The Pearl Sessions Archive

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 […]