The Jimi Hendrix Experience Are You Experienced?

Origin: USA, England

Year: 1967

Subgenre: Heavy Blues / Psychedelic

Rating: 9

The Players:

Jimi Hendrix           Vocals, Guitars

Noel Redding          Bass Guitar

Mitch Mitchell        Drums, Percussion

The heralded year of 1967 marked the birth of this benchmark recording of supersonic guitar wizardry. A contemporary of Pink Floyd's Piper At The Gates Of Dawn and The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Jimi Hendrix Experience branched out and forged yet a new style of rock'n'roll. Change was clearly in the air, become entrenched in every groove of this record. This album is an explosive debut that introduced the world to the musically profound genius of the one and only Jimi Hendrix. The complex sonic landscapes, innovative compositions, and futuristic guitar skills are all on wild display as Hendrix fused it all together, unleashing this slab of musical brilliance. This debut from the Experience is definitely my favorite of all the studio albums. The loud and aggressive mood is set right from the start on Purple Haze. Unbelievably, this track was actually omitted on the original British recording. What a shame. Following The Experience's appearance at the Monterey Pop Festival, the song became a staple of Hendrix's live performance. The initial riff and galloping drums are now fully recognizable to even the most casual listener of heavy rock; what fan has not heard this song countless times on classic rock stations all over the world? The constructed mayhem and chaos continue and are unmistakable on tracks such as Manic Depression and the bruising Fire. Hopped-up grooves abound everywhere, supercharging the electrical outlet of Jimi's musical passion. There are also several poised and tranquil moments that actually give the listener a chance to catch some breath. The most notable example is the bluesy anthem Hey Joe; it was actually the first single from the album, peaking at number two on the charts (nipping at the heels of The Beatles' Lucy In Sky With Diamonds.) Other serene interjections include the watery The Wind Cries Mary and May This Be Love. Psychedelic rock invades the title track as Hendrix bestows various otherworldly effects upon the listener's all too curious ears. Other rockers include the fiendish I Don't Live Today and the heavy blues of Love Or Confusion. One cannot fail to mention the other two classics fundamental to this album in the form of Foxey Lady and Stone Free. The foreboding feedback of Foxey Lady introduces one of the heaviest songs ever recorded. Tremendous! Everyone knows that Jimi, if not considered the finest and most innovative guitar players ever, was one of the best -- that's indisputable. However, often overlooked are the other two musicians, Mitch Mitchell and Noel Redding. Mitchell delivers a stunning performance on the skins, bashing on equal par with The Who's Keith Moon. Redding is steady and precise, opening the channels for Jimi to soar with his guitar pyrotechnics. The influence of this album and of Jimi's trademark sound was gigantic. That, above all, is the lasting legacy of Are You Experienced. The Jimi Hendrix Experience left a deep mark that would be branded on so many artists that would follow in their footsteps. Examples abound, such as the soulful vocals of King's X's Doug Pinnick, and the guitar sounds of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Frank Marino, and Uli Jon Roth. Add to that the countless cover versions recorded in tribute by groups such as The Red Hot Chili Peppers and even Eric Clapton. Are You Experienced was simply one of the finest albums of the 1960's. There are many events that can be described as milestones in the evolution of heavy rock music; this my friends, was certainly one of them !

Tracks:

Purple Haze

Manic Depression

Hey Joe

Love Or Confusion

May This Be Love

I Don't Live Today

The Wind Cries Mary

Fire

Third Stone From The Sun

Foxey Lady

Are You Experienced?