Are You Experienced?

'Are You Experienced' is probably the most rock-oriented of Hendrix's official studio releases, but its influences are incredibly diverse. 'Third Stone From the Sun' recalls the supple octaves of Jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery; the churning afro-cuban polyrhythms of 'Manic Depression' evoke John Coltrane and Elvin Jones; 'I Don't Live Today' employs ritualistic native American drumbeats; and the title tune borrows the eastern airs of sitarist Ravi Shankar. The mix is dark and churning, a dense wall of sound. Mitch Mitchell and Noel Redding blast away with a barely controlled fury, and there's a distorted metallic edge to Hendrix's guitar timbre that has made 'Are You Experienced' a particular favourite among rock and heavy-metal guitarists. 'Purple Haze' and 'Foxey Lady' helped define the power-trio format, thanks to Hendrix's full-bodied rhythm guitar and his soaring solos. 'Are You Experienced' also established Hendrix as a singer-songwriter. His Dylanesque vocals and spacey imagery make each tune a little gem, especially on gentle outings such as the ballad 'The Wind Cries Mary.'