Janis Joplin, Kozmic Blues - A Classical Musician’s First Listen and Reaction

#janisjoplin #kozmicblues
It’s no wonder that Janis Joplin was urged upon me so many times! This is a deeply passionate, incredibly heartfelt piece of music. It feels as if she is pouring her whole soul and a universe of Love into this song which is powerful enough to reach all of us, even today.
Here’s the link to the original song by Janis Joplin:
• Janis Joplin - Kozmic ...
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Amy Shafer, LRSM, FRSM, RYC, is a classical harpist, pianist, and music teacher, Director of Piano Studies and Assistant Director of Harp Studies for The Harp School, Inc., holds multiple degrees in harp and piano performance and teaching, and is active as a solo and collaborative performer. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, she teaches privately, presents masterclasses and coaching sessions, and has performed and taught in Europe and USA.
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Credits: Music written and performed by Janis Joplin
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[@danhurst9048]

I like how you play a song without stopping it,THEN analyze it piece by piece...well done

[@Blisteryn]

Janis is the QUEEN of rock n roll.

[@jrgenvestly5817]

Queen of blues*

[@greggwolfe5178]

She sings everything that is in her heart

[@johnwest7993]

It's almost impossible to stop a Joplin song in the middle, isn't it? Janis connected with us. Her music still does. It always will.

[@Briccibracci]

It's so interesting to me that you immediately picked up on the sweetness in her voice. It's something people have said about Janis, that she was a very sweet person. I've listened to this song since childhood and you picked up so much that I've missed. What a wonderful gift you have!

[@silverstreettalks343]

From the little I saw of her, she always struck me as a sweet and vulnerable young woman (actually a couple of years older than mysekf!) who had an air of, "Did I do alright with this?"

[@Briccibracci]

@@silverstreettalks343 I totally agree. The footage of her going to her high school reunion is so heartbreaking. She so desperately wanted to be seen and loved.

[@peterbennett2655]

Ijjķ

[@scottlyard1317]

I will always love Janis and everything she has done.

[@clivegilbertson6542]

Hi There! I have loved Janis since 1968 (Yes I'm 72 now) and I suggest for the live piece that you consider her rendition of Big Mama Thornton's "Ball & Chain" from the Monterey Pop Festival. I truly moving performance...It had Mama Cass Elliot in the audience spellbound! Cheers!

[@rickwalker6400]

I've always wanted to hear the studio version of this song listened to this deeply and appreciated this much. I've been listening to it since 1970 and learned so much about it just watching this. Excellent Job

[@satorimystic]

I'm going to hope that most in your audience appreciate the depth and scope of your extraordinary reactions and analyses of the songs you explore. Thank you so much for another fine First Listen. 😊

[@MrJohnnysaintjohn]

Of course

[@dianecourtney2724]

Janis could bring me to tears. As if she could open a door and let me see her feelings. She was sweet even when in pain. She was open and vulnerable.

[@energyexecs]

...Born in 1957, I grew up listening to Janis Joplin. At the time, I felt the same as to what your're observing. If you read her personal story you will find a story about a person rejected by others and searching for love - and found it through her raw talent and singing. Very intense, raw, and full of emotion.

[@Williamottelucas]

A great year. February, me.

[@gaborsmolenszki4511]

I januar

[@LeeKennison]

Great reaction Amy. I am so happy you have now heard Janis Joplin. I loved hearing your interpretation. My interpretation is that she is singing to the child within herself who had hopes and dreams, and expected life to be different. But now that she is 25 she is saying life and love have not turned out to be what she hoped they would be. It isn't the ideal she had in mind as a child. The one thing she has now learned is she needs to take that original fire she had inside, and use it to just keep pushing on. I'm looking forward to more Janis.

[@MrJohnnysaintjohn]

This is also what I think as she dies at twenty seven.

[@oldarpanet]

LeeKennison I think you are right. The child talked about is Janis. Life hasn't turned out like she was promised. And she understands that she has to keep pressing on, despite all the reasons not to... She is forever hopeful for a relationship that works for her and her man, but it just doesn't happen...

[@sharonsnail2954]

I agree with your interpretation. It seems to me she is expressing this at the end of yet another relationship. She is giving advice to herself but also her (ex) lover.

[@fatherclarencejones2733]

Yes, that's another interesting and thought-provoking way of looking at it.

[@steveullrich7737]

I think you're alternate explanation is spot on and seems to reflect Janis' inner struggles with elusive love!

[@peterbaruxis2511]

Janis Joplin reminds me of Joe Cocker in live performances- they both seem posessed & almost spastic at times. ("I'm 25 years old now, so I know I can't be right, but...")

[@Sandy-dd4le]

Have a look at the documentary, Festival Express. Some great Janis performances, plus a load of others,....The Band, Grateful Dead etc

[@renee1741]

No one ever will be like her again... she is one of one...

[@michazmic1]

Such words of wisdom. Thank you very much.

[@splitimage137.]

I first heard Janis as a kid growing up in the Bay Area in the 1960s. I considered her voice "normal," as every new voice was becoming normal for me by virtue of being a kid. I heard her sing on the radio for years and years, and yet I didn't get what she was about until I was in my early 20s and was watching for the first time Janis' first public performance of Big Mama Thornton's "Ball & Chain" for the 1967 International Monterey Pop Festival. Watching her perform that song was AN EXPERIENCE... I finally understood what she was about. Just Amazing. (Jimi Hendrix, The Who, and many many more bands played that festival.)

[@HobDobson]

It's almost like a person has to live some blues before their ears open up to the spirit behind the songs. And that's okay.

[@josephallsen3135]

I do not think that Janis Joplin was thinking about a mother and child relationship when she wrote it. Like Taylor Swift, she was most likely writing about breaking up with a lover. Having said that I absolutely love the way you applied an awesome analysis that made me look at the song from deeper and newer perspectives. Put more simply you got me to think about it deeper and learn things that I had never thought about before. Put even simpler you opened up my mind, I will give you 20 out of 10 points for that. Well Done! BRAVO! BRAVO! BRAVO! and take three or four well-earned curtain calls!

[@RCullis47]

Janis' music was such a staple of my childhood. It makes me happy and sad at the same time. It makes me happy because it reminds me of a wonderful time in my life. Happy that Janis' music was a part of those times and that a talent like Janis existed and shared her music, heart, and soul with the world. It makes me sad that passed away so young and it also makes me sad that those times in my life are in the past and I will likely never see times so rich and robust with discovery and wonder. In the end, it makes me happy that I know when I put her music on, I travel back in time in my mind and can remember what a glorious time in my life it was. For me, she was authentic, the real deal, and gave my soul a voice.

[@nodirips_8537]

Janis' Piece of My Heart version is awesome

[@cameronsatterlee5687]

Almost without a doubt this song is about a breakup in a romantic relationship. It's Janis' declaration of love and self-worth after another heartbreaking disappointment. No matter, I still loved the review! Janis is one of the best to do it and I'm glad you like her.

[@jnagarya519]

"I've Got Those Old Kozmic Blues Again" is her best album -- a great one. And she did some wonderful performance of those songs on the "Dick Cavett" show. And it is so because more thoughtful, contemplative, than her earlier frenzied performance. Also her best band.

[@danhurst9048]

I agree

[@tangledandfar]

Thank you Amy... I very much enjoyed what you had to say about this song. I always imagine that she is addressing herself in this song, but as you said the sentiments are universal. I often get a feeling of maternal tenderness from her songs... it's almost like she's taking care of you and your pain when she's singing to you. Her songs often make me cry... it's like they release inner pain.

[@CharlyDS]

I'm glad you found the tenderness in Janis intensity, that's not so obvious to everyone, specially on early listening. All her expression came from her very soul, every note, every word, one of those artists that were as real as it gets.

[@lightsideofthemoon13]

I see you connect to the emotion of a song with a deeper understanding than takes me. It takes me couple of listens to sort out how I feel. I admire that in you. I really love Janis Joplins raspy voice.

[@safiramusica]

Janis gives goose bumps every time, no kidding. I love her so much.

[@OscarArtiste]

Thank you a lot for your reaction ! Sorry but, I don't trust Google translation so much, I will continue in French, my native language. J'ai toujours aimé Janis Joplin, et cette chanson en particulier est ma préférée. Je ne savais pas pourquoi, c'était instinctif. Et je ne comprends pas les paroles... Mais votre réaction me fait mieux comprendre pourquoi cette chanson particulière me touche tant ! Et votre réaction va m'aider à faire face à une situation difficile que je traverse, un moment de ma vie ou j'ai lâché, incapable de me relier à ce qui compte vraiment, incapable de retrouver l'amour en moi... Mais grâce à votre réaction et vos commentaires si justes, je me rend compte que le chemin qui s'offre à moi est simple et essentiel : retrouver l'amour qui existe au fond de moi, en dépit de tout. Un immense merci !

[@greggary7217]

I’m grateful for every recording Janis ever made, I was privileged to see her perform just once & it is an indelible memory. She put so incredibly much of herself into her performances. In retrospect I suppose it’s not surprising that she had little left for herself. She burned so brightly. It was Kosmic. Thank you for an insightful discussion.

[@fullgas]

Amy, I strongly recommend that you react to "Summertime" by Janis Joplin (studio version). This song has a very interesting and unique instrumental part. It would be great to see this song analyzed by someone with your sensitivity and knowledge.

[@VirginRock]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXqTh2WhidqHb9U

[@hippydippy]

YES! Summertime never fails to make the hairs on my body to stand on end. Especially the Big Brother "Cheap Thrills" version. BB was the best band she ever had imho. They really had a chemistry & were like a family to her.

[@GeorgeTropicana]

I strongly suggest she listen to all her music, but I'd really enjoy hearing Ball and Chain

[@fullgas]

oh my gosh. I'm a happy guy!

[@oldarpanet]

One of my favorites is "Get it While You Can" from her last album: Pearl. She uses her voice like an instrument, like a saxophone and it's amazing!

[@warpig4942]

The "27 Club" is way more than a trio, those three were just big names that happened close together. Brian Jones, Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse and Robert Johnson are a few other notable members but there are many many more.

[@robertyanes4751]

I think some expected a bit of harshness, and we're surprised by her gentle smoothness in Kozmic Blues. It's a great song, and a big part of my teen youth. Great reaction! 😊

[@bobmessier5215]

Thank you Amy for your wonderful reaction. Many of her tracks are about breakups and bad relationships. Your analysis went deeper. It never occurred to me, that 'the babe' in this song is actually a child. A mother talking to her child. Gives it a whole new perspective and range of emotion and meaning.

[@silverstreettalks343]

More likely the "babe" was a lover, whom she, perhaps without even realising it, viewed as a child, demanding a level of care she couldn't really give. Adults can switch into parenting mode if they aren't receiving the adult responses they were expecting. Addicts often also have a weak sense of how to be adults, perhaps due to childhood abuse, which makes parent or child the easiest modes for them to work in. However, she might also have had a neurodivergency which made her feel like she didn't belong in the adult world.

[@bobmessier5215]

@@silverstreettalks343 Considering the times for experimental love and the fact that Janis had no children and never had a deep, meaningful relationship. An immature lover would seem likely. Ironically, I took this song and reaction rather personally. I was just diagnosed with cancer and fearful, I asked my Muse to find me a song of comfort from the Divine Earth Mother. I knew this tune, but I never really thought of it as a mother/child song, until Amy pointed it out. She can't make things better. We all must face our mortality. Be strong.

[@stevetoyne]

Her recordings are superb. But her live performances are something else. Away from the confines and constraints of a recording studio , she opens up completely. Listen to Kosmic Blues performed on her Canadian tour. It's beyond words.

[@steveullrich7737]

Loved your interpretations and gives me new insights and appreciation of Janis' musical talent.

[@gablen23]

I'm so glad you chose this song, which along with "Me and Bobby McGee" is one of my great favourites of her. Everything about Janis is in this.

[@slimcat2656]

Dear Amy, the word, that comes to my mind as I sit and watch your reaction video for almost an hour, mesmerized - precious. Your work here is precious. Please keep going. Thank you!

[@nellgwenn]

Janis could take any song ever written and make it a personal experience. The great thing about Janis is she isn't afraid to expose her vulnerability, but do it in a powerful manner. She is both powerful and strong as nails one moment, then delicate as a wildflower the next. However it's all genuine. She's not pretending to be either. She just is. She leaves her whole being on the stage. If you ever see her live performance of Ball and Chain you will see that. She doesn't care what she looks like, what she sounds like, what she smells like, she's all out there. Like a Blues Oracle. I think this is a song that is a biography. Janis had a very hard time in childhood through high school growing up in Port Arthur Texas. She was picked on bullied, and ostracized. I take this song as a way of expressing all that pain. And maybe she felt her parents didn't support her enough. But instead of taking the woe is me, conventional approach. She acknowledged that her parents, especially her mother, did the best they knew how by her, and loved her very much. It's a very heavy tear jerking story that a lot of movies are made of, in song form. I believe this song did a lot for her to put those bad memories behind her. To allow her to remember her childhood without having to relive it constantly. If you look at the song that way it's about forgiveness and acceptance. Janis was optimistic. She did believe things would get better. I believe that quality is what kept her going. Her heroin overdose was not intentional, it was accidental. She was not a fatalist. This song is very telling structurally as well. It sounds like a D-Day battle. You have two factions struggling for supremacy. Janis on one side, the instruments on the other. The instruments are not (for the most part) supporting Janis. And Janis is in her zone doing the very best she can to get herself heard and understood. It can be annoying. Almost cacophony. But for this song it reveals itself to be brilliant. It's indicative of the internal struggle expressed in the lyrics. However I do wish she had better management. On a lighter note, Capricorns do have quite a dark gallows humor attitude. We are very practical and pragmatic. That's why we have a tendency to be good with money and make very good confidants. But the best thing about us is we don't believe in astrology.

[@berrytyrant]

Oh Amy Winehouse belongs totally up into the 'greats that died too early' group as well. If you feel like experiencing her vocal talent in its different forms, she has sang 'her music' as well as duet with other artists that totally show her vocal flexibility....highly recommended to explore for!

[@randybass8842]

Interesting the direction you're taking the lyrics. I had always taken it to be about a lover, at the beginning of their relationship, telling him to hold on to it tight. But then, I can't say you're wrong any more than I can say I'm right. Thanks for giving me a different perspective. That's the beauty about music, and art in general.

[@hippydippy]

Yea. Janis never had any children, but that's wonderful thing about music. It comes across & means different things to everyone who experiences it.

[@adamclark6756]

I thought she was talking to herself!

[@randybass8842]

@@adamclark6756, that gives an even different perspective on it. Her present self? Her childhood self? Her newborn self? I like it.

[@ElCentralScrutinizer]

Ball and Chain live footage is out there. I think you'd enjoy seeing the energy and intensity.

[@88wildcat]

Everyone does the Ball and Chain performance. I would rather she do the video of the Raise Your Hand duet she does with Tom Jones. That is whole lot more interesting when you take in the band, the dancers on the stage, and the chemistry between her and Jones.

[@ElCentralScrutinizer]

You make a valid point,@@88wildcat . Reply appreciated.

[@steveh7108]

First time I ever heard anyone refer to Janis Joplin's voice as smooth and sweet. But okay, I will roll with that🤔👍😎

[@ginafragata2947]

Janis love forever ❤😅

[@mwaters5134]

Janis was always her own greatest hope and her own worst enemy. If I were a psychologist, I might say that she suffered from an attachment disorder that she could never heal, and torrents of alienation and abuse that seemed to plague her from jump. If I were religious, I might say that she was an angel always trying to stay one step ahead of the demons within. But, I'm not a psychologist, and I'm not very religious. I'm just grateful that she chose to put herself and all of her pain and love out into the world so that we could be her witnesses. Only heroes can teach us what it means to show up and give your all in a necessary fight that you know you're probably going to lose. But, that's why heroes are rare.

[@matthewclark1785]

You consistently produce high quality content. Thank you.

[@tao4mike]

This, and A Woman Left Lonely 🥵

[@alfredogarzzia]

Amazing dimension you add with your words of understanding art. You are really amazing. I bet Janis loves your analysis to her Kosmic Blues, to me this song now has an extra layer of art thanks to your loving words and care. The best to you and your team.

[@Blisteryn]

I hope you listen to "Work me Lord", it's out of this world. Oh, and "Summertime", both performances live.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

This is a great video on all levels. Thanks Virgin rock

[@andyeunson270]

Songs where the artist is speaking from the heart, from real experience, where they express their emotions musically like this, openly are pretty rare and special. REM’s Everybody Hurts, Evan Bartels Shotgun are a couple examples that will give me a chill. This song is like that. Thank you.

[@lisab6575]

The timelessness, the fantastical projection of roles into the future, and past, and all coming down to the same powerful, and empowering, message...a brilliant interpretation.

[@michaelshiflett4835]

Check out her performance of Ball And Chain at the Monterey Pop Festival.

[@sp1582]

I LOVE YOU JANIS!

[@alanmcclure9546]

I do not think I have ever seen a song effect you so much,,,,,,,, your going to be a wonerful mom! Janis lived a world that most of dreams get interupted by pain. Then she put it to muse.

[@fatherclarencejones2733]

WoW Amy, I was in high school when I first heard this song. That said, I don't think I really "got it" until now. Your analysis was amazing. I really enjoyed watching and listening to you. Today you gifted me with a deeper understanding and appreciation for this song. Thank you.

[@MrJohnnysaintjohn]

I wasn't familiar with this one, but as soon as her vocals started, I heard Billie Holiday. Robert Plant sounds alot like Janis on Since I've Been Loving You. Such a treat this is.

[@GeorgeTropicana]

If I remember correctly, and I might not, she was among his inspirations. I would literally Kill to hear her cover a Zeppelin song

[@antonidamiecki8028]

FINALLY!!!❤

[@Screamifyoumeanit]

Not heard this before... Reminds me of 'Tricky's Hell is round the corner'.

[@garciahamburg7736]

One of her best performances.

[@bladeofgrass8213]

I love your interpretation of this song so much. It makes me think about my own mother. I really hope you explore more blues and soul music in the future! ❤️❤️

[@rickwalker6400]

There's a story about janis at the height of her fame meeting a young naive girl who had the dream of becoming rich and famous like Janis. This may be myth or real but janis talked at length with this girl and explained what life was really like. Even with money and fame,it didn't make any difference when it came right down to it. It goes on longer but I truly feel at least part of the message here came from that. She reportedly talked the girl out of going for what she "Janis" had achieved and then bought her a bus ticket home .

[@deriene_rocha]

Beautiful interpretation! Made me emocional. Its one of my favorite songs, I've never see it as a mother to her child, but it makes perfect sense.

[@bobmessier5215]

I think she's the first female singer to shred notes with her voice, almost like a guitar.

[@altair8598]

First white female singer to shred notes with her voice?

[@briangriffin5524]

A few facts. Janis Joplin was never married and never had any children. Janis did have many relationships, with men and women. Who she is singing about is anyone's guess. Public TV aired a great documentary on Janis a few years ago on the American Masters series. There are some great interviews and a lot of insight into her personal life.

[@menopausalmusician414]

My Favorite Channel! Peace

[@joepierce1672]

I hope this doesn't upset you but: I've been watching you since you began this site. You have started to sound like an introspective rock and roller :) :) and I think its super cool!!

[@christinacascadilla4473]

She lived at the Hotel Chelsea.

[@WayneKitching]

It is so interesting how different reactors and music theory KZbinrs focus on different aspects of the music. I expected Amy to mention the dissonance in the piano intro, and how dissonance convey and evoke emotions. Of course she is right in calling it sweet, and that level of dissonance isn't unusual in classical music. I Ike how Amy helps me to appreciate artists (like Joplin and the Scorpions, for example) or songs (like "I'm in Love with my Car") I was either ignorant off, or didn't appreciate. Janis's voice when she lets loose is an acquired taste.

[@shacharh5470]

Not the song I would suggest. I'd probably go with Piece Of My Heart or with her cover of Summertime (you probably know the original, by Gershwin, it had become a Jazz standard by the time Joplin - or more accurately, Big Brother and the Holding Compoany - the band she sang for at the time - covered the song). Their arrangement of it is wonderful and a great representation of 60's acid-rock

[@MartijnHover]

Of course, for Rolling Stone magazine "all time" means "as long as Rolling Stone magazine has existed". 😀

[@jufulu7066]

You know that you like a song when you get an emotional reaction to the intro.

[@Demystifiedvessel]

Regarding her sweetness even during her intensity, speaks to her consistent vulnerability..

[@harmon004]

Ball And Chain, Monterey Pop

[@mickfoster7140]

Another wonderful reaction. You listen to a piece once that I have been listening to for decades and interpret it in ways I never imagined, how do you do that? Whilst you are concerning yourself with the club of 27 please listen to Amy Winehouse. She was an extrordinay singer/songwriter from more recent times (which is a rare thing), and in many ways similarly tragic like Janis.

[@victordevonshire807]

❤

[@fullgas]

Great video!

[@KM769]

Classical composition by Moondog: Janis Joplin - All is loneliness Live performances: Ball and chain Monterey 1967, Summertime Stockholm Sweden 1969.

[@nycbigbear]

I remember Moondog On the street in Manhattan in the the late 60s

[@rk41gator]

Never thought of Janis as being tender, gentle or sweet.....perhaps vulnerable. But Joplin is nothing if not honest. I like your more optimistic read of the lyrics (perhaps from your recent motherhood), but since this is blues I believe the lyrics indicate, as mentioned in some the comments below, that it is her 'inner child' to which she sings. She is trying to hold on to that fire despite her disappointments. She sings to herself and her desperation.

[@oehle1]

Can you please cover Trout Mask Replica by Captain Beefheart. I'm so curious to hear your analysis/reaction

[@hippydippy]

I don't think that would go well. 😆 I'm 67 & listen to a lot of weird strange music, but even "I" can't go there.

[@comettail1]

This is a great song choice, and I appreciate the sensitivity of the reaction, but it’s a little awkward to listen to you imagining the song is to her 25-year-old child when Joplin herself died at age 27. I think the song is probably directed toward a specific person, most likely a a male lover, but it is also a statement of cosmic loneliness directed at everyone, expressing a feeling we all share. That is, no matter how close we can feel at times to other people, we are always inside our own skin, inside our own consciousness, and apparently separate. Janis tried, like many of us did back then, to break out of that loneliness through sex, drugs, and rock and roll, but was unable to find lasting happiness. We all recognize the pain she expresses. It’s just that she expressed it with such naked intensity that we are stunned. This is one of her best songs because of its gentleness, its wistfulness, as well as its screaming anguish.

[@Majoofi]

Pick Janis's live performances carefully some are better than others.

[@Blisteryn]

Yeah but she has never failed to give all she got in every single performance.

[@lordbyron6293]

You can't go wrong with Ball and Chain from the Monterey Pop Festival.

[@aliceosako792]

I have a song recommendation that I would appreciate you reacting to, but I am hesitant to mention it because the song is as much folk or country as it is rock, and so might not fit the channel. "Ode to Billy Joe" by Bobby Gentry is a song about hard times, about social norms and keeping quiet about difficult or awkward topics, and about the general desperation of life and death. It is well worth reacting to, even if it doesn't really fit in as a 'rock' song.

[@Ccpride88]

I love this song!

[@joepierce1672]

Damn , she was to other singers what Hendrix was to guitar. I used to see her walking around on Haight Street.

[@J0hnC0ltrane]

I feel that Duane Allman would be the perfect guitarist as a studio sideman here. Both had so much power in their performances. If only right.

[@lupcokotevski2907]

See Beads of Sweat (1970) by Laura Nyro. Duanne on lead guitar with Cornell Dupree and Chuck Rainey. Exceptional.

[@manlioyllades]

I wish you could listen to her version of George Gershwin’s ‘Summertime’

[@manlioyllades]

@penderyn8794 I just saw that. Thanks!

[@alejandropalmapastrana8527]

Beach Boys 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Good Vibrations🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤

[@Stratocus]

Not necessarily the song I'd have chosen as a first listen of Janis. I'd suggest Piece of My Heart (from her first album) or Get It While You Can (from her last album).

[@MicahBell_1860]

Her life was very tragic. All she wanted, was to be loved. She never reall y got that. & she put that tragedy into all her performances. That is why you get all that emotion. She was the epitome of the blues. She is singing this song about herself & her struggles in this life, & how she is trying to conquer it all by herself

[@josephallsen3135]

ALL PRAISES TO JANIS IN THE HIGHEST! Although we never met, and I was 4 years old when she exited this mortal realm, I can say that I am alive and thrived because of her. If you don't want to read a long comment, then do not read on. If, however, you are interested in how this divine being literally saved me then by all means join me. I have a feeling that my experience with Ms. Joplin is not in the slightest bit unique to me. I will bet dollars to donuts that many of you had a similar connection to her. My horrific adolescence was in the early to mid 1980s. My beloved Mom and Dad made some huge mistakes when they raised me. They taught my brother, sister and I awful things. Values like not judging people, compassion, open mindedness, materialism was silly and kicking someone when they are down was the act of a coward. Worst of all to be skeptical of authority and ask questions. Now you might be saying what's wrong with that. Aren't these good morals to have? These values might make for a decent human being but they sure do not make you a good American. As I previously said I came of age in the early 80s. I graduated high school in 1985. That was smack dab in the middle of the Reagan Error. (Opps I meant Reagan era.) Not only that but, I was growing up in a mid-sized city in rural Minnesota. 80 miles away from anything interesting. The way that the majority of my hometown saw it. God was a Republican and Ronald Reagan was his chosen one. If you even questioned that you were at best a weirdo at worst a commie. As my dear Pa-Pa liked to say, "When things are in fashion here then they are out of fashion everywhere else." Even punk rock had not reached there until the late 1980s. It had to filter it's way through all the corn, soybeans and dairy cows to get there. By the way, my classmates and peers were really into and fanatically passionate about Reaganism and yuppie ideology. Needless to say, I was a very lonely outcast in my teens. There was absolutely, nowhere that I even came close to fitting in. I was known as "that weird guy". I would also like to note that this was before the internet. It was not like today when an outcast teen could go online and find their tribe. Nope, I was all alone and on my own. God knows that I wanted to sell out, but I could not do it. Even worse many Adults were saying "Oh these are the best years of your life." This made me even more depressed to the point of suicide. My thought was "HOLY SHIT! if this is as good as my life is going to be then I want out!" (In the rare chance that someone in their middle or high school years finds this screed. Allow me to say these are not the best years of your life. Not even close. Things will get better. So, hang on and ride it out. You are going to be okay and better times will be coming in the future!) I was a neurotic and depressed young man. But, then from the past came Janis. From beyond the grave her music and spirit found me. She was like a kindred soul to me. We understood each other. When she sang songs like "Down on Me", "Ball and Chain" or even "Turtle Blues". I knew what she was talking about. Her gut bucket honesty and depth was like a loving psychological blanket that protected and comforted me in the blizzard of bullshit I was going through. Janis connected and let me know that I was not alone. So, thank you and God bless you Janis! Socrates once said that "The wisest person (SIC) uses the fewest words possible. I am not sure what that says about this long-winded rant. I will end this with where we started. ALL PRAISES TO JANIS IN THE HIGHEST!! Selah and Amen!

[@darikmatters8866]

You finally figured it out.. We want to see you listen to the entire piece then go back and dissect.. We want to watch you react to the music, watch your face, see your movements...

[@richardgale5369]

Looking forward to... My first concert was seeing Janis in Holmdel NJ. However, please dont go down the rabbit hole of heavy metal after hearing band names listed during your Scorpion review. There are so many iconic groups and musicians you have yet to touch.. In another 10-20 most of these metal bands will long be forgotten. They are a dime a dozen.. Vlad may be knowledgeable, but based on his selections, I realize he was too young to appreciate and grok the 60s/70s cultural milieu that gave birth to the rock music today. But then there are those rock musicians people will discover and rediscover a 100 years from now. Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Beattles, The Byrds (who impressed the early Beatles and perhaps influenced Dylan to go more electric), David Bowie, Joni Mitchell through her many her morphic changes, Zappa, Sandy Denny, Nick Cave in recent years, Kate Bush, King Crimson arguable the defining band of prog rock, etc etc... And you haven't touched the late 60s & 70s German Krautrock scene that is still a heavily influence on more art-rock bands like Radiohead and post rock, and Japanese and other Asian rock groups... this music will live on.

[@allmusicservices]

I agree 100% with what you said about the "dime a dozen" metal bands that will be forgotten (except perhaps by young die-hard metal fans), and about Vlad's often surprising recommendations.

[@jnagarya519]

Mark Twain was hilarious. Early in his career he said that the source of all humor is anger. Toward the end of his career he said the source of all humor is pain. Two other social satirists of the 20th century -- Art Buchwald and Irma Buchwald -- said the source of all humor is anger. Anyone who has explored the issue in their own experience will find that they turn their anger into often-barbed humor. So it isn't unusual that Joplin would emotionally distance herself from dangerous depression by "humorizing" it. When she failed to do so she OD'd on heroin.

[@rodneygriffin7666]

The 27 club. Janis had no children. She was a child herself.

[@vytallicaq.6881]

She had the ultimate, passionately expressive voice. Her influence seemed to be infused in this great version of a Burt Bacharach tune first recorded by The Shirelles and The Beatles. Gayle McCormick gave the awesome vocal performance on this one. >>> kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYO7e3eqg8qShtk

[@ed.z.]

The drum pickup was classic. Not awkward, not clumsy, not different, not jarring. If anything it was appropriate and expected.

[@delorangeade]

If you want to hear an interesting song addressed to a newborn child, try The End of the Rainbow by Richard and Linda Thompson.

[@WindmillChef]

Amy, I've never heard the reference of the 3 J's. I've heard of the "27 Club", a list of artists who died at age 27 and it includes a lot more than 3. A more recent member, as an example would be Amy Weinhouse. And the phenomenon of the 27 Club is a hoax! Statistics reveal, taken over Thousands of artists that just as many well known ones died at age 25, 26, 28 and 29. I take this song as Janis singing, telling this story as her mother in first person speaking to Janis and in doing so, Janis indirectly expresses some of her own problems. To me much of Janis's performances were a cry, a call out for help. But the song is vague in well chosen points to allow the listener to have different, their own interpretations and I think yours are on target. And yes, Janis was incredible tender and sweet (but so troubled) with the ability to mix it with dark and bold phrasing wrapped in her fry'd vocals. She was right smack in the middle of the 60's San Fransisco Hippie movement but it's important to know that she is from a small-ish town in Texas, raised rather conservatively. I love her work, beautiful songs in cunning explosive performances, she lived all parts of her life at 500% effort, a true artist. At the same time I would not have wished to spend my time in close proximity to her. So troubled and so tumultuous was her life, it was probably dangerous to be around her. You questioned how Janis Joplin would herself reflect back on certain things; I don't think that Janis ever reflected back on anything, everything was 100 miles/hr. forward spinning herself out of control. "Freedom's just another word for nothing else to lose". One of the most gripping phrases, to me, that I've ever heard. I sincerely wish that people like Janis Joplin had an easier life, one in which they could cope with themselves.

[@joecampos5624]

I always thought she was singing about her self

[@theghostofsw6276]

Judas Priest - Dreamer Deceiver/Deceiver

[@thememdude]

So I am guessing Amy Winehouse is next? Has Vlad told you that you are actually working another Master Playlist called the 27 Club? The 27 Club being a group of amazingly talented young musicians who all died at the age of 27 and at the height of their careers. There are about 20 to 24 Members of this club with about 10 or so being bigger than the others and you have already covered 6 of the top 11 being Hendrix, Joplin, Morrison, Cobain, Pigpen , and Jones. The final big 5 imo being Any Winehouse, Chris Bell of Big Star, Robert Johnson, Pete Hamm of Badfinger and Alan Wilson of Canned Heat. Many consider others like Pfaff, Alexander and Thain to be in the bigger artists group and there is also an extended 27 Group that includes artists of many different media like painters, poets and writers. Actually looking back at your catalog I don't see Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones yet covered which is desperately needed. Maybe I missed it in the early days of your channel or it's only on cofee. The Rolling Stones, Big Star, Winehouse and Badfinger would all be greatly appreciated additions to your collection. Keep up the great work!

[@apolloniustyana7372]

Her style reminds me of Robert Plant.

[@MatchingMoleII]

I always thought that Robert was a fan and integrated a bit of her sound into his work, along with a generous helping of Steve Marriott.