(w/ Janis Joplin)
I'm bothered by the fact this release comes so very close to being 'exceptional', yet at the same time falls frustratingly short of making it to that point. Let's start with the good: "Cheap Thrills" contains quite a number of inspired live performances that showcase the raw talent of Big Brother and the vocal chops of singer Janis Joplin. The center-channel width isn't too narrow. And, finally, I like the overall sound of the recording. It seems there is a bit of echo or reverb that (regardless of the fact it may be artificial) enhances the vibe and helps to transcend me to 1967---or there about. Here's the bad: Unfortunately, that reverb effect doesn't translate much into the surround speakers. For the most part, other than occasional audience chatter, they're too quiet. I've seemingly tried everything to compensate for this, but no matter how much I increase the surround channel levels---or even just the overall main volume---I just can't quite get the sound to a point that satisfies. I guess I'll just have to let go of the fact that this surround mix doesn't contain much reverberated instrumentation in the surrounds. Bytheway... This is a single-layer disc, so there's no CD compatibility
