The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Electric Ladyland
Reprise Records
October 16th, 1968
The Jimi Hendrix Experience's final album - before the untimely demise of Jimi Hendrix - harnessed studio trickery to its advantage and provided listeners with a ferociously psychedelic tailspin. A whirlwind of fervent colour, foggy sights and a hypnotic haze sits central to the charm of Electric Ladyland. That, and the fact that it's home to a musical mastery on many levels. The Exeprience plays in the way that stars align. The right place and time, as well as the right people - the impossible task of finding perfection, or as near as life will allow.
Certain acts are synonymous with their instrument of choice. Coltrane with the saxophone, Bonham with the drums, McCartney with the bass. When it comes to guitar, one name rings out as a standalone in style, authenticity, and most importantly, quality. Jimi Hendrix's name is appendaged to the guitar in the same way that the guitar is appendaged to Jimi Hendrix. An extension of his body and soul, the guitar traversed through a re-birth of sorts at the hands of Hendrix. As natural to Hendrix as breathing air, the guitar was an almost subconscious undertaking - a calling. Some are of the essence - one with it all.
We all must find our conduit for inner freedom. Whether that be through writing, public speaking, sports, what have you. You would be surprised where that journey takes you. More times than not, where you need to be. The gentle tug of destiny blows the wind in your favor. Forever at your back. All you have to do is realize when things are beginning to fall apart elsewhere - manage them, and keep on track. Gifts are supposed to work for us, not against us. Used, not abused. Easier said than done. Sights become muddied when external wants - wants which may not even be your own - over-ride internal needs. The balance is off, and will remain off. Doors will close themselves early. The shutters come down sooner than expected. Like a siesta in which there's no coming back from, the day ends prematurely. The sun will indeed rise again, but not for you.
Electric Ladyland is a behemoth in the annals of music history. An occurrence that cannot be described.
Have you ever been? The magic carpet waits for you.
