Jimi Hendrix- Axis: Bold as Love

We'll so far, along our trip (actual and musical) we have gone through some sounds of the Bay Area, Portland, and Olympia. We are now traveling through the wonder that is Seattle, Washington and in my mind there is no better place to begin than with Seattle's native son Jimi Hendrix.  

Dr. Suess once said, "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

I guess that's the best way to describe the short lived Jimi Hendrix Experience. With only three albums under their belt before Jimi was tragically taken from our musical souls, we are left with the black hole of a question, "what could have been?" Sadly, this is too often the question encompassing The Jimi Hendrix Experience, rather than a fond embrace of the beautiful trilogy The Experience has passed down to generation after generation.

Axis: Bold as Love probably did not have the pizazz of his first effort Are You Experienced?, But Hendrix accomplished and built upon his early success his second major recording. Within the album he experiments with rock, blues, some jazz, and ventures into the arena of psychedelic with songs like if 6 was 9. My favorite song is of course, Castles made of Sand and She's So fine, but these are most peoples favorites. so I don't think I'm offering any new insight.

If you have never, or have rarely listened to The Jimi Hendrix Experience, then do yourself a favor and get this album. It's an American classic by the man who in my opinion, single handily (alright he used both hands) changed the face of Rock and Roll, became the face of the 60's, and is still by far one of the greatest, if not THE greatest guitar players in modern music.

Grateful Dead- American Beauty

American Beauty is an American Classic! I love listening to this album while driving, especially driving through San Francisco.  This is my favorite album, by the band, but telling you American Beauty is the Dead’s best work might bring about on onslaught of debate. Since I suppose asking a Deadhead to tell you what the band’s best album is, would be liking asking a Lakers Fan who the best Laker is of all-time. So, I’ll just say for my taste, it’s my favorite record by the Dead, though by all accounts I am not a Dead Head and have not listened to their entire collection. Box of Rain the first song is a subtle, simple song sang by Phil Lesh that lets you know you're in for a real treat. From there American Beauty, never lets up with great material. It's a musical experience throughout the entire CD. 


Songs to Listen For:


Box of Rain
Friend of the Devil
Truckin'
Sugar Magnolia
Ripple
Till the Morning Comes

Janis Joplin - Pearl

Well, if you followed this blog for the short time it was around last year, then you know I already posted this once before. Nevertheless, one should always put on a little Janis on the radio while going through San Francisco and since this is technically a new blog altogether, I will list it her as well.

I love Janis Joplin because my parents loved Janis Joplin; though, I suppose now that I'm older I have found my own reasons to enjoy her music. I remember with fondness my mom and sister turning up Summertime as we drove down the road, or my sister singing in her typical family out-of-tune style Mercedes Benz. With fondness, I recall my step-dad's garage band playing covers of Janis Joplin hits.

Pearl easily fits in with the great classic rock albums of all time. Joplin's sultry, yet raspy voice corresponds well with her backing band Full Tilt Boogie. Every song on the album is worth a listen. It's arguably the best record she put out. If you love good music... nay, if you love you're white girls saturated with the blues that burst forth through jarring wails and epic moans, Pearl is the album you need in your collection.