Midnight Frisson- Janis Joplin

 

There’s a phenomenon called "frisson"—a sudden, electric surge of emotion that gives you chills, goosebumps, or even a lump in your throat when you hear music or experience something that taps into the depths of your emotions. The word comes from the French term for "shiver," and it's the body’s visceral reaction to something that resonates deeply within. Frisson happens when a piece of music hits a perfect chord with the emotional center in your brain. It’s that moment when a song builds, when an instrumental crescendo surges, or when a voice cuts through you like a blade. The hair on your arms rises, your heart skips, and sometimes you cry. 

When I hear the intro of Janis Joplin’s iconic 1970 live performance of "Cry Baby", I demand everyone to shut the fuck up so I can "get my frisson on"—and by the time she belts out that shattering "Cryyyyyyyyyyyy," I’m straight goosebumps and tears. I’m sorry for the language, but it’s absolutely necessary. She just oozes with soul and the music pours out of her. That raspy, unrestrained voice was a defiance against polished perfection. Raw and gloriously human. 

Janis commanded the stage like a preacher, giving out that good energy and smiling even when she is singing the blues. 

I shared this one for my mama; she was the one who introduced me to Janis when I was little, playing her CD (or maybe it was a cassette—I can't quite recall) while cleaning the house on a Saturday morning. Oddly enough, those introductions to musical artists are among the many memories from my childhood that really stand out.

Enjoy!!

With Love,

-Midnight Mama

     

On this Day.....

On this Day in Music History.....

 1939- Miss Tina Turner was born!

                                                                              1958 -Johnny Cash made his debut when his single "Cry!, Cry!, Cry!" made its way to #14 on the country charts.

2010- Willie Nelson was arrested for possession of marijuana found on his tour bus. The prosecutor decided due to it being a small amount, he was to issue a fine and have Willie play "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" in court. 

                                              

She Shot Me Down- Sinatra

 

        His voice is something I would hear often in my kitchen throughout my childhood, the classic theme to many Italian American homes in the Bronx. Jumping into the later years of Frank Sinatra, this 1981 quiet prelude to heartache is one of my personal favorites. You may think this isn't classic Frank, but it is. It's just the deeper layer, below the banter, lavish parties, booze, and women. 

  Unfolding like a dimly lit noir film, as I listen, I think to myself this is a man stripped bare by time and memories. His voice is vulnerable and beckons you into his feelings of longing, and regret. He is here to let you know he is well aware of what it means to lose.

   "Monday Morning Quarterback" is repeat worthy, and tear worthy. It's somber and warm, a song about remorse and wishing one could go back and do things differently. In my opinion the best song on the whole album, and I think it goes on my top 5 favorite Sinatra songs. It wouldn't make sense without the rest telling a sad story. 

His rendition of "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)" is orchestrated beautifully, evoking the essence of a classical piece. Subsequently, Nancy Sinatra covers her father's song later on, infusing it with her own unique flair that lends it a "007" essence. What is interesting to me is despite both versions sharing the same lyrics, they convey distinct narratives: Frank's interpretation seems more resigned & defeated, whereas Nancy's version carries a tone of vengeance. You certainly do not want to mess with Nancy. 

  

    

   

    Frank's vocals, as always, linger throughout my home, each echo adorning the rooms, his lyrics seeping into the very structure. The extraordinary aspect of his voice lies in his intuitive knowledge of when to modulate a note, when to restrain, and when to unleash. His control, even in the liveliest of his songs, was remarkable. It was definitive; the moment he sang into the microphone, there was no mistaking that it was his voice.

Another masterpiece added to the Midnight Vinyl archives....

-Midnight Mama