4. The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Electric Ladyland
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvtZuhv0Mzs A fantastic album, the final full album from a true musical legend that was taken from us far too soon. The last album of Jimi's life was also the most ambitious. The mish-mash of genres displayed not only Jimi's talents as a guitarist, but also his great abilities as a songwriter. Mixing psychedelia with blues, R&B, and straight ahead rock, all influenced by jazz, Jimi poured out a glorious mixture of songs. Having set up in New York, and purchased his own recording studio, Jimi had set himself free as a musician. Partaking in various jam sessions, very loose recording settings, and even using a bit of a revolving door of musicians, Electric Ladyland captures his free spirit and exploratory mind. From the psychedelia of "Burning of the Midnight Lamp" to the otherworldly, aquatic wonder "1983... (A Merman I Should Turn To Be)" this album featured some wonderfully spacey moments. It would also crash back to earth for bluesy rockers like "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)." The most well known piece may be his cover of Bob Dylan's "All Along The Watchtower." Released within six months of Bob Dylan's version, Jimi Hendrix's take on this song was so powerful that in future live performances Dylan played it more like Hendrix's version than his own. Jimi took a folk song and amped it up the only way he knew how. Fuzzed chords, lyrical guitar work and one of Jimi's most powerful vocal performances made this song an instant hit, but it was the solo that put it over the top. A four part solo that Hendrix carefully crafted, started simple, then slowly bubbled up, before rocketing into space. Best of Album 1: 1. Burning Of The Midnight Lamp 2. Voodoo Chile 3. Gypsy Eyes Best of Album 2: 1. All Along The Watchtower 2. 1983... ( A Merman I Should Turn To Be) 3. Voodoo Child (Slight Return)