Spin #137 : The Jimi Hendrix Experience : Are You Experienced

SUNDAY DROP - SPIN # 137 FROM THE R'NR WITH RYLO RECORD COLLECTION

Welcome to a very hot Sunday this weekend! The weather is threatening to thunderstorm and potentially hail due to the muggy temperatures. Fingers crossed we don't have any more issues with the garage roof (or any other areas that may leak). Thankfully, I was able to get silicone and fix a few areas before the downpours came this weekend and we avoided any leaks to the records area. This week we have chosen the debut album from one of the most well known artists of our time, 'Are You Experienced' by The Jimi Hendrix Experience.

I think I lucked out with this pressing compared to the original versions, as it seems there are different track listings for the UK and US releases. Our copy is a 2015 remastered copy, which seems to have combined all of the songs onto one release. I would usually prefer the original releases, but I wasn't aware until we had already purchased this copy. The cover art chosen is the same used for the UK version. I know that Jimi Hendrix wanted something more psychedelic for the US release, and I've included a picture below to show you the difference. Which cover do I prefer? Not too sure to be honest. I guess, it was the 60s and probably the US version reflects the time period and musical landscape better. Fish-eye lens, bright yellow background, colour saturation image and funky purple font - check!

A couple things you might not know about this release:

It was released in the same year as his second album, 'Axis: Bold as Love' and one year before his third and final album, 'Electric Ladyland'.
There is no '?' at the end of the title, which seems odd.
They were originally rejected by Decca Records and one of the greatest albums of all time almost wasn't recorded.
Keith Richards' (The Rolling Stones) girlfriend at the time, Linda Keith, played an important role in getting Hendrix noticed in the music scene.

To think that his life would come to an end in 1970, is just the saddest thing for someone who was regarded as the greatest guitarist of all time. I think what people love about Hendrix is the fact that he had passion and drive for music and shone brightest in an era of hugely talented musicians. He was working on pure talent, listening to the radio and learning songs by ear, each and every day. I hope that our kids don't get disheartened by failure and learn that sometimes its better to fail and learn, then to never attempt anything. I've learnt a lot from my missteps and I think that I'll just bring up the story of Hendrix and a few other musicians as they continue to grow.

The band or 'Experience' portion of the band consists of UK artists, Noel Redding (Bass Guitar) and Mitch Mitchell (Drums). Both compliment Hendrix so well and truly understand the rhythm and blues scene. You can hear this particularly on songs like 'RED HOUSE' and 'HEY JOE'. The last time that we had a Hendrix album on our turntable was right at the start of R'nR with Rylo - Spin # 2. We had 'Axis: Bold as Love', spinning for the family and we really love that album. It doesn't get the praise that his other two releases get but don't sleep on that one if you haven't had the time to hear it yet.

The chemistry between the three musicians is obvious to hear across this double LP album. I'd love to discuss this album with someone who was able to hear it upon release, as it must have been mind blowing. I thought that our kids would really like this one and they gave it a good go before retreating to the cooler loungeroom area. They had a big play day yesterday with family friends and I think they are recovering from that. I'll have to show our little drummers the magic of Mitch Mitchell another time.

'THIRD STONE FROM THE SUN' on LP1 - Side two, showcases the pioneering soundscapes the band was able to capture while recording this album. It has all of the signature distortion and feedback that Hendrix loved (and loved to play loud). It's a psychedelic trip and is the longest track on the album coming in at 6minutes 44 seconds. While it isn't my favourite track, it has everything you need in it to understand the genius of this band and sounds really good coming through the Marshall speaker. There is a variation of styles across the track listing and I'd like to hear the high fidelity version on an expensive set-up. Anyone have this album in their collection?

Another stand out song, that isn't one of the more well known ones, is 'STONE FREE'. If you listen closely, it has so many intricate layers, in what appears to be a simply structured song. The feedback and distortion here shows you that Hendrix is giving his all and Redding and Mitchell are powering the rhythm behind it. It ends so suddenly that you think the LP has stopped, before the sounds of 'PURPLE HAZE' comes through the speaker like a low creeping fog entering the room. I didn't mention earlier the songs on this album that really keep me grounded would be 'MAY THIS BE LOVE' and 'THE WIND CRIES MARY'. I feel that i gravitated towards those two tracks during this Sunday Spin. Maybe my mind is trying to tell me something - find calmness and peace.

The stylus has played all that The Jimi Hendrix Experience has offered up and that means it's time to make a cuppa and brace for the impending storm. Our kids have been playing with those magnetic tiles a lot before and after school this week. It helps calm and focus their busy minds and some of the creations have been awesome. I'll have to get them some more tiles from the same brand, so they can build bigger and better things.

We were able to get outside for a bit before the approaching storm and let the kids run through the sprinkler. They were trying to collect the ball before it went off and wet them. Such a simple thing for the kids and they think its the greatest thing. The weather is starting to get warmer and before we know it, we will be in the pool swimming or spending time at the beach. I'll leave you with the lyrics of this beauty and see you all next week for another Spin!

"Waterfall,

Nothing can harm me at all.

My worries seem so very small,

with my waterfall.

I can see my rainbow calling me,

Through the misty breeze of my waterfall.

Some people say day dreaming is for all the lazy minded fools with nothing else to do.

So let them laugh, laugh at me.

So just as long as I have you to see me through.

I have nothing to lose, long as I have you.

Waterfall,

don't ever change your ways.