...
ARE YOU EXPERIENCED?
On the 20th May 1967 a little known three-piece rock outfit known as the Jimmy Hendrix Experience released their first LP 'Are You Experienced'. This record quite literally changed the world of rock music.
The band made up of Jimi Hendrix (lead Guitar), Mitch ... Read review
unleashed Jimi Hendrix onto a world in the midst of such cultural and musical shake-ups that it really didn't seem as "far out" as it actually was. It wasn't just...
May This Be Love Fire Third Stone From The Sun Remember Are You Experienced Hey Joe Stone Free Purple Haze 51st Anniversary The Wind Cries Mary Highway Chile
unleashed Jimi Hendrix onto a world in the midst of such cultural and musical shake-ups that it really didn't seem as "far out" as it actually was. It wasn't just Hendrix's virtuosic skill as a pure player that was so impressive; it was, even more, the range and scope of sheer sound that he coaxed, cajoled and ripped out of his instrument. "Purple Haze", "Manic Depression" and "I Don't Live Today" filled ears with indelible sonic images and songs like "Foxey Lady" and "Fire" pointed the way toward a new brand of rock-charged soul music. And how about a hand for drummer Mitch Mitchell? --Billy Altman
Experienced?unleashed Jimi Hendrix onto a world in the midst of such cultural and musical shake-ups that it really didn't seem as "far out" as it actually was. It wasn't just Hendrix's virtuosic skill as a pure player that was so impressive; it was, even more, the range and scope of sheer sound that he coaxed, cajoled and ripped out of his instrument. "Purple Haze", "Manic Depression" and "I Don't Live Today" filled ears with indelible sonic images and songs like "Foxey Lady" and "Fire" pointed the way toward a new brand of rock-charged soul music. And how about a hand for drummer Mitch Mitchell?--Billy Altman
A review by Mauri on Are You Experienced - Jimi Hendrix July 1st, 2002
Author's product rating:
Originality
Groundbreaking
Lyrics
Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks
Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Outstanding
Value for Money
Advantages:
Sublime
Disadvantages:
none
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
Ask any rock fan to make a top ten list of the best rock guitarists and you're sure to have plenty of arguments about who is at number two, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Pete Townsend? But for most people the number one spot certainly belongs Jimi Hendrix.
ARE YOU EXPERIENCED?
On the 20th May 1967 a little known three-piece rock outfit known as the Jimmy Hendrix Experience released their first LP 'Are You Experienced'. This record quite literally changed the world of rock music.
The band made up of Jimi Hendrix (lead Guitar), Mitch Mitchell (Drums) and Noel Redding (Base) had been brought together by ex-Animals Chas Chandler and after some time building up a fan following by playing small live venues, he got them in to the studio to record some of their material.
To begin with there was no clear plan to record a full album, initially the studio work was meant to record the singles 'Hey Joe', 'Purple Haze' and 'The Wind Cries Mary'. At the end of these recordings the band cut some extra tracks, which eventually became the basis for 'Are You Experienced'.
THE TRACKS
1. Foxy Lady 2. Manic Depression 3. Red House 4. Can You See Me 5. Love Or Confusion 6. I Don't Live Today 7. May This Be Love 8. Fire 9. Third Stone From the Sun 10. Remember 11. Are You Experienced
(Additional tracks on CD)
12. Hey Joe 13. Stone Free 14. Purple Haze 15. 51st Anniversary 16. Wind Cries Mary 17. Highway Chile
To say this is one of the most important records in Rock music is not an exaggeration. Other groundbreaking guitarists such as Eric Clapton, had developed and extended blues music in a Rock music context. Other musicians such as Jeff Beck and Pete Townsend had started experimenting the mechanics of the electric guitar sound by incorporating feedback in to their music but no other performer had ever managed to fuse together such disparate elements as Soul, Blues, Psychedelia, Pop and Jazz into the rock framework.
The collection of songs on this album perfectly illustrates the advances that Hendrix had made in defining a new kind of rock music. The initial tracks 'Foxy Lady' and 'Manic Depression' are an early example of the frenzied psychedelia, which Hendrix was to further develop on 'Electric Ladyland' and which was in sharp contrast to the more ethereal psychedelia developing with bands such as Pink Floyd.
The most impressive aspect of these tracks and on others like 'I Don't Live Today' the 'Purple Haze' (not on the original vinyl UK release) is Hendrix's amazing capacity to draw out primeval sounds and sonic effects from his electric guitar that not other guitarist before or since has quite managed to achieve. These tracks are the harbingers of a new type of Rock-fuelled high-energy Soul that was to influence many artist though the years. Also ever-present on these tracks is the base and drum backing provided by Redding and Mitchell that managed to anchor the swirling rhythms produced by Hendrix to the framework of the song whilst at the same time providing a high charged accompaniment.
Hendrix's ability to create innovative sounds from his guitar can be best illustrated on a track 'I Don't Live Today'. At one point the guitar sounds like a muffled trumpet then it breaks down in to sonic shudders before a false end to the song dramatically leads in to an explosion of sound including dive bombs and Banshee-like shrieks.
Hendrix's feel for more traditional musical forms can be seen in the track 'Red House'. This song is a classic blues lament. Hendrix adds some emotive vocals and a sublime nonchalant sounding guitar riff. The slow pace of the song is in sharp contrast to the previous tracks and provides further evidence of Hendrix's adaptability and virtuosity in guitar styles. The brilliance of this track is further enhanced when we know that it was recorded, like many other tracks on the record (Manic Depression, Remember and May This Be Love) in one single take and was largely ad-libbed.
Because of financial and time constraints most of the record was recorded in short studio sessions in between gigs. All the song featured had been newly written by Hendrix but the musical arrangement had yet to be worked through. Chandler the manager/producer had not had much experience in producing and was not a great fan of long sessions in recording studios seeing them as a waste of time and money. He was very keen to get the tracks cut as quickly as possible. Chandler had sold off his collection of bass guitars in order to keep the group alive over the past few months and was really working off a shoestring budget. Songs were hardly ever rehearsed instead Hendrix would show Mitchell and Redding the riffs and then they went straight in to a take. It is a tribute to the understanding that the three had for each other that the tracks on this album sound of such high quality. This impromptu style to the recording gives the song a live feel and seems to enable the listener to directly connect with the music as if the band were playing in the same room.
Other outstanding tracks on the original vinyl recording include 'Fire' supposedly the first song Hendrix ever wrote and 'Third Rock From the Sun' a rambling psychedelic jam building up to a chaotic frenzied finale.
The final track of the vinyl version 'Are You Experienced' (track 11 on the CD) is also the most complex it includes many sound effects and backward solos, which did take some time to get sounding just right. Again it shows us to what extent Hendrix and the band were engaged in experiments with their music trying to achieve new sounds and sonic effect with their instruments.
Of the tracks added to the CD version Hey Joe, Stone Free and Purple Haze are classic examples of Hendrix at his innovative best but my personal favourite is the slower more emotionally tender 'The Wind Cries Mary', which must rank as one of Hendrix best and most poetic compositions.
As I've said before on CD reviews, I'm torn over the addition of extra tracks on CD versions of original vinyl recordings. I can see how having more music on the CD is of great value but if you consider a album as a complete work in to which some thought has been put over the song selection and order of play any addition to that original choice must be done carefully if at all so as not to spoil the overall feel of the record. In this particular case the choices are good ones and in terms of quality and style match up to the original songs on the vinyl version, there is also some logic to the choices in that most of the extra tracks were recorded at the same time as the original album tracks very often at the same studio sessions.
One reservation I have is that the track 'Are You Experienced?' is a perfect track to end the record with as it did originally on the vinyl version, placing it 11th out of 17 tracks does somewhat detract from the atmosphere the original order of play created.
Overall the album is a psychedelic patchwork of musical styles. A perfect blend of vocal and musical talents infused with rawness and energy that you rarely come across in any art form.
I first came across this album in my teens in the late 70's, knowing very little of Hendrix or his music. I remember being completely overwhelmed by it and not able to categorise alongside anything else I had heard before. I quickly searched out all of Hendrix's other music but soon found that because of his untimely death at the age on only 27 Hendrix had not left us with many example of his extraordinary talent as both musician and a songwriter. Although it was already more than a decade old when I first heard it the record had not dated, and the same can be said about it today. The music is still stands on its own, it still sounds special, different, in many ways even after more than thirty years still pushing at the boundaries of the rock music.
'Are You Experienced' is special for many reasons. It is rightly remembered as one of the definitive record of the psychedelic era. It is probably also the most outstanding debut album ever made and it created a new form of rock, which although was firmly rooted in the musical traditions of the past still managed to sound futuristic and innovative. At the time it was released is caused a huge interested rock and pop circles and was only kept of the number one spot by the Beatles 'Sgt Pepper's…' released a week later.
It never managed to overtake the 'Sgt Pepper's…' in the charts in its 33 week run but of the two records 'Are You Experienced' is the one that has probably still had most lasting influence on rock music.
Even though the band was in the studio over a period of months, it only took them and Chandler an actual total time of six days to record and mix the album. Not bad for a weeks work! Have you experienced it yet?
Advantages: Great music by a guitar maestro Disadvantages: Jimi left us way too soon
...creating styles that guitarists today are still trying to emulate. It's fair to say that my whole musical philosophy and playing style changed when I first heard the debut album of Jimi Hendrix in 1967--Are You Experienced? really taught me how music is irrevocably linked to the human mind. "Mind over matter" is a pretty old saw that few of us really take literally, but Jimi Hendrix showed all musicians, especially guitarists, that wringing hot licks ... ...truly his own. All guitarists are influenced to some extent by the styles of other guitarists--what separates the great ones from the rest of us is the personal spin that the player puts on his influences. So it was with Jimi Hendrix--his blues and jazz influences were stood on their respective heads and rearranged, creating a playing style that was unique and truly one of a kind. I had the great pleasure of seeing Jimi Hendrix in concert in 1968 ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Includes Many Of His Biggest Hits, And Shows His Prodigious Talents Disadvantages: None
...theme explored on the album are the blues, a staple for Hendrix and etched into his musical background, of which more can be seen on the release of Blues. The songs themselves are al around three and a half minutes in length, a feature trumped by Chas Chandler, as he believed that all songs should have the capability to be released as singles. But despite these perhaps constraining elements, Hendrix's ability as both a writer and a guitarist shine ... ...you check which one you are purchasing. 1. Foxey Lady ***** The opening to this album is a classic, with the slow build up from the guitar before it heightens and the drums and bass are released upon the listener. This song was said by Hendrix to be one of the few happy songs in his canon, although whether this is true or not is down to the listener themselves. The guitar is the main highlight on this song, as is backed up well by Mitchell, but the ...
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Advantages: one of the greatest albums ever by the greatest guitarist ever Disadvantages: inspired lenny kravitz to play guitar lol
...and great solo to.
11. Are You Experienced? (10/10)
another of my fav's off this album an great intro and as soon as the scratchy effect finishes and the guitar starts if give spine chilling effects, very good lyrics to from the title track off the album.
12. Stone Free (9/10) This song has very good chorus on this track great guitar once again especially on the chorus.
13.51st Anniversary (8/10)
Another good song nice fast riff on this one ... ...his voice suits this song.
14. Highway Chile (10/10)
Awesome little intro really makes the guitar wail and repeats this little riff throughout the song amazing solo to.
15. Can You See Me (9/10)
This is a really catchy song great guitar with great riffs and very good lyrics and songs with a higher paced tempo on this one.
16. Remember (8/10)
not one of my favourites but still a good song and when listening to the song I can for some reason ...
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Originality
Lyrics
Quality and consistency...
How does it compare to ...
Value for Money
helpful
23.03.2004
(12.05.2004)
Experience This Review ofAre You Experienced - Jimi Hendrixby
mikeydred
Advantages: Stunning songs with blistering guitar playing Disadvantages: None
...Wind Cries Mary" as well as the original album.
Other stands are the stereo phasing of "May This Be Love" an "Fire", but everyone probably has their own favourites. This is an album that anyone who is into rock music should own.
Five inches of silver perfection. ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Quite Simply Genius Disadvantages: None at all
...Are You Experienced is the Experience's explosive, groundbreaking debut and stands in music history as one of the all time classic albums, a milestone in the road of rock guitar. The impact of this sublime album cannot be overrated - its impact on music is extreme and far spread. Welcome to 17 Tracks of Jimi's fretboard acrobatics, soulful lyrical content and a Music 101 course. When you listen to this CD you're instantly taken on an intense ride ... ...of the previous track we are catapulted straight back into the feroucious rock of the Experience with this powerful piece inspired by, supirisngly, the fireplace of Redding's parent's home. Arguably Mitch Mitchell's finest hours, this could easily be called "How To Drum".
9. Third Stone From The Sun (6.44)
Third Stone From the Sun is a Hank marvin meets a pschychadelic Universe adventure with JImi, a truly original, experiemntal - yet still listenable ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: That I own it!! Disadvantages: Only 8 songs.
...Then you've got rock. Okay, so it might sound like Robert Plant had his flares and corset on too tight, but I'd personally kill to be able to sing like him (that probably tells you more thn enough abut me then!). If you've read my review of JimiHendrix's 'AreYouExperienced?', this comes in a vey close third, solely on the basis that there are only 8 songs. Contrary to my usual style of writing, I will run through each track individually, because the only thing they have in common is that they are by Led Zeppelin.
Black Dog - This song made heavy metal. Even more influencial to the genre than 'Born To Be Wild' by Steppenwolf.
Rock 'n' Roll - The clue's in the name, get it?
The Battle of Evermore - If there was a 1970s soundtrack to the fairy scenes in Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' this would be the leading...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Some big songs, also some great rocked up versions. Disadvantages: Some of the vocals are lost a bit in the music on some tracks.
...with Erik Bobo's percussion solo, he also has a great solo at the end of the track, both rappers hit every rap on point, they must have performed this track thousands of times during their career, love the pumping base line.
Samples
"Tramp" by Lowell Fulsom
"Midnight Theme" by Manzel
"Come on In" by Music Machine
"AreYouExperienced" by JimiHendrix
"Institutionalized" by Suicidal Tendencies
"Escape-ism", "I Got Ants in My Pants", & "I Got to Move" by James Brown
10/10
4 - Insane in the Brain
The group flow effortlessly into the next track, mixing the tracks smoothly into each other, chances are if you have ever heard Cypress you've heard this song, the original from the groups second release, Black Sunday, is one of the few tracks in gangster rap that has reached beyond the music world and found a place in popular culture...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Some great rock songs here Disadvantages: A forgotten album
...Axis: Bold As Love with its fantastic spaced-out cover art, showing the band as kind of like Hindu deities (cobras, elephants, kings, girls, firebreathers, the lot) was The JimiHendrix Experience's second release after "AreYouExperienced?" in 1966. The passage of time has seen this album somewhat overshadowed by their debut and the later "Electric Ladyland" complete with their no 1 smash single, the famous and totally brilliant Voodoo Chile. But that's getting a bit ahead of ourselves so let's get back to this interesting record which has 13 songs in all and clocks in at a respectable 46 minutes.
The late 1960's was the era of the power trio, with such bands as Cream, Gun, and the US outfit Mountain playing hard rock with fuzzy guitars and heavy bass rythyms. Indeed the Experience's bassist, Noel Redding, was...
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Album Notes: ARE YOU EXPERIENCED AND MORE collects Jimi Hendrix's classic debut album and a bonus disc of studio outtakes.
Album Reviews: Rolling Stone (12/11/03, p.96) - Ranked #15 in Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums Of All Time" - "...The incendiary poetry of Hendrix's guitar was historic in itself..." Q (12/93, p.136) - 5 Stars (out of 5) - "...ARE YOU EXPERIENCED becomes the complete showcase for massive, never-matched earthquaking guitar sounds in improbably balanced dialogue with the laconic voice of a man who genuinely believed he couldn't sing..." Down Beat (8/97, p.61) - 5 stars (out of 5) - "...pile-driving rhythms...deep blues...as well as Hendrix's amazing guitar/vocal display..." Vibe (12/99, p.156) - Included in Vibe's 100 Essential Albums of the 20th Century Vibe (2/94, p.103) - "...for folks who've never heard Jimi on vinyl, the rainbow fantasia world of Hendrix awaits you in all its polyphonic peacock glory...." NME (10/2/93, p.29) - Ranked #29 in NME's list of the "Greatest Albums Of All Time."
Titles on disc 2
19.: Remember (take 1)
20.: Remember (take 2)
12.: I Don't Live Today (take 4)
24.: Remember (take 6)
4.: Can You See Me (take 1)
5.: Can You See Me (take 2)
21.: Remember (take 3)
22.: Remember (take 4)
6.: Can You See Me (take 3)
8.: Can You See Me (take 5)
7.: Can You See Me (take 4)
23.: Remember (take 5)
3.: Red House
1.: Manic Depression (take 1)
16.: Fire (take 3)
14.: Fire (take 1)
13.: I Don't Live Today (take 5)
15.: Fire (take 2)
17.: Fire (take 4)
18.: Fire (take 5)
9.: I Don't Live Today (take 1)
10.: I Don't Live Today (take 2)
2.: Manic Depression (take 2)
11.: I Don't Live Today (take 3)
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