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Thursday, October 21, 2010

Jimi Hendrix - Who Knows (live)



Today some more Hendrix. Yes, I make lots of posts about him, but that's because he just has so many damn good songs. I already posted this one as my first post, but back then I had almost zero followers. Now I've got more, and more people to share this with, because it's really a gem.

Again we have the Band of Gypsys (which is also the name of the live album recorded in 1970) playing which consist of Jimi Hendrix, Billy Cox and Buddy Miles. Why I keep coming back to this album is because this was the new direction Hendrix was heading. We have Electric Ladyland which was one his best known albums. It was mainly psychedelic rock. But in 1970 Jimi was tired of it, he wanted something new. So he reformed his band, and came up with Band of Gypsys. His focus shifted to a more funky sound. And this is something entirely different.

Someone who listened to many Hendrix albums will surely notice the difference between his earlier work and Band of Gypsys. It's a cleaner sound, supported by a groovy bassline provided by Billy Cox ('replacement' for Noel Redding). The drum sound is different as well. Buddy Miles is a power drummer. When you listen to for instance Electric Ladyland, with Mitch Mitchell on drums, the drums are more in the background. Miles' drumming is at almost the same height as the guitarwork. And on top of that, Miles also delivers some very good singing. I really like it because singing was never one of Jimi's strong points.

Some people dislike this change, but I find it brilliant. I prefer this groovier sound to the old one, by miles. But that doesn't mean his earlier work was not good, just different.

Who Knows is the first song on the album. It really catches you, the instant the song starts. The riff that's being repeated throughout the song. Also, Miles does most of the singing here, and it really fits.
Followed by lots of other great songs. For those that want to hear more Band of Gypsys, listen to their eponymous album and the Live at the Fillmore East album.


And for those that don't want to read this wall of text, just listen to the song, and maybe you will read it.

17 comments:

Synthetic Soiree said...

god, jimi really knew how to make a guitar speak. this album still makes it into my rotations every once in a great while. thanks for helping remind me why

Even said...

this is simply great!

la comédie said...

nice post

Lewis said...

nice video JIMMY HENDRIX :)

tigey said...

Jimmy ownes !!

daily tips said...

love Hendrix, my dad would rock him all the time growing up..

Unlogic said...

Jimmy is fuckin king !

Come At Me Bro said...

This is great!

justinb7714 said...

awesome !!!

banon said...

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gnjili shepard said...

jim was a good man

Lepoidim said...

His music will never die, love this guy, utter legend!

la comédie said...

nice one

DavidMade said...

Epic song is epic!

OneFourSeven said...

Oh man, I love me some Hendrix, and this is an amazing live track. Thanks for sharing, this is making my daily rounds of finding new cool blogs to read a lot more enjoyable.

SC2 Strats said...

Love Jimi Hendrix. cool blog, you got a new follower.

Archivist X0042 said...

oh jimmy, you are missed