The Jimi Hendrix Experience: "Are You Experienced?" Vinyl, LP, Album, Mono, Reissue, Japan, 1980 (Polydor)

When I was 12-years old I went to London.  I remember many things on that specific trip, but one of the pleasant memories is discovering The Jimi Hendrix Experience at Robert Fraser's flat in 1967.  He had a copy of this, and I went back to Los Angeles, I immediately found the American version of this classic debut album.  It took me 50 years to realize that the UK and U.S. had a different song order and songs.  Still, when I bought a used Mono version at Tower Records in Shinjuku, I was delighted. First of all, I never heard this album in Mono before, and it's an amazing punch to the stomach and head.  We know how great Hendrix was, but The Experience was an incredible band.  Mitch Mitchell's (is that is the real name?  If not, what a great name) jazz-style drumming was a perfect flow for Hendrix's guitar and Noel Redding's bass playing.  I also love the British cover than the American one.  To me, it is such an iconic image.  

Robert Wyatt - "68'" Blue Vinyl, LP, Limited Edition, Album, 2013 (Cuneiform Records)

Robert Wyatt is one of the wonders of the music planet.  Is there even a bad record with Wyatt's connection in existence?  I don't think so.   When you're going through his catalog of recordings, you're choosing from pretty good to exceptionally perfect.  So you can't lose with Wyatt.  "68'" is an album or is it a set of demos?   Recorded after his American tour with Soft Machine on the same bill with The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Wyatt stayed in America to record this album and hang out with Jimi and gang.   Very much a self-recording with some assistance from Hendrix playing bass on "Slow Walkin' Talk" and fellow Soft Machine pals Hugh Hopper and Mike Ratledge on "Moon in June," this is very much Wyatt on all vocals and instruments.  

The essential jazzy touch and "Rock Bottom" aesthetic is very much part of this early recording by Wyatt.   The standout tracks (out of four) are "Moon in June" which is both free-form as well as a tight 'pop' melody and an amazing song "Chelsea" which was either co-written by Kevin Ayers or perhaps with the help of very early Soft Machine member Daevid Allen.  "Chelsea" is a Wyatt beauty with a prominent organ playing throughout the song.  The album is very much the bridge between the first Soft Machine album and Wyatt's "Rock Bottom."  Essential for the Wyatt fan, and if you're not, you should be one.  

The Jimi Hendrix Experience - "Electric Ladyland" Vinyl, LP, Album, 1968 (Track Records)

I was 15 years old when "Electric Ladyland" came out.  The original British cover spoke to the teenage heterosexual in a manner that was very direct, and perhaps more so than any other album cover of its time.  And the music wasn't bad!   I originally had the American version with Hendrix on the cover.  No way or in fashion would the British cover be allowed in the American market at its time.   If it was one naked lady, then that may have passed, but to have a dozen or so, on the front and back (fold out) cover, that is clearly a no-no.   Reportedly Hendrix hated the British cover.  In my teenage mind, I thought this was very much the lifestyle of Hendrix.  Perhaps the cover was taken in his home or bedroom.   It wasn't, but to a 15-year old, the fantasy outlives the reality. 

The music on this album is superb.   The Jimi Hendrix Experience was progressing from the first to the last album, which to me, is "Electric Ladyland."  I never bought any albums after his death, because I felt the unfinished work was not meant to be heard because Hendrix couldn't give its proper blessing due to his untimely death.    "Electric Ladyland" is both looking back, but very much a forward album.  Here, he works with other musicians and the music is more of a bigger canvas than the first two Hendrix Experience albums.    

Hendrix without a doubt is a genius guitar player, but he is also a fantastic arranger, lyricist, and record producer.  Technically an Experience album, but apparently Hendrix is thinking like a solo artist here.  The dreamy side of him such as "And the Gods Made Love" (goes with the British cover in my opinion), "Rainy Day Dream Away," "1983.." are all impressionistic paintings set to music.  One cannot separate the visual aspect of Hendrix, not only in his dandyism but also the colors that reflect in his music.  My favorite Hendrix song "The Burning of the Midnight Lamp" is perfection.  Psychedelic but holding on to the melody if life was about to be stamped out.  A great record, a great single.   Or was it ever a single?  

"Electric Ladyland" is a very sophisticated album.  When I first initially heard the album back in 1968, I felt it was opening up to new avenues, and I was excited to follow that Hendrix road.  His death was a major disappointment to me because I felt he would have gone on to make very interesting sounds.   And I have to add the importance of Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell in the band.   In fact, Mitchell as a drummer is simply amazing.  More jazz-like than rock n' roll.   Mitchell's professional life as a musician sounds incredible.  From having a rifle pointed at his head by Joe Meek to working with Jimi.  How perfect is that?