HEY JOE

If I remember correctly, 'Hey Joe' was one of the first songs by Jimi Hendrix I ever heard. It is a classic track by the man who showed what could be done with rock music's greatest instrument. Although this is a cover from a band called The Leaves, Hendrix's is the best- known version of this rock standard. Like much of Jimi's canon, this is a bluesy piece filled with rock licks and quick jabs from Hendrix's guitar. This is a song from Jimi where there is more to love than just the musicianship though. The song tells a story quite well of a man shooting his adulterous wife, and with the eerie female backing vocals, it sounds very apocalyptic and surprisingly dark for a catchy tune. This is also home to some of Jimi's best vocal work, and while I would not consider him to be a great singer with most of what he does, his voice really suits the tone that the band is going for.

The b-side to the 'Hey Joe' single is 'Stone Free', which is another well-known number from the guitarist. It has some decent grooves to it and plenty of upbeat energy, and as far as Jimi's work goes, it is one of the more memorable songs, even if it doesn't necessarily pass me as being excellent. 'Hey Joe' however, stands as a classic in my book.