Cheap Thrills

In 1968 Janis Joplin and Big Brother recorded a live album which became a psychedelic masterpiece. Of course I'm talking about "Cheap Thrills". The hit "Piece Of My Heart" gave rise to Jamis Joplin a Texas born virtually unknown singer for the most part. The lead off track "Combination Of The Two", "Summertime" and "Ball and Chain" were amazing and became my favorites along with "Piece Of My Heart".

Cheap Thrills - Being a big fan of many bands first releases I was surprised this being the first of Big Brother Holding Company . I think first releases showcase an artist or bands determination and drive to put their talent on the line . Janis Joplin & Big Bother Holding Company sure showcased her talent when it counted most at the Monterey pop festival in 1967 ; luckily they had this album recorded and ready to capitalize on their new found popularity . Songs that I like most here are the cover " Summertime " / " I need a man to love " / " Piece of my Heart " . Not long after in 1968 Janis Joplin would leave or abandon Big Brother Holding Company but it was not of her choosing because record executives extended their record deal and signing to Janis Joplin only . I liked this band and most of their material . If you're missing Janis Joplin and willing to settle for a much simular like voice I would suggest Layla Zoe - some nice records from north of the border ..............

I bought this album when it was first released way back in 1968, loved it, and played it countless times. And I was fortunate to see BB with Janis at Penn State's Rec Hall that same year. What a show that was, and it is etched deeply in my memory! This digital release doesn't sound the same to me. The mix is different; the tone seems tinny. I noticed this immediately with Bill Graham's introduction at the beginning of track 1. On my original vinyl his voice was louder and deeper. This recording just doesn't have the dynamic range of the original.

I saw Janice Joplin and Big Brother and the Holding Company perform at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, November the 1st, 1968. The Aragon was packed. Cheap Thrills had come out in August and so most of the people there had been listening to it for a few months. Chicago audiences can be tough but nothing could prepare anyone ( at least those who had never before seen her and the boys of Big Brother perform) for what happened when she burst out onto the stage and then into the room. We were all happy to be collateral damage. To this day, I have never seen any performer give more of themselves than she did that night. Her raw emotion consumed the room and melted every heart in the place. Everyone left with a little piece of her heart, which she gave so freely. Of all of her recordings this album is as close as it gets to that fierce raw emotion. She was a fireball who burst into heart flames and then was gone. Some of us were just fortunate enough to be there when she lit up the night.

This album is incomplete. Why are you adding songs on it. Shame on you

Great loud open ended guitar solo's explode on this Lp which perfectly captures the 60's burnout, stoned and get-by w/nothin' movement. Great album, reminds me of Quicksilver's "Happy Trails" with it's great jams. bill, denver, co

This will tell you how old I am--I heard Janis back in 68 at a concert in San Jose, Ca.. She was unbelieveable... This album is one of the greats, everyone should have ..There will never be anyone like her again.. No one with that voice.. This was my first album of Janis Joplin Big Brother and the Holding Co.. Love it..

it's like gross to hear them sing.....ewwww

THIS ALBUM GAVE US THE NEW BILLIE HOLLIDAY

The review overlooks the orginal concept of this classic which few have mastered since. It was recorded to sound like a live show to capture the genious of her performance..it worked.