Janis Joplin – Pearl (2LPs, 45RPM, Mobile Fidelity)

For many fans, “Pearl” is the best album Janis Joplin recorded in her career. However, the singer was not granted to experience the great success of this release – shortly before the completion of the album, she died in her hotel room in Hollywood of a heroin overdose. “Pearl” shows the singer at the peak of her creativity, it combines rhythm & blues, soul, folk and country. Joplin’s trademark comes into its own more than on earlier recordings, where her vocals threatened to drown in overloaded arrangements, thanks to significantly slimmed-down arrangements and a balanced song selection. The result is impressive: Joplin’s voice unleashes aching and desperate passion in funky and bluesy rock songs, dramatic and tender ballads, and, of course, the included hits “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Mercedes Benz,” and “Get it While You Can.” Mobile Fidelity’s remastering expands the soundstage and presents “Pearl” with more dynamics than ever before. Never before has Joplin’s smoky, powerful voice been experienced with such vibrancy and intensity.