The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Axis Bold as Love (CD)

No Sophmore Slump Here

By Yahoo! Shopping User  May 10, 2006

Pros: A True Departure from Are You Experienced

Cons: "She's so Fine"

The least accessable of Jimi's Three comercial releases, this album takes a bit more time to grow on you but contains some of his absolute best work. Perhaps it was the influence of the psychadelic movement, perhaps from Jimi's own experience with mind altering substances, but this album marked a departure from the Rock 'n Roll centric compositions of "Are You Experienced." The good ol' rock feeling is still pervasive in songs like "Spanish Castle Magic" and "You Got me Floatin'" but new songs like "Up From the Skies" and "If 6 Was 9" show Jimi's willingness to explore new ground. Two absolute gems are "Castles Made of Sand" and the deservably famous "Little Wing." With these two songs Jimi shows his Versatility and unquestionable composition ability. Both songs contain very advanced harmonic movement, made even more impressive by Jimi's complete lack of offical musical training. One of the most complete and perfectly balanced of all Jimi's songs is the final track "Bold As Love." This song contains every element of Jimi's musical genius, even captivating lyrics (perhaps Jimi's only weakness) powerful harmonic movement, intricate guitar lines, very good soulful vocals, and the the introduction of the "Phaser" to top it all off. Another essential.