 'AT LAST' featured in many films and more to come. I am sure this is bound to bring on some great feelings. Then in the basement just make s you want to dance. I was dancing round the ktichen with my four year old neice and her grandmother, 3 generations all still loving her tunes. For backgound music, to party tunes those Etta fans will be satisfied with this compilation, those new fans should check it out!

Incomplete, 24 Oct 2004
Although Janis Joplin's genius shines through all of these tracks, the selection is inadequate. An album with a title like greatest hits needs to contain Combination Of The Two (from Cheap Thrills, with Big Brother and the Holding Company) and Joplin's version of the Bee Gees' To Love Somebody (from Kozmic Blues).

Luckily there are more comprehensive compilations available, and this album would do as an introduction to the Joplin novice. It contains the impressive acid rock onslaught of Piece Of My Heart, the original version of the timeless Me And Bobby McGee (a huge posthumous hit for her in 1971), the wrenching Maybe from Kozmic Blues and her popular novelty song Mercedes Benz.

Most of the tracks are from Pearl and while I love all of them, especially Cry Baby, Move Over and Get It While You Can, one must never forget her lesser known albums that contain many gems. The obscure Farewell Song, for example, has brilliant tracks like The Magic Of Love, One Night Stand and the title track.

For Joplin completists and those who would like to get more of her best in one place, there are The Essential Janis Joplin, a 2-CD set with 30 tracks, and The Janis Joplin anthology, a brilliant compilation of 19 of her very best performances.

A voice that makes you shiver, 08 Feb 2004
Janis Joplin was a force of nature and this collection is a useful, if limited, introduction to her awesome power. Janis had a voice that will literally send shivers through your spine as she rips out of the very depths of her being: I am not exaggerating, the pain, the power and the passion of her music comes from the enormous part of herself she threw into every recording.

Janis was famous for power blues-rock and this collection will give you a flavour of this. Standouts? Her reworking of the Gershwin's Summertime from Porgy and Bess is an atmosphere drenched (you can smell the cigarette smoke!) crawl through the song, heavy with distorted guitars and a persistent bass. Try (just a little bit harder) from the career high of 'Got Dem Old Kozmic Blues Again Mama' is a more upbeat song featuring a prominent brass section that gives it an almost old soul feel. And her reworking of the Kris Kristofferson track 'Me and Bobby McGee' is a beautiful ballad that shows Janis' vocal talents to the full.

It is sad then that for many people the only track that they will know of Janis is the comical Mercedes Benz as it was used in an advert for the company. If you are one of the people buy this or better still '18 Essential Songs' and find out what Janis was really about.

It'll do......, 09 Jan 2004
This album may have been a big hit back when it was released in 1973 but time and a growing appreciation of Janis Joplin's talent hasn't been kind to it's choice of tracks. Nearly half the tracks chosen here are from the 'Pearl' album and indeed it was with the Full Tilt Boogie Band that Janis's voice could come to the fore, not having to compete with the spaced out acid rock of Big Brother & The Holding Company and the soul-influenced horns of the Kozmic Blues Band. Her seminal live performance of 'Ball & Chain' from the 1967 Monterey Festival was ignored for the lacklustre performance featured here. Ironically this is the best selling and least satisfying of all the Janis compilations out there.

Having said that there are some great Janis moments on this album. Her vocal performances on the Big Brother tracks are powerful and unrelenting. 'Cheap Thrills' was recorded in a way that would capture some essence of their intense live act. Although Janis's live shows with the Kozmic Blues Band never reached the same level of intensity, the album 'I Got Dem 'Ol Kozmic Blues Again Mama' proved she could adapt her vocal style to soul-influenced riffs with veritable ease. 'Move Over' was an indication that she was also a pretty handy songwriter. A talent which unfortunetly never came to full fruition.

An average compilation in the end that needed an inspired compiler brave enough to make some track changes (or at least insightful enough to add 4 or 5 more bonus tracks).

janis' singing is gritty and full of blues., 04 Jul 2000
this albumn is deep and blusey, even more so with janis' history. she sings from the heart and the lungs, with backing to add to the general 'get on down' tone.

I think summertime is the most haunting piece,guitars flow under the rough deep purple voice,an equal duet of voice and guitar. with the guitar yeilding to janis' voice.

the whimsical me and bobby mcgee is an antidote and almost quaint (for janis)in the general goings on in this CD.

not unlike other tourtured female singers not an easy listen, but great for a drink and a think.

one down side i miss the crackles of the vinyl or if live the talk and the smells, hence the 4 out of five!

Janis RULES!, 13 Oct 1999
Janis fasinated me from the moment I heard this album as ateenager I fell in love with that gravily voice which as you may not know was acctually trained in opera at school, so you know despite what alot of people think this woman can sing! As like many of my favourite artists she sings very openly and honestly. My favourite songs on this are Ball and Chain, Me and Bobby McGee! Fantastic.

500, 11 Nov 2007
This is generally accepted as one of the top 500 albums of all time. Listen to it and find out why. Not only that, but the live album captures the band at it best.

Just love it!, 24 Oct 2005
One of my favorites. I expected to enjoy it, must say it exceeded my expectations. If you like ... well, if you like music and are serious about it, you must definitely own a copy. Nice bonus tracks, too.

Four gentlemen and one great, great broad..., 11 Jun 2005
That's what the announcer says at the beginning of this live/studio masterpiece... and for good reason because what follows is an outstanding example of blues-rock singing at its very best. But there's a lot more on offer here than just the touchstone that catapulted Janis Joplin to international stardom. First off, the band, in particular James Gurley's guitarwork, lay down some seriously impressive playing that's not only fully up to the task of keeping pace with her but which provides the perfect backdrop for her raw, stunningly powerful vocals. Then there's the quality and range of the songs themselves (other than the unnecessary, second rate "bonus tracks") including the "hippy" enthusiasm of "Combination of the Two", the driving acid-rock of "Sweet Mary" & "I Need a Man to Love", and the quite outstanding electric blues of "Summertime", "Piece of my Heart" & "Ball & Chain". And finally, the whole "style" of the album itself with it's quintessential Robert Crumb artwork, its atmospheric, often heavily reverbed sound, the enthusiastic audience reaction and the announcer's wonderfully laid-back contributions, all of which combine to capture what San Francisco's hugely influential ballroom scene was all about. A perfect time capsule that stands the test of time because it's more than good enough to and which, on the way, showcases a truly great singer on absolutely top form.

Gutsy psychedelic blues-rock!!, 18 May 2004
This is an example of the heavey blues influence on the San Fransisco music at the time. Dominated by Janis Joplin's frightening voice and the screaming guitar of James Gurley, Cheap Thrills invites you on an epic of energetic, predominantly blues numbers. The first track: Combination of the two,for me the highlight of the album, is a real rocker that eptomises the San Fransiscan rock vibe of the time, with awesome whoa whoa chants by Janis. Other blues tracks such as Summertime have a very psychedelic sound (James Gurley = father of psychedelic guitar) and showcase the talent of Janis's voice.(Although second to Grace).
Buyers looking for one of the most prominent (with good reason) acid-rock albums of the era cannot let this one slip!

EXUBERANT ACID ROCK, 19 Jun 2002
Cheap Thrills is a great, raucous, exuberant celebration of life with Joplin's at times desperate, always intensely emotional vocals and the enthusiastic playing of Big Brother in their powerful acid rock/psychedelic onslaught. Piece Of My Heart sweeps the listener along in its maelstrom of sound, while Combination Of The Two has a certain addictive, hypnotic quality that is the trademark of great rock music. Summertime and Ball & Chain are innovative interpretations of the Gershwin and Big Mama Thornton tunes respectively, while of the added tracks, Magic of Love is the only one that matches the intensity of the original album's songs. Because of the Big Brother onslaught, it does sometimes seem that there's a cosmic battle taking place between Joplin's vocals and the band's wall of sound, but this creates a further element of tension that adds to the overall force of these performances. This is a great show of Joplin's magic.

Bring back Big Bro & the Holding Co., 25 Feb 2007
For me Janis's albums (not bootlegs or compliations) split down the middle - those with Big Bro & the Holding Co and those without. Those with are the better, the happier, where she felt part of something. They're guitar based psychedelic rock at its best. They're raw, earthy, exciting, naive and bursting with energy. Cheap Thrills is best (live) and the studio Big Brother & the Holding Company an interesting, quirky innocent debut album.
Those without, Pearl & Kozmic Blues, are the unhappy Janis, full production, no band, orchestrated, brass and keyboard albums. They lack the passion and excitement and raw energy. I still play them often and love them dearly but they're not the best. The spark has gone. That said, Pearl is the better of the two.

Hard Candy, 24 Jun 2002
This is truly a quite fantastic album. Aesthetically, conceptually and for the first time in Janis's career, technically, near unimpeachable, it succeeds where 'Cheap Thrills' fails; i.e. in transmitting her particular intelligence and insouciance, albeit indirectly, to the audience that could appreciate them best; an audience largely constituted, perhaps ironically, of middle class men. The smell of sex and money still lingers, but it is now, brilliantly and paradoxically, the function of reasonably judged 'excess', and so has been neutered to a degree that biographical fallacy could only confuse our understanding of.
The antagonistic symbiosis that forms the crux of Janis's relationship with the Full Tilt Boogie Band, is the centre piece of a series of contradictions and counterpoints implicit in the album as a whole. Lyrically, the salient theme of high expectation/low return relationships, is enlivened by the interplay between stridency regarding her perceived

'masculinity' and nervousness regarding her femininity. Sonically, sparse drumming points up the conspicuous rhythm guitar, and Janis's voice now sounds equal parts 'black' and 'white'. Less specifically, the album's crescendos anticipate its diminuendos, and ultimately its pathos acticipates and defeats its ennui. The excellent choice of covers serves to highlight the thouhtfulness and pace of a very substantial and disarmingly inviting album.

Still sounds fresh today, 19 Jun 2002
What struck me about Pearl upon listening to it again recently, is the authenticity of the music. Some reviewer once claimed that rock merely gets stale whereas pop music rots with time. There is nothing stale about Joplin and her band on this all-time classic. After all these years, it remains a magnificent listening experience because of the quality of the songs, the band's tight playing and the impressive emotional range of Joplin's vocals. Unlike on Cheap Thrills, where there was mostly a cosmic battle between her voice and Big Brother's heavy metal onslaught, here the voice is the star. My favourites on an album of classics include the incredible Me and Bobby McGee, the tender A Woman Left Lonely, the nervous Half Moon, the emotional Cry Baby, the buoyant Get It While You Can and the plaintive/humorous Mercedes Benz. Perfect arrangements, brilliant playing and masterly vocalization combine here to create a timeless masterpiece.

The classic cuts of this classic cutter of the 60's., 21 Nov 2001
For me personally this album has heart-wrenching memories. But more than nostalgia, it perfectly embodies its epoch -- just as Joplin embodied everything that was good and bad in the stellar sixties. Her voice is haunting, her material golden.

Fully recommended, 11 May 2008
Etta James was with Chess for over fifteen years (appearing initially on their subsidiary labels Argo and Cadet) between 1960 and 1976, adapting and rolling with the times, trying out new ideas, never selling out, and making a heap of great blues and soul records. If squeezing fifteen years of material onto just three discs seems a tall order, imagine the absurdity of trying to compile The Best Of Etta James, which is a single CD of her Chess years. This box set represents far better value and is fully recommended, with just a couple of small caveats.

Firstly, there are too many mono mixes, even from the nineteen-seventies when stereo versions were prepared as a matter of course and are available elsewhere, and secondly, there is too little detailed documentation.

Finally, whilst I have no quarrel at all with the title, The Very Best Of Etta James, the subtitle The Chess Singles is just misleading. Some A-sides are absent, seven B-sides are included (just as well, as these include All I Could Do Was Cry, I Just Want To Make Love To You and I'd Rather Go Blind) and contrarily there are several album tracks and even a couple of outtakes that weren't released at the time at all. These include her brilliant version of Do Right Woman, Do Right Man recorded at Muscle Shoals and inexplicably left in the can until 1993.

This collection would be well complemented by Miss Etta James - The Complete Kent And Modern Recordings, the period before she signed to Chess. It's worth remembering that when these days artists are expected to be at their peak after one single, singers like Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone and Etta James had been learning their craft for several years before becoming established, and Etta James' first single appeared in 1955.

What a voice!, 04 Oct 2005
I bought this 3 disc compilation set over the single CD version, because it features all of the songs plus about 30 more for hardly any more money. Was it a good buy? You bet! Etta James is one of the best soul singers, especially if you like you soul a little bit on the bluesy side. 'At last' is worth the cost of the CD alone, but there are about 50 more great tracks in this set-you can't lose.

Bringing it all back, 08 May 2003
My mother has been a fan of Etta James for many years and has most of the songs featured on this album, on different LPs lying about the house. It's so brilliant to have them all on the one disc - it's handy. I am getting married at the end of june and we have decided to use "At Last" as our first song. Perfect start to a perfect day by a perfect singer.

Bringing it all back, 08 May 2003
My mother has been a fan of Etta James for many years and has most of the songs featured on this album, on different LPs lying about the house. It's so brilliant to have them all on the one disc - it's handy. I am getting married at the end of june and we have decided to use "At Last" as our first song. Perfect start to a perfect day by a perfect singer.

Something's Got A Hold On Me ......, 26 Nov 2001
... And, it's this CD!

Believe me when I say, that this is Etta James at her best.
She is raw. She is wild. And she shows us just what the blues are about.

Weighing in with a stonking 20 tracks ranging from 1960 to 1970 we are delighted with all offerings. There are no weak links on this disc.
A cacophony of different sounds all lend themselves to separate tracks, resulting in a mixture of string laden arrangements [At Last/A Sunday Kind Of Love/Fool That I Am] old gospel tunes with good strong vocals [Something's Got A Hold On Me], raw blues [Two Sides To Every Story] and a blend of the three that all go to make the unmistakable sound of Etta [I'd Rather Go Blind]

Apart from the one live recording [Baby, What You Want Me To Do ~ The New Era Club, Nashville, 1963] the majority were recorded in Chicago, and with tracks 1 to 10 with the same Orchestra, and the same conductor [Riley Hampton].
There are two duets on the album. The first 'If I Can't Have You' with Harvey Fuqua. A pop song sung with a 'bluesy churchy' feeling. It works well, with both giving the song just what it needs. This song was written by Fugua and James.
The second 'In The Basement' with Sugar Pie Desanto, a delightful little number one that helped Etta peek into both the R & B and pop charts. This is a lively and upbeat little tune

'Pushover' [her biggest hit of the early 60's] and 'Two Sides To Every Story' both go to introduce a soul feel to the album. They are full of brass and beats.
A happy arrangement in the Studio meant that Etta's work hit the high spots and 'Tell Mama' was among the best selling R & B records for 16 weeks. Etta actually co-wrote 'I'd Rather Go Blind' [one of my all time favourite tracks, although I prefer 'Chicken Shacks' version] with an inmate at Chino prison, while her version of 'Security', both written and sung by Otis Redding outsold the original.

The one song that would really make this album the ultimate in Etta James offerings is unfortunately missing.
Made famous by those famous jeans 'I Just Wanna Make Love To You' will probably be Etta's signature tune.
However, the lack of this great song really doesn't detract from this album at all.

If you are an Etta fan and you haven't got 'Her Best' in your collection, I suggest you click 'add to Shopping Basket' now.
You won't regret it.

The classic "Hound Dog" is usually associated with Elvis Presley, but blues fans know: Presley's recording wasn't the first. That honor belongs to singer Big Mama Thornton, whose own recording of "Hound Dog" was eclipsed by Presley's. Her version is on this collection in all its glory, opening a CD of 18 killer tracks. Thornton's voice, by turns growling and richly melodic, was indeed unusual, and the spare accompaniment on Hound Dog makes it stand out all the more on songs such as "They Call Me Big Mama," "How Come," "The Big Change," "Hard Times," and "The Fish." Thornton had talent and attitude to spare, and both come through loud and clear on this essential collection. --Genevieve Williams

This is Etta James's first full-length album, recorded for Chess Records' Argo subsidiary in 1960. It taps all aspects of her then-blossoming talent. There's the crooning rock ballad "My Dearest Darling" and the elegantly symphonic "Sunday Kind of Love". Her classic, broken-hearted "All I Could Do Was Cry" follows the sweet title track and the bawdy blues stomper "I Just Want to Make Love to You". And there's a version of Harold Arlen's "Stormy Weather", which Lena Horne made famous. James's fine way with such a wide embrace of material wouldn't again be this well displayed on a single album until she was united with producer Jerry Wexler for 1977's Deep in the Night. --Ted Drozdowski

Can't Go Wrong., 05 Jul 2007
Etta James is one of my all time favourite female singers and this album is brilliant and it just so happens it is a bargain. For those more dedicated fans I would suggest the complete chess recordings, however, you cannot go wrong by having this in your collection and for those unfamiliar with Etta James, this is a great introduction, which could get you hooked!

Great introduction to Etta's music, 16 May 2005
Etta was one of the finest R+B singers of the sixties and early seventies, with an incredible voice and an amazing ability to interpret a song. This compilation contains a selection of the music that she recorded forr the Chess label during that period. There are so many great songs here but I'll tell you about some of my favorites.

Almost persuaded, originally a number one country hit for David Houston, is given a bluesy R+B treatment here. Maybe Etta was inspired to try this by Ray Charles' re-interpretation of country songs, but whatever the reason she did it, the result is impressive. Loving arms, recorded by many singers but generally associated with Elvis Presley, is another inspired cover, as is At last, originally recorded by Glenn Miller.

Etta was first to record I'd rather go blind. In Britain, this became a top twenty UK hit via a cover by the British blues group Chicken Shack. Christine McVie (later of Fleetwood Mac fame) was the lead singer on that single but much as I love Christine's voice, the original version by Etta is superior. Etta's only UK hit of her own came following its use in a TV commercial in 1996 - it made the UK top five and is, of course, the raunchy opening track here, I just wanna make love to you.

Etta had plenty of R+B hits in America, though she only made a limited impact on the main pop charts. Among Etta's R+B hits to be found here are Pushover, Tell Mama and Stop the wedding, all of them excellent.

As an introduction to Etta's music, this is brilliant, especially considering that it is a budget release.

the Best of Etta James is the best!!, 09 Aug 2002
I bought this record for one track only - 'At last' having heard it in a number of films, but now I am completely hooked on all of the songs.

I didn't realise I would know so many of the other tracks like 'I Just Want To Make Love To You' and 'Leave Your Hat On' but I find myself singing along to each and every one.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable album and a definite must for anyones collection.

Fantastic - a must have for all those a little sentimental, 14 Sep 2000
This CD is wonderful, I first listened to it whilst visiting family in America, and as soon as it came on I felt so emotional. Etta's wonderful soulful voice with an oldfashioned yet timeless melody in the song 'AT LAST' featured in many films and more to come. I am sure this is bound to bring on some great feelings. Then in the basement just make s you want to dance. I was dancing round the ktichen with my four year old neice and her grandmother, 3 generations all still loving her tunes. For backgound music, to party tunes those Etta fans will be satisfied with this compilation, those new fans should check it out!

Incomplete, 24 Oct 2004
Although Janis Joplin's genius shines through all of these tracks, the selection is inadequate. An album with a title like greatest hits needs to contain Combination Of The Two (from Cheap Thrills, with Big Brother and the Holding Company) and Joplin's version of the Bee Gees' To Love Somebody (from Kozmic Blues).

Luckily there are more comprehensive compilations available, and this album would do as an introduction to the Joplin novice. It contains the impressive acid rock onslaught of Piece Of My Heart, the original version of the timeless Me And Bobby McGee (a huge posthumous hit for her in 1971), the wrenching Maybe from Kozmic Blues and her popular novelty song Mercedes Benz.

Most of the tracks are from Pearl and while I love all of them, especially Cry Baby, Move Over and Get It While You Can, one must never forget her lesser known albums that contain many gems. The obscure Farewell Song, for example, has brilliant tracks like The Magic Of Love, One Night Stand and the title track.

For Joplin completists and those who would like to get more of her best in one place, there are The Essential Janis Joplin, a 2-CD set with 30 tracks, and The Janis Joplin anthology, a brilliant compilation of 19 of her very best performances.

A voice that makes you shiver, 08 Feb 2004
Janis Joplin was a force of nature and this collection is a useful, if limited, introduction to her awesome power. Janis had a voice that will literally send shivers through your spine as she rips out of the very depths of her being: I am not exaggerating, the pain, the power and the passion of her music comes from the enormous part of herself she threw into every recording.

Janis was famous for power blues-rock and this collection will give you a flavour of this. Standouts? Her reworking of the Gershwin's Summertime from Porgy and Bess is an atmosphere drenched (you can smell the cigarette smoke!) crawl through the song, heavy with distorted guitars and a persistent bass. Try (just a little bit harder) from the career high of 'Got Dem Old Kozmic Blues Again Mama' is a more upbeat song featuring a prominent brass section that gives it an almost old soul feel. And her reworking of the Kris Kristofferson track 'Me and Bobby McGee' is a beautiful ballad that shows Janis' vocal talents to the full.

It is sad then that for many people the only track that they will know of Janis is the comical Mercedes Benz as it was used in an advert for the company. If you are one of the people buy this or better still '18 Essential Songs' and find out what Janis was really about.

It'll do......, 09 Jan 2004
This album may have been a big hit back when it was released in 1973 but time and a growing appreciation of Janis Joplin's talent hasn't been kind to it's choice of tracks. Nearly half the tracks chosen here are from the 'Pearl' album and indeed it was with the Full Tilt Boogie Band that Janis's voice could come to the fore, not having to compete with the spaced out acid rock of Big Brother & The Holding Company and the soul-influenced horns of the Kozmic Blues Band. Her seminal live performance of 'Ball & Chain' from the 1967 Monterey Festival was ignored for the lacklustre performance featured here. Ironically this is the best selling and least satisfying of all the Janis compilations out there.

Having said that there are some great Janis moments on this album. Her vocal performances on the Big Brother tracks are powerful and unrelenting. 'Cheap Thrills' was recorded in a way that would capture some essence of their intense live act. Although Janis's live shows with the Kozmic Blues Band never reached the same level of intensity, the album 'I Got Dem 'Ol Kozmic Blues Again Mama' proved she could adapt her vocal style to soul-influenced riffs with veritable ease. 'Move Over' was an indication that she was also a pretty handy songwriter. A talent which unfortunetly never came to full fruition.

An average compilation in the end that needed an inspired compiler brave enough to make some track changes (or at least insightful enough to add 4 or 5 more bonus tracks).

janis' singing is gritty and full of blues., 04 Jul 2000
this albumn is deep and blusey, even more so with janis' history. she sings from the heart and the lungs, with backing to add to the general 'get on down' tone.

I think summertime is the most haunting piece,guitars flow under the rough deep purple voice,an equal duet of voice and guitar. with the guitar yeilding to janis' voice.

the whimsical me and bobby mcgee is an antidote and almost quaint (for janis)in the general goings on in this CD.

not unlike other tourtured female singers not an easy listen, but great for a drink and a think.

one down side i miss the crackles of the vinyl or if live the talk and the smells, hence the 4 out of five!

Janis RULES!, 13 Oct 1999
Janis fasinated me from the moment I heard this album as ateenager I fell in love with that gravily voice which as you may not know was acctually trained in opera at school, so you know despite what alot of people think this woman can sing! As like many of my favourite artists she sings very openly and honestly. My favourite songs on this are Ball and Chain, Me and Bobby McGee! Fantastic.

500, 11 Nov 2007
This is generally accepted as one of the top 500 albums of all time. Listen to it and find out why. Not only that, but the live album captures the band at it best.

Just love it!, 24 Oct 2005
One of my favorites. I expected to enjoy it, must say it exceeded my expectations. If you like ... well, if you like music and are serious about it, you must definitely own a copy. Nice bonus tracks, too.

Four gentlemen and one great, great broad..., 11 Jun 2005
That's what the announcer says at the beginning of this live/studio masterpiece... and for good reason because what follows is an outstanding example of blues-rock singing at its very best. But there's a lot more on offer here than just the touchstone that catapulted Janis Joplin to international stardom. First off, the band, in particular James Gurley's guitarwork, lay down some seriously impressive playing that's not only fully up to the task of keeping pace with her but which provides the perfect backdrop for her raw, stunningly powerful vocals. Then there's the quality and range of the songs themselves (other than the unnecessary, second rate "bonus tracks") including the "hippy" enthusiasm of "Combination of the Two", the driving acid-rock of "Sweet Mary" & "I Need a Man to Love", and the quite outstanding electric blues of "Summertime", "Piece of my Heart" & "Ball & Chain". And finally, the whole "style" of the album itself with it's quintessential Robert Crumb artwork, its atmospheric, often heavily reverbed sound, the enthusiastic audience reaction and the announcer's wonderfully laid-back contributions, all of which combine to capture what San Francisco's hugely influential ballroom scene was all about. A perfect time capsule that stands the test of time because it's more than good enough to and which, on the way, showcases a truly great singer on absolutely top form.

Gutsy psychedelic blues-rock!!, 18 May 2004
This is an example of the heavey blues influence on the San Fransisco music at the time. Dominated by Janis Joplin's frightening voice and the screaming guitar of James Gurley, Cheap Thrills invites you on an epic of energetic, predominantly blues numbers. The first track: Combination of the two,for me the highlight of the album, is a real rocker that eptomises the San Fransiscan rock vibe of the time, with awesome whoa whoa chants by Janis. Other blues tracks such as Summertime have a very psychedelic sound (James Gurley = father of psychedelic guitar) and showcase the talent of Janis's voice.(Although second to Grace).
Buyers looking for one of the most prominent (with good reason) acid-rock albums of the era cannot let this one slip!

EXUBERANT ACID ROCK, 19 Jun 2002
Cheap Thrills is a great, raucous, exuberant celebration of life with Joplin's at times desperate, always intensely emotional vocals and the enthusiastic playing of Big Brother in their powerful