Big Brother Archives

Janis, Little Girl Blue – (2016)

by Audiophile Audition | May 22, 2016 | DVD & Blu-ray Video Reviews

An excellent documentary on the life of the loud singer. Janis, Little Girl Blue – (2016) Cast: Janis Joplin, narrated by musician Cat Power, Clive Davis, Peter Albin Director: Amy J. Berg Studio: Filmrise/ MVD Visual MVDE 8304D (5/06/16) Video: Mostly for 9:16 screens, color Audio: English DD 2.0 Subtitles: English Extras: Deleted & extended scenes, Big Brother Singing Acapella, The Avalon vs. The Fillmore, Influences, Walk of Fame Ceremony on Hollywood sidewalk Length: 105 min. Rating: **** A fine documentary showing Joplin’s evolution into a big star, using letters and photos that she sent over the years to friends, family and collaborators. This make a fine pairing with Pennebaker’s films of Joplin at Monterey Pop and shows here as a unique talent, ahead of her time and trying to define herself rather than being defined by others. The horrible time she had in school in Texas undoubtedly shaped a whole cringe-worthy life. When she came to San Francisco and joined Big Brother and the Holding Company she had the opportunity to showcase her big voice and gave her heart and soul to a song. She became addicted to alcohol and drugs, met a lover in Brazil but he couldn’t […]

Janis Joplin – The Pearl Sessions – Sony Legacy (2 CDs)

by John Sunier | Apr 5, 2012 | Pop/Rock/World CD Reviews

Janis Joplin – The Pearl Sessions – Sony Legacy (2 CDs) 133 min. *****: If you listen to The Pearl Sessions you may appreciate what a sterling favor the Full Tilt Boogie Band did for her by providing one special service to her: they shut up. Two years earlier Cheap Thrills, Janis’ breakout album with Big Brother and The Holding Company, was marred by Sam Andrews’ intrusive vocals. The man may have been a competent guitar player, but he could not sing. And when he tried to accompany Janis Joplin, it was like a mere mortal trying to upstage a goddess. This is apparent in the recent live release (Big Brother & The Holding Company – Live at the Carousel Ballroom 1968), recorded a few months before Cheap Thrills. The outtake CD of The Pearl Sessions is precious. It’s filled with great comments by Joplin, like “Wait a minute, I don’t like him startin’ that slur so early,” “This is the last fuckin’ time I’m gonna do it!” and this gem, about some unnamed rock luminary: “No, he’s not even that great. He’s just a bore. He’s a nerd. I’m a groupie and I didn’t want to fuck him!” It […]