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Jimi Hendrix - The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Electric Ladyland CD (album) cover

THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE: ELECTRIC LADYLAND

Jimi Hendrix

 

Proto-Prog

4.05 | 454 ratings

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Prog Leviathan
Prog Reviewer
4 stars Electric Ladyland is a diverse, moody, bluesy, and psychedelic slice of late '60's experimental rock. Today when we hear Hendrix on the radio we hear only the handful of hits, which are all great; but listeners to this, the last album by Hendrix, will hear the full scope of his musicianship and songwriting skills. This album has lots to like, from free-form spacey interludes, extended jam sessions, melodic rockin', and most of all - music with feeling. Hendrix's songwriting and playing accomplishes much more than "Purple Haze" would lead you to believe he was capable of making, and all of it exudes the soulful artistry of a real bluesman.

This is probably the reason that Hendrix's music has had the staying power we've seen, that and his straight up excellence on the guitar. Listen to the expressive singing and axework in the live recording of "Voodoo Chile" and you'll see what I'm talking about; music like this just isn't made any more. Very few songs can create the immediate reaction to rock within a few seconds like the opening of Jimi's rendition of "All Along the Watchtower" or the massive riff and solo introduction to "Voodoo Child". Incomparable.

The album as a whole has a lot to offer most any rock fan, though those who thrive on excess and experimentation may get the most of out it. Electric Ladyland has only three songs that are really "classics," the best songs are those that feel like pieces of expressionist art hidden behind the layers of melodic riffing, fuzzy bass lines, and organ textures.

Rounded up to four for historical impact and importance to all music, not just prog, because there's only one Hendrix, and modern rock owes him more than I think we realize.

Songwriting: 3 - Instrumental Performances: 4 - Lyrics/Vocals: 3 - Style/Emotion/Replay: 5

Prog Leviathan | 4/5 |

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