However low you might get, Janis always lets you know she’s right down there with you, like some sweet, drug-addled angel of mercy. I’m not sure any person ever used their voice to such great effect. She captures everything I love about blues in a way that’s all her own. The completely reimagined cover of “ball and chain” is my favorite vocal performance of all time. The great thing about this particular album is that the band does an admirable job of trying to keep up. Only thing I can fault it for is the odd choice to add fake audience noise. Album cover could use an update as well.