The Psych Ward–Are You Experienced? by The Jimi Hendrix Experience
- Bill Kurzenberger
- May 5, 2023
- 8:48 am
The Psych Ward–Are You Experienced? by The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Are You Experienced? was the debut album released in 1967 by the eponymous power trio The Jimi Hendrix Experience. This astounding LP introduced to the world the ingenious guitar wizardry of this budding 24-year-old and jettisoned him to stardom.
The initial mono releases of this album varied significantly by location. The U.S. version left out “Can You See Me,” “Red House,” and “Remember;” the U.K./international release omitted “Hey Joe”, “The Wind Cries Mary” and amazingly “Purple Haze.” The subsequent stereo releases present an aural panorama with Hendrix’s guitar or vocals often present only in one channel. I first experienced this classic on cassette in the late 1980s on a Walkman with headphones. It was the first psych album I ever heard, and it naturally blew my mind.
“Purple Haze” speaks for itself as definitive psychedelia with its immortal guitar riff; Hendrix describes the magenta-tinged vision that accompanies LSD consumption. ”Manic Depression” is driven by Mitch Mitchell’s rabidly percussive tom-driven beat and a musically hesitant hook.
More notable for its infectious instrumental walkup than its ill-advised lyrics, “Hey Joe” describes a tragic love triangle with its murderous protagonist fleeing from justice to Mexico.
Forgotten in the winds of time are “Love and Confusion” and “I Don’t Live Today.” Noel Redding’s bass plays as prominent a role as the guitar, dueling intertwining fretboard lines. The last minute of “I Don’t Live Today” is mind-bending bliss, fading thrice while Jimi adds Morrison-esque musings.
Sublime and soothing, the underrated “May This Be Love” features some of Hendrix’s most melodic singing on record. Backed by a breezy accompaniment, “The Wind Cries Mary” showcases his poignant poetry. “A broom is drearily sweeping up the broken pieces of yesterday’s life.” Wow.
The raucous, provocative anthem “Fire” is as primeval as its title implies; perhaps the trio’s finest track. “Foxey Lady” describes a vivacious vixen catching the singer’s eye.
“Third Stone from the Sun” is the album’s most psychedelic foray. Initially slowing down Hendrix’s spoken word before revealing his vivid narration, describing mysterious mountains and majestic silver seas. It halts briefly to plunge into chaotic free-form jazz, punctuated by the fuzz-laden Stratocaster’s whammy bar.
The final and title track innovatively loops tape playback as a rhythm track while Jimi wails on. This standout sonic oddity musically and lyrically encapsulates the double meaning of the album’s quintessential query.
Are You Experienced? is startling and breathtaking, and it’s no wonder that it is considered one of the best psych albums of all time. Depending on the version you listen to, your trip may vary.
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