Cheap Thrills

Better than I thought it would be

Not bad. I liked the vocals and most of the music, but it wasn't anything spectacular. 3.5/5

I love Janis Joplin, but I’m not sure I love her enough to sustain a full album. “Ball and Chain” has become one of my favorite songs.

Some gnarly stuff, but I just don't think I'll listen to it again

Janis joplin? Phenomenal. The music? Eh.

super bluesy and angsty record, loved all the live components! “flower in the sun” short and sweet one but personal fav. janis has such a unique tone go off.

Yeah I like this one

No standouts

liked turtle blues a lot, the piano and the lyrics. think its cool how they made it look as if they were playing live.

Couple good songs, Janis is unreal

2.5 (37:11, 7 tracks, 2nd album, 1968) Blues Rock 2nd and last album Janis Joplin was with BB& the HC. I mean this is a classic album, just Piece of Heart alone brings it up to 3 but it's hard for me to love this album. Throughout I felt like someone must have said 'we have enough room for one white guy and one white girl to sing raspy blues rock, we're already got Robert Plant anyone know a female version?) Best parts of the album - Robert Crumb doodles, great cover. Worst parts - poor production, Janis screeching more than singing overpowers the music at times (works on some tracks, gets old by the 37 minute mark and it's a short album). I'm not a musician but I swear some of this is out of tune. A faked "live" studio effects (why?). I'm glad Janis went solo, there wasn't much more she could do with a sloppy (at best) band. If this was a REAL live album I'd understand (even appreciate their musicianship) but for a studio album with funding it is poorly done (probably why the fake 'live' audience.) If there wasn't Piece of My Heart I would have two'd this album. I'm still very glad I listened to it before I died. 1. "Combination of the Two" 5:47 2. "I Need a Man to Love" 4:54 3. "Summertime" 4:01 4. "Piece of My Heart" 4:15 5. "Turtle Blues" 4:22 6. "Oh, Sweet Mary" 4:16 7. "Ball and Chain" 9: 02 (and too long)

It's a very standard blues album. Joplin does an amazing job on vocals the writing is on par too and the instrumentation is decent AOTY rating: 83

Very interesting and fun. I loved the heavy blues songs. Ended up liking 4 out of the 11 songs.

En del bangers. Lite all over the place som album

Classic old school R&B/soul with elements of late 60s wigout guitar

Not my cup of tea

Janis' voice gets annoying after awhile. It seems soulful, but I think it's just because she's so fucked up on drugs and alcohol. I like Summertime and Piece of My Heart. 3

Love Janis Joplin and think she is fantastic. However, I think if I had only heard this songs of hers, while some are the same, I don't think I would love her as much. Her vocals is what sets her apart and with the full band the vocals of hers are just drowned out, or at least more subtle.

I’ve listened to about half of the album so far and this is such a summer album like zoo-wee-mama. The piano in “Turtle Blues” is fire. The song “Oh, Sweet Mary” makes me think of Rocky horror when doctor Scott is in the zen room. This album isn’t the type of music i usually listen to but honestly the album will probably be apart of my rotation now.

God energi fra Janis Joplin, men for mye seig psychedelica-blues.

very vocal (kind of like scatting) - definitely won't listen to again - not my vibe - fave song was piece of my heart

I enjoyed this on first listen. It was a lot better than I expected.

I’m still not in love with her voice, but I actually enjoyed this more than Pearl.

Hørt i bilen på vei til Harstad sammen med Jon 23/12/25. Mye bra, litt for monotont for min del.

7.5/10 enjoyed would listen to again

eh

Raspikurkkuinen Janis Joplin jossa näitä mustia rytmiä. Hitsi että fiilaan välillä näitä. Sellasta soulia mitä Janis tekee mutta näillä rytmeillä.

Combination of rock and blues. The vocals too scratchy for my taste. Piece of My Heart is the most iconic one

Some good tunes; lots of decent, drug-induced, bluesy rock. Vintage Joplin.

Some great moments but overall alright

Alright aye

Nothing special, at least for me

Fikk litt ny respekt for Janis. Tror æ kan sette på denne plata en gang.

Not the catchiest songs but janis eats

Not bas energy in the morning

Hørt i bilen med Jon første juledag.

Heard piece of my mind before

Great sound, but I couldn't stop focusing on how Janis sounds like Marge Simpson.

Love to see the legends on the come-up.

Cover art was a shit choice for sure. Joplins voice is amazing. The cover versions are interesting. A fun listen

it was okay, but not a fave

An iconic voice that was gone too soon. Really carries the album with a performance and voice that can’t be replicated. However it gets a bit same-y for me after a few songs.

Cheap Thrills is raw, loud, and powered by Janis Joplin’s ferocious vocals, especially on standouts like “Piece of My Heart.” While its energy is undeniable, the album can feel uneven and rough around the edges. Flawed but iconic, it captures a moment more than a consistently polished record.

Vocals are slightly grating but otherwise nice sound!

Just not a Janis fan but interesting to hear where it started.

It was fine, didn't love didn't hate. Probably wouldn't choose to put it on again.

piece of my heart & summertime are by far best (most popular for a reason), joplin vocals solo

Not the biggest fan of this type of classic rock but Janis Joplin’s vocals are cool and overall the writing isn’t too boring; pretty fun.

Interesting hearing Janis on this!

A solid jammy rock album, but I think I prefer Joplin's solo albums. 3.5 ->3

sex, drugs, and janis joplin

i get why people like Janis Joplin. i think in the right mood, i'd really be into this record. "I Need a Man to Love" is soulful as fuck, but man, I just don't care right now. I can hear where a lot of modern bands draw influence from this album. I can't tell if "Piece of My Heart" is better than "I Need a Man", or if it's just the most recognizable song on the record.

Anerkjenner at det er bra, men ikke alt som treffer undertegnede

its some okay fun. guitar masturbation, with some shreaky vocals.

Pari aika legendaarista biisiä, mut muuten ei oikeen jaksa sytyttää. "aikansa kuva" voisi olla taas hyvä lause näihin taustoihin, mutta Janis Joplin kyllä loistaa mikin varressa

Onhan sillä Petkellä vallan hieno ääni, ei mahda mitään, biisit ei vaan yllä samalle tasolle. Hieman liian jazzahtavaa omaan makuun, mutta livenä toimisi vallan mainiosti. Notta mennään kolmosella.

Joo ohan tää rohkeeta tavaraa pluussirokin tai jonkun vastaavan saralla. Kovaa revittelyä soitannollisesti ja varsinkin laulupuolella. Ihan hirveesti tämmöstä ei kyllä jaksas kuunnella vapaaehtosesti, mutta menee tähän samaan linjaan kun kaikki muukin näköjään tällä hetkellä, että ymmärrän kyllä, mutta en kuuntele. Sen takia ei voi ruoskia SÄILÄLLÄ. Varmaan osittain kärsii siitäkin, että on liveälppäri kyseessä, niin meno on enemmän semmosta fiilismiehelle sopivaa kun totiselle musiikkikuluttajalle. Sit kun ei oo fiilismies-olo, niin ei välity se lavameininki. Plussaa toki älppärin kansitaiteesta. Roopertti Krumppi on kova pikkutuhmien kuvien piirtelijä.

It sounds like a love album but it's not presented like one. The background ambience of the live crowd does add some character to it, though. Janis Joplin is ripping and screeching through some great blues rock. It's got tons of soul and some great jamming. Not more to say about that. 3.5 Stars

"1960s Rock - the band behind ""Piece of My Heart"". There is a lot of feeling and stage presence from Janis Joplin even in the recording. This is a 3.5/4 Stars for me.

Good album but I can't stop thinking about how Janis Joplin sounds like Marge Simpson. Faves: I Need a Man to Love, Piece of My Heart, Turtle Blues

This must be what it felt like going to a club in the 60s and hearing a local band that kinda sucked but went really hard and you never forgot that

Think this goes with what you think of Joplin. A blues belter or grater. At positive end Piece of my Heart it works, gets the Otis level of push and power and if all had been in this range would have liked the album, but at the other end Summertime , didn’t want to use the analogy because many had but yes nails, marge Simpson down blackboards. Just not a fan of Joplins thing, think it just falls too much into grating, and that’s the main draw of the album. 3 Star

Ok

Historical for sure

Solid. Janice Joplin cranks! Love those vocals. Great guitar too. Very solid.

I lost my beautiful Charly Garcia notebook.

Some iconic Janis Joplin moments in there, but overall a bit too heavy for my afternoon

More like a 3.5. Would def come back to this.

Has several classic radio hits that are familiar but the rest of the album feels like an average jam band to me

This was a good album, didn't know it was Janis Joplins band before she blew up! The more you know lol

As amazing as Joplins vocal can be it gets grating here. 2.5/5. Raising to 3.

good

Janis Joplin is a natural force and enfant terrible. But does she need to sing this old school psychedelic 60s stuff?

No strong feelings about this really. Some good songs, but like a lot of the other 60s SF albums, I think you had to be there. I appreciate Janis Joplin's vocal talents, but don't really enjoy them that much.

Good music but fake audience was strange.

Janis' voice is a tour de force for sure, but I didn't think this was quite as much of a knockout as I maybe expected? Piece of My Heart is an unbelievable song but nothing else hits quite that hard. The Summertime cover was a little much with some of her vocalizations. Overall wanted more although I can definitely appreciate her as an artist.

Pas mauvais. Janis a toute une drive. La captation est épouvantable.

3.5

Cool

I never knew Janis Joplin was in a band before she went solo. This album was a bit of everything: groovy, bluesy, funky, energetic, fun. I go back and forth on Janis Joplin’s voice though. Some songs I enjoy her vocals (like Piece of My Heart) and others not so much (Summertime). But there’s no doubt that Janis Joplin and the other musicians in this band were talented.

Definitely better than her solo album. Can't say I was expecting Janice Joplin to be the first artist I have two albums from

3.25

Never heard this album before. Janis is fantastic and the vibe rock but it's not one that I'll find myself going back to any time soon but if I stumble on it, I'd listen again gladly.

Just fine, Joplin sounds like Marge Simpson at points

It really feels like the band is constantly in a contest of who the best artist is which hurts the songs that are otherwise perfectly solid

A second Jenis Joplin related album for this week. Let's check this one. First track is more of a jammy kind of intro. Janis sounds so young in innocent here it made me shiver a bit. A high energy one with group vocals and solos to start. Second song is energetic and preformed very well. This version of summertime is what made fall in love with Janis when I was about 14 years old. Her voice is unbelievable here. And the guitar work... priceless. Piece of my heart is a classic rock classic for a good reason. It's a great song. Janis sounds amazing singing the blues on track 5. I actually really liked how basic it is. Only piano, vocals and a saloon atmosphere. Nice. 6 Most psychedelic one for sure. Liked it very much. Just super cool vibe and nice vocals. I was worried that the last track will be to long, but it turned out to be one of the best ine the entire thing. Just massive blues performance from Janis and the band. What a great one! Enjoyed it more than pearl I think. The rawness and singing is just great. Better than pearl but still a high

Appreciate her voice and get that this is good generally just not something I would put on to jam to just doesn’t speak to me

Meh, några goa bitar men för icke-melodiskt och skramligt

Is quite badly like to avoid overstating it, but it doesn’t feel like hyperbole to call this the sound of a thousand hurricanes making landfall. What Joplin and Gurney create whips and whooshes; cajoling road signs from their fastenings, tossing them into the mix with cattle, chattel, whatever’s not completely nailed down. And up and away you go with it too, perhaps initially with trepidation – but when the weightlessness kicks in and you realise you’re in this for good … it’s kind of impossible not to be romanced by it. That’s the hurricane covered, but why “a thousand”? Maybe one day I’ll name them one by one, but today I’ll run out of time – so suffice it to say what’s here is as irresistible as the process that creates the OG meteorological formation. These are sounds made thick by an intoxicating mix of sex, drugs and, ah fuck it, rock n’roll. I suppose every cliche started life as something incredible. This is the sound of Janis making landfall. Nothing was the same again.

A little too bluesy for my tastes, but the sweaty, swaggery delivery of Janis is pretty great. Instantly recognizable, and yet this album is probably somewhat forgotten given her untimely death just two years later. A small window into what might’ve been.

Janis!!

I didn't listen the last 3 songs

It's not bad, probably above average for the time just not really my bag. A bit meandering for me but worth a listen

It's a classic middle of the road '60s Rock Album with an appropriate title. Favorite Track: "Piece Of My Heart".

Some very good tunes. JJ instantly recognisable as a talent.

I liked about half of these tracks, and felt “meh” about the others. Piece of My Heart is a classic. I get that Janis’ voice isn’t for everyone, but for these songs, particularly the bluesy ones, it works. On the negative side, I am not sure why they felt the need to fake a live album. In any event, the record works out to three stars for me.

-back from my hiatus to very formally review Cheap Thrills -i enjoyed this!! i really like the 60s San Francisco sound. Janis Joplin ATE here, definitely some of the best vocals i’ve heard from her -it’s not quite on the level of Jefferson Airplane and kinda lost my interest at some points, but it’s quite good. god damn that guitar on Oh, Sweet Mary -Favorites are I Need A Man To Love and Oh, Sweet Mary

Janis Joplin can be a bit much. She's especially screechy on Summertime, which is otherwise an awesome version. My favourite was Oh, Sweet Mary.

6 - AVERAGE

Blind album and artist. Some cool early psych elements and such. Cool this was recorded in a ballroom too.

Enjoyed!

Love the hits. Sometimes Janis turns it up a little bit too much.

3.5 Some raw, hardcore, electric blues, roots and psych rock with early Janis Joplin on the mic. Not the most polished album, but that’s sort of its appeal. This is a pretty good time capsule of that period. I’m such a sucker for the fuzzy/funky guitars, vibes and Joplin’s singing that I want to give this a 4, but I realize that’s a bit overrated; 3.5 is perfect. I also understand her voice isn’t for everyone.

Psychedelic rock, led zeppelin sounding, but it’s Janice Joplin!

I listened to this one for the first time a couple years ago. At the time I didn't really get into it. It connected a bit more with me this time. Still wouldn't call it an all-time fave, but I enjoyed it quite a bit more this time.

Jazzy, fun, light. Enjoyed listening.

Solid

Janis Joplin has soul enough for ten people and love to hear this live blues

New to me. Pretty good to me.

I'm continuing to think I don't really care for American music. Someone tell young me. Everything that "sounds" American on this list has either been fine or annoying. Or Marilyn Manson. This was on the fine end but most of it didn't do much for me and I don't know why bar it just sounds so American. Joplin's vocals and the band are strong although hey voice is actually a bit annoying. Anyway, I'm learning things about me if nothing else.

Janice.

Like listening to a memory of a time long ago, but with extra guitars.

This blues-rock album is like a roaring engine held together by passion rather than polish—its rough guitars, unrestrained vocals, and raw emotion surge with freedom and fire, even as the whole thing threatens to shake itself apart.

Album de rock en live chanté par une femme ? À la voix enrouée assez sympas

Probably rocked live but was just decent as an album

i dont like hippies or jam stuff and i've never been particularly fascinated with janis joplin so i was not looking forward to this but it was quite good

Janis voice is epic and timeless. To me that is almost the only thing about the album that I really enjoyed though. While nothing inherently wrong with the songs I just couldn't get in to them. The sound mixing, the instruments, the solos. Nothing stood out other than her voice, but sometimes that might be enough for some songs to be listened to a few more times.

Nothing really popped out at me with this album besides the album art. Still, nothing was bad

Real bluesy. Piece of My Heart is an all timer

white girl from texas with that voice rings a bit differently today, but I dug the album (again)

3/3.5

It was okay. The reason why this album gained its epic status is because Janis Joplin died so young. If she had lived until old age and had the chance to record more songs, this album would be mediocre.

Fine enough album, sounds very dated though

Excellent guitar throughout. I hate belting, but Janis makes it work.

Psychedelic Rock is just not my thing however I found myself locked into a groove on this one. Joplin is solid and the musicality from the band is on point. Not too shabby!

Unpopular opinion - I'm not the biggest fan of Janis Joplin. Probably would have enjoyed this tracks more without her vocals.

Janis (or JJ as she’s know in my family, little inside joke) is such a power house.

I liked this, my guess it's because of Janis Joplin. It gets a 3. If I rated it a 3, this mean this probably a 3.5

Jackie Jormp-Jomp made some electric stuff. "Take another little chunk of my lung, now mister!"

Crazy, messy, imperfect, fun.

Janis is great

This is a great time, a few tracks are standouts including the long closer track. Janis Joplin is a super unique vocalist and makes some of these more interesting than they would have been otherwise. There are other tracks where I didn't like her voice so much when she goes into the deeper register. Overall a decent 6/10 record

Eh. Piece of my heart rips but Janis can be very grating.

This album makes me want to see Big Brother and the Holding Company live, not listen to the album again. It's solid late 60's pop/rock, but outside of general bombast, especially Joplin's vocals, doesn't stand out. Speaking of, I appreciate Janis' energy and unique voice, but you know what? Not for me.

Joplin’s voice is unmistakable and iconic. You have to be in the right mood to listen to a whole album of it, but when it hits, it hits. Best Track: Piece of My Heart

The songs are so good, it’s too bad about the production value

Solid, Janis was and always will be an immensely talented lead

I wish I could give this half ratings, I really want to give this like a 3.5. I love Janis Joplins voice, the instrumentals on this album are crazy. It was interesting to read that some of the sounds on the songs were really creative, like a bottle breaking on the ground that was then being swept up. Janis voice is so raw and full of emotion, piece of my heart is an instant banger for me. Psychedelic rock is not something I’d seek out on my own, but there’s a lot to love here.

It was giving Led Zepplin vibes with all that hooting and hollering in the first track. Apparently the album was not filmed live but recorded in a manner where they made crowd sounds to make it sound like it was. Very interesting tech for an album from this time. I think Janis Joplin has a unique voice, and I do enjoy that style of singing. The production is also pretty cool, the instruments sound good, and again I appreciate the “fake” crowd sounds. I appreciate it for what it is but don’t see myself listening to this again.

This was pretty much alright. I didn’t think of it in any particular direction. I’m sure that when it came out it was particularly transformative but I just think that there’s music that hits the same vibe but better.

Good stuff but I'm taking off a star because the cover art is so edgy and stupid. Combination of the two, summertime, and oh sweet Mary stand out.

It's a good listen with an all time classic

I get it, I don't really love it though. 3.5/5

i think i understand rock more but this wasn’t really for me. i don’t think i listened to this album in a super good headspace though ahha

Classic rock with Janis singing. Not really a fan of them making a studio album sound like a live album but otherwise worth a listen

Janis upgraded recording and songwriting when she left. Not sure I understand the appeal of this album.

Album released in 1968. Band mostly formed in San Francisco, with the addition of Janis Joplin who came to North California from Texas. The other members of the band were Peter Albin, a guitarist with a background in folk and blues, Sam Andrew, another guitarist with a background in rock, classical and jazz and another guitarist called James Gurley. The band were not initially blown away by Janis Joplins vocals when she first joined but decided to take her on anyway, and clearly it obviously went well. In terms of the album, I don’t know I think I need to give it way more of a listen. Obviously I can appreciate musically they are very talented but maybe not quite for me? I did like Oh, sweet Mary and ball and chain on the first listen though.

Janis to the rescue for this one. Who knew she fronted for this group? Love the album cover art. Awesome guitar jam session on track 1 (Combination of the 2), and Piece of My Heart, Summertime, Listened before? N Saved tracks? Y Favorite tracks? Combination of the 2, Piece of My Heart, Summertime, Magic of Love ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Liked it better than some. Saved several tracks.

Classic. Bit dated now, but a classic.

не совсем мое. однако piece of my heart была хороша

🍆 = no

Enjoyed it

Janis Joplin is an icon, couple of pearls but otherwise not on the side of 60s rock I'm too big of a fan of

Not exactly easy listening. The sort of rough and ready racket you'd enjoy on a fringe stage at a festival.

Classic

Why would you add live sound recordings to a studio album? Her voice is cool pretty cool. OK album.

Weird a few ok songs, sounded like it was created on a electric keyboard I had when I was a kid

Some amazing songs, some amazing vocals, but also some very forgettable ones

Decent

Less guitar, more Joplin pls

Their last album with Janice and you can hear her outgrowing the band. It's an interesting album, but nothing brain melting.

Janis Joplin's voice is very dominant in every song. The album flows pretty well together. None of the songs really stood out to me all that much. I wasn't focusing on the lyrics much for this first listen. 6/10

Better than Coldplay

I was today years old when I learned that Janis Joplin fronted a group before going solo. This version of the album wasn't on Deezer, so I had to listen on YouTube instead. I don't like actual live albums so not sure that adding effects to make it sound like one was necessary. I would probably dislike this album if not for Janis. Such a unique and powerful voice. Listened before? N Saved to library? N Favorite track(s): Summertime, Piece of My Heart My ratings are kind of based on general vibes and how many tracks I save to my Deezer profile -- ⭐⭐⭐: Liked it. Saved some tracks.

Some really cool guitar parts but the singing can be too repetitive The live tracks were way cool than anticipated

Well I never knew Janis Joplin was in a band... The album is ok, you can see why Joplin's voice was a powerhouse, however I struggle to understand the choice of fabricating a live album in a studio...it feels live but it is weird. I enjoyed most of the songs but the long jamming really annoyed me at times, I see, yeah it was "supposed" to be a live album, but the length and the jamming really let me down. Maybe I just should see with the late 60's mindset, but honestly, I dont care. 3/5

Cool to learn Janis Joplin had a band before going solo.

This was fun, I guess. I didn’t see anything wrong with it, which means there were quite a lot of things right with it. Not my genre or vibe as much as it should be

There’s no doubt that Joplin had a great voice and there’s some great musicianship on here. Indeed it’s difficult to remember what groundbreaking sounds were being made in the 60’s, on that alone the album deserves its place on the list

Good singer, of course. Band tears into solos at points. I don’t like Another Piece of my Heart, never have.

Aight

quite ok

Last night I wrote “Janis Joplin is big brother???” And this whole website crashed…. Makes you think

this is like the only janis joplin thing where i kinda start to understand what people like about her but generally speaking she does nothing for me

Solid album, didn’t know it was gonna be live. Janis Joplin’s singing really carries this band, if not for her this would be just okay blues rock. The lead guitar on Ball and Chain was great.

Joplin's voice is always powerful; very solid for a live album, although some of it was just okay.

so far good vibes! never heard of it but has a good older rock sound

6.6

Que voz que tiene la hija de puta de había joplin loco, una fuerza en las cuerdas vocales. Rock muy clásico y de los viejos, me gustó.

Buena voz, pero es un estilo que nunca me cierra del todo

Totally fine, if somewhat generic rock? obviously Another piece of my heart is a standout track and some of the others were very good. But I'm not going to go out of my way to get back to it. On the higher end of a 3, but till not cracking the higher rankings.

This was a solid album, nothing that I feel needs to be heard before you die. Janis is Janis, an amazing vocalist that can drive my ears crazy after a few songs. The music was solid. The R Crumb cover is pretty sweet sans the overtly racist depiction of a black woman. I didn't know anything about BB&HC before today - so I am glad to have heard of them and this album, but wouldn't call it a must listen. 6.2/10 146/1001

Entertaining enough 60s blues rock but not something I'd go out of my way to listen to.

I fear the thrills here are as advertised.

Tosi hauskaa miksausta näissä biiseissä. Raakaa rock rock

Janis can WAIL, and I didn’t know she fronted a band until now. It’s a little jammier than I usually like, but it’s absolutely still groovy. Her covers of Summertime and Ball and Chain simply do not stand up unfortunately. Not a fan of Crumb or his work, but this is about the music so I’ll leave it at that. Overall a solid psychedelic rock album!

Este disco está enfrascado en ese momento donde la escena musical de San Francisco se convirtió en una de las más importantes a nivel mundial. Blues y psicodelia se entremezclan con la poderosa voz de Janis Joplin para conseguir el único éxito de Big Brother & The Holding Company. 3'5/5

The guitar is so poor I couldn't take it. Enjoyed Joplin tho, felt she deserved a better sideman

3.5/5

meh

Cheap Thrills is a much more confident and consistent album that shows the band really starting to find their sound and develop in a direction that starts to pay off much more than their messy self titled debut album. This album is a slow burn that still does dip up and down in terms of quality, but whenever it hits one of its' "peaks" it really puts in the effort. Janis Joplin is so impressive with her both aggressive and rugged vocals and also softer and more "traditional" styles and how she is able to flip between them so seamlessly. While I do think this album lacks in the writing and flow departments I do think the instrumentation and swagger really does go a long way. Not one of my favorite Blues Rock or Rock albums in the world, but I can get why someone would be pretty gaga about Big Brother & The Holding Company's sophomore project. Nuff said.

Pretty much all the songs sound the same, but good for the background

Not bad. Didn’t realize that Janis Joplin was in a band. Some familiar songs here that I had no idea it was this group.

janis joplin has such a unique voice

Piece of My Heart is great - Janis’ voice is great on this album, but it’s a little weird that it’s “live”

sorry sia this is the real cheap thrills

Fuzzy and fun

Oh, Janis Joplin here. It's always nice to hear such a great artist. Maybe Not a perfect album for me, but OK

I’ve never been much of a fan of Janis and/or BB&THC. I respect her vocal talent and the emotion she puts into everything, but I just don’t really enjoy listening to it for a song much less an album. This go through didn’t change my opinion. And I don’t think musically they’re anywhere near as talented as her vocals.

me gustó, bien potente, sesentero, lo sentí bien psicodélico progresivo y tremendas vos la de la muchacha

Psychedelic blues is a strange animal - not strange as in intriguing, but misbegotten. Music trying to float and crawl at the same time. Often, it doesn’t even stand up. Yesterday’s spin through Cream’s dreary brand of blues-tinged psychedelia wasn’t encouraging. Today, Cheap Thrills by Big Brother and the Holding Company didn’t do much better. It might have inspired a deeper reflection on the difference between British and American psychedelia, or between their respective blues traditions. But I was left thinking the problem might be the genre itself - or at least the idea that blues and psychedelia were ever meant to live under the same roof. Blues, after all, is earthbound. It’s bodily, physical, about things you can name and feel: loss, love, hard times - the kind of heartbreak you don’t need a philosophy degree to understand. It doesn’t drift. It sinks. Psychedelia, on the other hand, tends to float above all that. It's about altered states. It’s expansive, dematerialised, metaphysical. It aims at openness, transcendence - breaking down boundaries of time, ego, identity. It doesn’t have to be whimsical, but it should be free. Spacious. Blowing open The Doors of Perception, man. Like The Doors sometimes managed to do - but not, for instance, on “Roadhouse Blues.” If psychedelia is light, blues is heavy. It’s about roots, not escape. By definition, it’s a bad trip. And what happens when you try to glue them together? You get something like Cheap Thrills: heavy where it should soar, blurry where it should punch. Sure, there’s a little overlap. Blues’ 12-bar loops could, in theory, go on forever. Psychedelia’s drones do too, but their repetition seeks trance, not tension. Blues uses dissonant 7ths to stay spicy; psychedelia uses modal drift to dissolve form altogether. Blues is tradition-bound. Psychedelia is experimental by nature. Jimi Hendrix came out of the blues tradition and could trade licks with anyone. But he wasn’t heavy - not in this sense. He didn’t just play the blues louder or weirder. He cracked it open. Burst it into star matter. When he sang, it wasn’t about juke joints or betrayal - it was about UFOs and castles made of sand. He went to London too, which helped. Blues rock, after all, is an American problem. Even the Rolling Stones – ever the carriers of American disease - knew better than to drag blues into their psychedelic detours. When they did psychedelia, which they did badly, they at least had the sense to leave the blues behind. Not all Americans, of course. Jefferson Airplane understood that psychedelia requires space - air, irony, something like play. They didn’t have to revert to childhood, like early Pink Floyd singles, but they acknowledged childhood. Indeed, it is mother who gives you the pills that make you small. Cheap Thrills, though, is weighed down with heaviness. Bad covers of “Summertime” and “Ball and Chain.” A sleeve cluttered with over-busy cartoon art. “Turtle Blues” could be any number of other generic blues bar jams and, if the turtle is meant as a whimsical touch, it also signifies plod - something slow and hoary, rather than the horny that Joplin sings. “Oh, Sweet Mary” hints at taking off somewhere, but any lift - Jefferson Airplane style - is immediately grounded by Joplin’s backing vocals, which dominate the mix as though they miked the studio air conditioner. Of course, it’s rare for Joplin to take a back seat. She is the centre of all of this. Her voice is impossible to ignore - and sometimes, impossible to get past. It’s raw and powerful, yes, but not exactly buoyant. It doesn’t lift you anywhere. Maybe it made her feel better. I guess primal scream is an element of the hippy ethos. Still, it’s obvious why so many of these tracks are sloe-gin slumpers rather than transcendent anthems - evidently more libation than liberation. Now, some clever dicks bypass the conventional wisdom that Black Sabbath birthed heavy metal and credit Cream. Maybe even Blue Cheer. But I think it’s clear that Joplin set the template for classic metal singing - the sweep from gutter to stars - before Robert Plant did. In the way she digs deeper into the gravel pit of her throat to come at a note from below, you can already hear Axl Rose being born. Indeed, it is metal that takes the heaviness of the blues and manages to meld it with altered perspective: fantasy, horror, the occult. But that’s probably too heavy for Janis Joplin, who had real problems to deal with: the wrong drink, the wrong drugs, the wrong man. And, I think, the wrong genre too. Even a standout like “Piece of My Heart” - which is powerful - doesn’t work in a psychedelic context. A great vocal performance, sure. Metaphysical in the sense that Donne might encourage a lover to take his heart, bit by bit. But if this is psychedelic music, it’s the kind with one foot still stuck in the mud. Be honest: would you want to hear that while tripping? With all its raw, clenched emotion? It would just bring you down, man. Cheap Thrills promises wildness, ecstasy, escape. What it delivers is psychedelic only if your idea of an altered state involves a migraine 2 I have never heard this album before although I know and like this version of Piece of My Heart. Janis Joplin’s voice is rather stressful to listen to, sounding like something is going to tear any moment. But following on from the flaccid fumblings and cooings of yesterday’s record (Disraeli Gears) this album came across as very exciting indeed. Janis is the star but credit too to James Gurley’s grotesque lead guitar in Combination of the Two and Ball and Chain which felt thirst-relieving after the desert of Clapton’s tidy pentatonic lines. There’s quite a lot going on on that front cover - some of it could do with being cut out. 3/5

Lots of soul and blues, but "Summertime" and "Piece of My Heart" are the only songs that stand out. 7 out of 10, rounding down.

So many people try to sound like Janis (and do it badly!) that it's hard to remember how great she was. This was an excellent reminder.

This one’s on the list for one reason only and it ain’t Big Brother and the Holding Company. 3 stars for Janis Joplin making it something way greater than it otherwise is.

Good old straight rock and R&B, but with Joplin’s incredible voice and personality.

Joplin does a marge simpson voice for the first few tracks which is why this is not a 4 from me. Love piece of my heart. And Joplin completely makes some otherwise boring enough songs. Guitar was good I thought

solidno, zabavno. nisam znao da je janis joplin bila u bendu prije solo karijere. ovdje je i "peace of my heart", super stvar

Janis is obviously a force of nature, but this isn't really my thing.

Hard to listen to this album without thinking that Joplin is already on a disastrous ride that she won’t be able to escape. When Janice is singing this album is powered by her ferocious voice. When she’s not singing it’s a crazy jam fest that doesn’t really do it for me.

Heard it before. My mom being a Janis fan, I'm kinda bound to like her too. But just in general it's a great album 3/5

Ok. Of its time.

Rv/G

Her poor voice, from time to time it's just painful to listen to, and the little coughing fits. Hard to rate this one, it sounded really good but I just don't really love this era of music.

they were really starting to figure it out at this point in the 60s. we finally got good at making rock n roll!

Classic Americana sound. Janis has such an iconic voice - it's not always the easiest on the ears, but it resonates with distinction. The guitars and overall feel emanates the era of the 60s and the lo-fi grittiness that comes with it. Solid record.

Not bad - enjoyed it, probably need another listen or two to really get into it.

Yeah nice set of covers and love her vocals and nice Rcrumb racist and sexist cover.

I enjoyed the album, Janis Joplin definitely has a cool and unique sound. It didn't blow me away though so I'll give it a 3. Standouts: I Need a Man to Love, Piece of My Heart Rating: 3.4/5

Decent blues album, however I have never been able to properly enjoy Janis she always sounds like she's straining and screeching.

The album is a pumping psychedelic machine fueled by Janis Joplin's unique and raw vocals. The rest of the band play their asses off too and sound like they were having a ton of fun ripping these tracks. The instrumentation is richly layered and a pleasure for anyone with ears for groovy and psychedelic experimentation.

It was okay.

Very good guitar playing. As expected Janis Joplin is an incredibly good singer. Very impressive.

Great janis joplin sound. Some tracks they have it all together, but it feels a little disjointed other times. Good 60s dead adjacent

A good psych blues rock album I guess, if you like Janis.

Pretty good rock music. Songs were a little long, though.

It’s 60s style blues rock performed in a studio with a fake live audience piped in. The band is remarkably raw, and often off, for a studio performance. It feels like they are a live phenomenon that was trying to capture that energy in the studio to mixed results. Janis, of course, is an otherworldly talent, and she often delivers here - though there are moments, such as an “Summertime”, where her whiskey and nicotine infected delivery are distracting. Overall, it’s a fine 60s blues rock record, but mostly memorable because of Joplin.

First listen

Liked the music, not sure how I feel about Janis Joplin’s voice but she definitely brought it.

My biggest takeaway is that it makes so much sense how successful Janis Joplin would become as a solo artist. Her voice is just unreal on this record. She was one-of-one. Cheap Thrills mostly escapes some of the pitfalls and annoying tropes of its time/genre. I never got lulled to sleep by a fuzzy 12 minute psych rock trip. The opening song would be my pick from this album. If you haven’t heard “Piece Of My Heart” by now I don’t know what you’re doing. Not my favorite type of album, but good for its time. Direct enough for pop listeners ears, but also unique enough for those that were transcending various states of mind or planes of existence at the time. Soft 3/5 very cool fake live crowd

Outstanding vocals by Janice. Okay blues feel.

Sympatoche

Good

Luojan vitun kiitos vihdoin kunnon rokkia. Menevää, hyvää ulvontaa, tää on varmaa räjäyttäny tanssilattiat 60-luvulla. Hyvää bassoa ja taustakitaranäppäilyä. Hieno levynkansi: kaikille biiseille oma ruutu (ei puhuta Summertimen graffasta :D)

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to unhear the Axl Rose / Marge Simpson influence. I think it does a good job encapsulating that era though (at least, the image of it that has been presented to those of us who weren't there). My 21st-century attention span had a hard time with the full hour, but I enjoyed most songs. This album feels like a good representation of 60s SF rock.

Fine.

A solid listen to let you experience that 60’s festival feel. Janis does really well and doesn’t blow out her voice like later in her career

Pretty decent album, but I don't really think it was my favorite. I wonder if I'm not the biggest fan of Janis Joplin but overall it was a good rock and roll/blues album. Eh nothing really memorable stood out to me, though I did know one song that I didn't realize was by this group.

Piece of my heart is a banger. Not the biggest Janis fan but she rocks

R Crumb album cover. Cool. Combination of the Two - Live track. 2 track mix is crazy. Audience in one ear. Janis comes in late and brings a dead hippie jam to life. Solo is garage punk dirty. Guy singer is meh. I want to go listen to The Make Up now. I Need a Man to Love - Ok this is dark bluesy fire with Janice sounding sexy hoarse from the jump. Dual track guitars probably cut together from different performances is a happy accident. Summertime- Subdued music box picking. Janis adjusting volume and intensity like Robert Plant without the over glossed Britishness. Piece of My Heart - That intro is like Janice rushing up to you and yelling in your face..and it’s cool. Clear champ. Partially bc it’s stripped down, mostly J. Almost VU in its sparseness. Turtle Blues - J channeling Etta. Good track sequencing; transition feels perfect. Soulful af. Tinkling of glasses in bg is a nice touch. As is J’s coughing lol Oh, Sweet Mary - Surf rock Durango. Giving the drummer some. Gorgeous build. This is the track you time your LSD peak to. Ball and Chain - Superfuzz bigmuff intro that must have popped Mark Arm right out of the womb. Probably Glenn Branca’s favorite track on the album. This distortion tone is a thick furry caterpillar and you’re riding her into the psychedelic sunset. Roadblock - Hippie tonk. Funsies. Drums go on and git it. Flower in the Sun - Upbeat skiffle telling a romance fail story. “Once in a green time” is evocative as hell. Best lyrics on the record. Catch Me Daddy - Sparse shrieker that kicks into a punky jam. Dance floor kick drum siren call. Memphis repped in the solo, which fuckin rips. Really wish JJ had stuck around. She would have been the Queen of Punk. Magic of Love - Elvis-y barn boogie that fell in a vat of LOVE-style acid jam. Just the right length. This is the only track you can say that about. Not particularly my jam, musically, but enough risks taken that I appreciate it. JJ is easily the highlight, and at this point she was just getting started.

Not something I'd go and listen to on my own. I usually think a lot of songs have grating and repetitive drums but this album definitely doesn't; the drums elevate the songs by a lot. Considering this came out in '68, the songs are quite impressive and ahead of their time.

Not totally sure if I understand Gideon’s critique this feels like very mainly a Janis album. And it rocks for the most part, although it’s not like my favorite music ever. Piece of my heart is an all timer though, and I always thought it was a Janis solo song, so the more you know!

I recognize her

Janis is fantastic. The band is great. Not an album I usually pick to listen to, but it really is enjoyable

Like it. Favourite track is Piece of My Heart 3/5

Only really giving that the time of day because the obvious song on there, her voice grated on me after a while. Which is strange, because I quite liked pearl

The first two tracks felt weak to me but the album kicked into another gear after that with the classic “Summertime.” There were a couple of other standouts after that: “Piece of My Heart,” one of Janis’ most famous songs; “Sweet Mary;” and the closer “Ball and Chain.” I enjoyed hearing the 1968 Fillmore East crowd on that one. Janis’ scratchy and ragged vocals aren’t necessarily pleasing but her uniqueness, delivery, power and passion are undeniable. I also liked some of the jam elements and guitar tones and solos. But overall, is this a great record to me? It’s a 3.5 and given that I don’t think I’d necessarily throw it on again, I think I’ll round down on this one.

OK

Listened on 5/26/25 3.5/5 Favorite song: piece of my heart Janis Joplin has a voice that scratches your brain in the best way and the album cover is so fun

Solid album, didn’t think it was anything crazy though. Probably won’t listen again but good while it lasted

Janis gets her earned accolades as one of the greatest voices in rock. You can hear an entire generation of imitators on these tracks. But, I want to point out how ahead of the time the guitar playing is on here. I mean, the tones are always incredible. The solos can only be described as ‘sick nasty.’ This is hardly an underrated or overlooked album, but the actual band themselves are often overlooked.

I didn’t think I was a Joplin fan. This album makes me think I should be checking out more of her stuff

Lots of respect for this album, not quite as much enjoyment. Best enjoyed in smaller doses. Funnily enough, I do not find this music to be psychedelic really at all.

Ok

Pretty good, some songs really drag though. Janis' vocals rip for the vast majority of the album can kinda grow to be grating on some of the down tempo tracks. The guitar parts are consistently killer. 3.5/5

I liked the blues songs on here. The rest I was meh about.

I've found that over time my appreciation of JJs voice has diminished. This album contains some great songs and is a bit of a best-of, but in truth I won't be going back again too often.

=The beatles

Janis Joplin is a force of nature. And I can definitely see the appeal of this album. But I’m left with a feeling of…meh. I’d give it 2.5, but I’m feeling generous and will go with a full 3 stars. I like the album artwork a lot more than the music itself 🤷‍♂️

Crazy that this was the breakout for Janis Joplin. Would have been cool to see this one stick together.

Ok

Cool band, distinct voice. Unconventional album artwork for the time

This is solid!

ok

I think this is the first time I have listened to Janis Joplin before in the context of knowing it was her and really paying attention. V good album nothing stuck out as an absolute fav but I will add this into the rotation. Fun having the fake crowd and then ball and chain being real. That song was probably my fav

Good album. Joplin was so bluesy and sultry. The Psyche-Acid Rock didn’t fit her well, her decision to leave the group was a good one. She is a blues singer. And great at it. Her vocals seem out of place with BB and the HCO. The stand out songs are with her on lead. The rest - where she provides backing and harmony - are simply not as good.

It was okay.

Janis Joplin is one of those artists that everyone will come across one time in their lives, willing or not. This time, I wasn't expecting at all, but it was a delightful surprise. I never knew Joplin had a band before her solo career, so "Big Brother and the Holding Company" was not a familiar name to me. But the moment I saw "Piece of My Heart", I knew this album was going to be special. And so it was. This is an experience full of mixed feelings. On one hand, Joplin's intense and sincere feelings expressed by her unique voice are touching to say the least. To this day, it's still hard to find artists who can replicate what she is able to express - it's not only about vocal power (and yes, it is definitely here. I can suppose a lot of influence on Prince and Axl Rose), but being able to really connect to Joplin in such a way that almost had me in tears. I have to admit, though, that a part of this reaction was because of her young passing, it's really painful to listen to this gem remembering her fate a few years later. On the other hand, I must give credit to the band, especially to the guitarist. Come on, you didn't need to go that hard and experimental - or maybe he did, it was the late 1960's, after all. While this is not a 5-star album for me - some tracks are just indifferent - the high points (no pun intended)... oh, they hit hard.

It was her voice that was the reason for this

Okay. She had a very distinct voice that, for the most part I like, but this album didn't really do it for me. On the slower stuff I think she sounds a lot weaker which is unfortunate. The backing band sounded really nice, liked them a lot. Overall this doesn't really do it for me one way or the other. Do not like the album cover art, it's just too much.

Essentially this is a Janis Joplin album. Not bad.

I knew of (and liked) Janis Joplin by reputation, and had heard a few bits, including a version of Piece of my Heart, which I'd liked. I found listening to a whole album of her voice a bit more difficult, although I'm not casting aspersions on her talent or passion, I just didn't enjoy listening to it as much as I expected to. What I did enjoy was the band, including the quite basic stereo production (guitar twangs suddenly sounding in one ear) who conjure up a free, smoky atmosphere. I'm aware it's not actually an entirely live album, but I bet it would have been a great night if it had been. Some of it maybe went on a wee bit.

Better than expected and I did not know Janis Joplin fronted a band for a while. She elevates things. Too much jamming and riffing kind of stuff for this to really shine for me.

Janis is just OK in my book. Would she be as revered today if she hadn’t died so young? Liked about half of this. 2.5 rounded up. She was fascinating to watch in Woodstock and the Monterey Pop Festival documentary movies.

I normally would like this more, but maybe I just wasn’t feeling it today.

Bluesy, loose and fun. “Piece of My Heart” is far and away the strongest song, but it’s fairly fun throughout.

Yeah ok I didn’t mind it

Can’t member but it couldn’t be good

The album cover... I still listened to the album though and Janis Joplin sounds like Marge Simpson. And it starts to sound like nails on a chalkboard after the second song. In piece of my heart, she started to sound like James Brown. I wanted to immediately dismiss her as a culture vulture, but after reading her biography, I began to feel a little bit bad. Only a little bit though. Consider my score a 2.5

Janis Joplin anyone? Some great stuff here.

Bangers. Ball and chain is amazing.

favorite track: Piece of my Heart. Overall score: 7.0/10

Of it’s time.

I thought I would like this more than I did but unfortunately I don't think this has aged well. Its far too screechy, Janis' voice is much better utilised on Pearl. I have no doubt that BB&THC are a tight band and they are, it's just that sometimes lengthy guitar solos can get too grating.

Die Sängerin ist ja eine Legende, muss aber ehrlich sagen das mir nicht alle Songs gefallen haben.

At first, I thought this was an album by a great studio band that wasn’t quite as good live. Then I learned that this was a studio album and I was left thoroughly confused. I liked Janis Joplin’s voice. The rest wasn’t too special. Favorite Track: Turtle Blues

Well, Janis Joplin has _a voice_. Classic, summery, bluesy rock. I imagine they were incredible to see live.

Nice to have a decent blues album after Bluesbreaker. It's a fun listen, Piece of My Heart is the obvious highlight

Never heard any of these before but had a good time. 👍

Some great bluesy rock roll with hippy vibes

I didnt realize Janis Joplin was in this band! Sounds like a good band to see live

- relativ moody, aber nichts, was ich andauernd hören könnte (glaube ich) und auch nichts, was ich außerhalb von 1001 anmachen würde

This is a great exhibition of Joplin's talent, but also the band's as well. When we had one of her solo albums I mentioned that her backing band was really good and complimented her antics, this is very similar though she's much more of a part of the band rather than the primary focus. If you look past the singing, the album is a pretty solid 70's era psychadelic blues/rock mix. The cover of "Summertime" is pretty interesting; I've never heard it performed like that. The standout is of course "Piece of my Heart" which is great and suits not only Joplin but that band's talent as well. The one thing I didn't particularly like about this was the amount of reverb or other effect that make it sound like it's being recorded in a concert hall. Apparently that was intentional and I think it detracts from it. It certainly sounds like an old recording but after hearing so many records from this time frame they could've made it a lot cleaner and I think it would've improved it significantly. This is of course not including the actual live tracks. This dragged on a bit by the end but it was never boring. There's a lot of high energy in this album which some albums of this type seem to not have enough of. I'm glad I heard this because it only reinforces my opinion that Janis Joplin is a really top shelf rock singer.

Excellent. Very Janice and fun.

I'm not big on the blues, but this band can play rather well. Joplin screams a little too much for my liking, but she also shows she can really sing (especially at the end of the first track 'Combination of the Two').

Again one one these albums I don't know what to think about. Style+, singer + and -, sounds old and flat -, mood +. Tough to rate.

I knew Janis was in a band before her solo career, but it never stuck which band that was. I'm happy to finally hear this album. While I'm happy to hear this, I'm also quick to point out that this kind of blues rock vibe is not really my jam. It's cool and I don't mind listening, but often it gets hung up in mannerisms that don't really serve where the song would've wanted to go. Or that's how I feel about it anyway. The album has it's moments tho, especially enjoyed the history and energy this recording has.

Another one I own on vinyl. And up and down affair, but Janis is undeniable. "Summertime" is the highlight, and the live atmosphere adds to the lo-fi element of it. Good, but ultimately not as good as the bands it's trying to be. Worth a listen now and then.

Some cool guitar stuff. Won't be playing it again.

A bit patchy but some amazing tracks.

Didn’t give much to offer to me but it was alright anyway. 3 stars