A solid, if skimpy, ten-track best-of that gathers the most important songs from Janis Joplin's solo career, as well as her stint with Big Brother & the Holding Company. The compilation 18 Essential Songs offers a wider selection, but does not include the original version of "Me and Bobby McGee," which makes Greatest Hits the better purchase for those who only want one Janis Joplin disc, even if it isn't definitive. The 1999 CD reissue adds two bonus tracks, "Maybe" and {&"Mercedes Ben...   [ read more ]

CD $7.59

Columbia has managed to squeeze an impressive, perhaps excessive, number of compilations out of Janis Joplin's relatively slim body of recordings. With this two-CD set, The Essential Janis Joplin, the label's at it again, though it's a good one to get if you don't want to collect all the Joplin releases, and certainly don't want to get the expensive Joplin boxes, but want more than what fits onto a single disc. Including both solo recordings and highlights of her stint with {$Big Brother & t...   [ read more ]

CD $15.19

This companion album to the hit musical features spoken word excerpts of Joplin's letters home to her family, read by the cast member playing the troubled, deceased star. Thankfully, it's Joplin herself singing all the familiar tunes. "Piece of My Heart," "Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)," and "Me and Bobby McGee" are all dusted off once again for yet one more repackaged spin. Any of the existing Janis compilations serve the material better. ~ Michael Gallucci, All Music Guide

CD $7.59