105. The Jimi Hendrix Experience — Axis: Bold As Love (1967)

The Experience

1. Are You Experienced? is an almost impossible act to follow up, and wisely, Hendrix seems to have gone in a (slightly) different direction here. There’s a bit more focus on songwriting, a bit more diversity in the sound, and a general lightness to the tunes here. This is a thoroughly solid album that with enough listens, I might elevate to greatness; it just didn’t smack me across the face the way Are You Experienced? did.
2. Still — there’s not much here in the way of poor tracks. “Spanish Castle Magic” sounds like a b-side from their debut, which I intend as a compliment. “Wait Until Tomorrow” is frantic and fun. “Little Wing” is lovely, slinky, smooth.
3. The high point for me comes in the latter half of the album, with “Castles Made Of Sand.” This is just a beautiful, bluesy jam that really stands out for me. It’s practically a lullaby in its own way, musically; and lyrically it shows some serious chops by Hendrix. The various stories of death and loss are gorgeously written, empathetic, diverse. It’s an excellent tune.
4. Last note: The Experience as a band really stands out here. The rhythm section of Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell are on point from start to finish, including Redding getting his own shot at the mic. At no point does Hendrix’s standout guitar work overwhelm the full band. It’s a trio operating a peak performance, and it shows.

One Essential Song:

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