When Chas Chandler (at the
time bass player with the Animals) invited
guitar slinger for hire Jimi Hendrix over
to London to try his hand as a solo artist,
nobody knew the reverberations this would
send richocheting round the Rock ‘n’ Roll
Universe.
Signing up Mitch Mitchel, a talented Jazz
drummer, and Noel Redding an aspiring
lead guitarist persuaded to play bass
by Chandler, they were ready to shred
wallpaper from 100 yards. Their impact
was immediate and devastating. Peter Townshend
of the Who nearly quit the music industry,
Eric Clapton gave up guitar solo’s for
years almost becoming a recluse, such
was the feeling of inadequacy amongst
Hendrix’s fellow musicians. Why Hendrix
bothered with lighter fuel to set his
guitar alight when all he had to do was
look at it to make it burst into flame.
Hendrix turned everything upside down
including his guitar.
After warning the world of what was afoot
with an earth shattering performance on
the B.B.C.’s Lulu show, Jimi Hendrix announced
himself to the recording world with a
cover of “Hey Joe” which shot to number
4 in the singles charts in February 67.
After signing with the Who’s Track records,
Hendrix suddenly started writing the most
incredibly sonic songs as if snatching
them out the sky, “Hey Joe” was quickly
followed by the self penned “Purple Haze”
(played at every single Hendrix concert
up till his untimely death) and “The Wind
Cries May” both monster smash hits.
Then came the most influential debut album
of all time, every track is a blast of
supersonic histrionics, mostly done in
one take, the music is a revelation to
your ears (Hendrix himself was a revelation
to the eyes). “Are You Experienced” was
only kept off the number one spot in the
States and Britain by “The Beatles” with
“Sergeant Pepper”
It’s not heavy rock, it’s not blues it’s
the Jimi Hendrix Experience. The only
thing that unifies all the songs together
is their uniqueness and twenty seconds
century guitar playing.
“Foxy Lady” is this Dog’s favorite, which
Jimi explained by saying, “I get my songs
from everyday things, and girls, girls
can misunderstand you so much, they really
can. But it’s nice to have them around”
and while cats were looking for meaning
to the song “Fire” the bass players mother
explained, “Jimi asked me if he could
stand next to the fire”, and from this
genius was born, “Third Stone From The
Sun” came from his addiction to the T.V
series Star Trek, not some extra terrestrial
visit.
The music though just never lets up with
Mitch’s hi-hat taps and cymbal rides vying
with Noel’s rapidly rotating bass lines,
whilst all the time Jimi scatters sonic
angel dust all over the strings.
Motts only growl about the whole album
is Hendrix’s stunning take on the blues
in “Red House” it is not long enough at
just over three minutes to get into, try
the Stella live version clocking in at
over 12 minutes from the live, “Hendrix
In The West” to have your jaw dropping
to the floor.
Although his star was to burn a short
and bright trail “Are You Experienced”
is only the beginning. An essential addition
to any serious music collection.
“Excuse Me While I Kiss The Sky”
Pawed by Mott The Dog
Remastered by Ella Crew
E-mail: review@mott-the-dog.com
