Jimi Hendrix and the Making of "Are You Experienced" (Vinyl Frontier) [Paperback]

I found this book to a bit paradoxical at times, but with enough merit to recommend its purchase to those into Jimi's music or the history of rock in general. Egan conducted numerous interviews that I haven't found published anywhere previous to this book and the key there is he asked some fresh questions that gave answers to similar questions I've had for some time. For example, Lonnie Youngblood gives interesting perspectve on Jimi the musician in the pre-Experience days. Likewise, the comments by Linda Keith on those exciting days the cusp of Jimi's discovery are illuminating.

Historical perspective is generally excellent, although not exhaustive. This book focuses on AYE and does not bother with historical trivia that does not bear on this album in some direct manner. Once we are brought to the recordings made in late '66 and '67 that became singles and album tracks for AYE, the mostly chronological approach is effective. This fleshes out the differences between the British Track and US Reprise releases effectively, even if Egan's opinions might not agree perfectly with mine.

The technological aspects of these recordings are given some discussion, but not necessarily an exhaustive one from a technotweak perspective. However, the discussion of how the technology was used as a musical research tool and its final effect on the music was given excellent treatment. For example, the discussion of 3rd Stone from the Sun was very entertaining. I particularly enjoyed his mention of people playing their album at 78 rpm to flesh out the vocals that were patched in at half speed. See, people were mining for hidden snippets back there in real time and I'm not the only one to say so!

Now for the more confusing aspects: The back cover starts by talking about albums that are so extrordinary that they influence generations of inspiring artists, yada, yada. Yes, AYE certainly fits that mold, maybe even shatters it to bits requiring a remolding job for all that follow. The problem comes when one reads the last chapter, titled: "The Songs". Herein we are treated to what I consider to be overly harsh criticisms of too many of these songs - such that I'm surprised that Egan considers AYE to be worthy of classic status. Three of the British Track LP tracks, I Don't Live Today, 3rd Stone From The Sun and Are You Experienced receive criticisms that I disagree with, and do so strongly. Those are three of my all-time favorites! Don't get me wrong - I enjoy diversity and respect the opinions of others regardless of how flawed they in
fact are, but this last chapter left me wondering if Egan might have been in a bit of a rush to finish the project off? His writing here is on average less colorful and insightful than the rest of the book and due to the subject matter - the music itself - it sticks out like a sore thumb. But I still strongly recommend this book, without reservation.