I was not quite old enough to fully appreciate the San Francisco music scene in the late ’60’s. However, after listening to much of what has been produced in that time, I feel that this is the one album that captures much of the mood & feel of that era. From the rawness, yet tightness, of the music to the R. Crumb artwork, this was pure San Francisco.
My personal feeling is that Janis Joplin’s best work was with the band, and they were best as a whole. Their performances fed off each other, and the support they provided each other is evident in their jams. There is just a real organic wholeness here, and a feel for what “should have been” from the movement.
This is another one I put on and listen end-to-end completely (vs. shuffling). Whether intended or not, I feel a design here from the band & the producers, and I wish to honour that.