In many facets, Big Brother and the Holding Company's Cheap Thrills is the quintessential album to spring from the outcome of the Summer of Love. Best known as Janis Joplin's major-label debut, the 1968 set arrived when the countercultural movement was in full swing and before co-optation, drugs, and violence signaled the fall of the era. Ranked #338 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, it puts a female singer in the prominent position traditionally given to a male and showcases a band pouring a potent cocktail of fiery psychedelic, blues, and folk sounds that informed the unfettered creativity of the San Francisco scene. Produced by John Simon, Cheap Thrills also features one of the most iconic and elaborate album covers in history.
Janis Joplin – vocals
Sam Andrew – guitar, bass on "Oh, Sweet Mary", vocals
James Gurley – guitar
Peter Albin – bass, lead guitar on "Oh, Sweet Mary", lead acoustic guitar on "Turtle Blues".
Dave Getz – drums
1. Combination Of The Two 05:48
2. I Need A Man To Love 04:56
3. Summertime 04:03
4. Piece Of My Heart 04:20
5. Turtle Blues 04:24
6. Oh, Sweet Mary 04:17
7. Ball And Chain 09:34
