Favorite Jimi Hendrix Songs

Guitar is one of the most popular instruments in America and around the world, but only a limited amount of people can play it with such a flare and style that causes other guitar players to look like weekend hobbyists. One of those guitarists was Jimi Hendrix who displayed a fiery style that consisted of a one of a kind and unconventional approach. His dad remembers leaving him to sweep up while he went to the store, only to return to see Jimi strumming away on the broom. While Jimi is best known for his self-learned guitar playing he also taught himself to play the violin, bass, and piano. Unfortunately, his short career came to a tragic end when he died from aspiration (inhaling vomit into the lungs) as the result of mixing sleeping pills with wine. But his death does not take away from the numerous accomplishments and contributions he made to not only the guitar, but to modern music. Considering how short his career was it really is astonishing to look back on everything he did. One of the first to use feedback as well as a variety of different methods for producing unique sounds, Jimi recorded a slew of adroit songs that were influenced by an innumerable amount of musical genres. Jimi Hendrix has influenced and inspired me in such a massive way that whittling down a list of favorite songs is harder than a 90 year old retired porn star on 7 Viagra Pills-hard indeed.

Machine Gun (Band of Gypsies Version) - From what I have read most of this song was improvised on the spot during the New Years Eve performance in 1969. The Band of Gypsies was the band Jimi formed shortly after the Jimi Hendrix Experience broke up in early 69. The lineup consisted of Jimi, Billy Cox on bass and Buddy Miles on drums. Over 12 minutes long this is probably one of the most soulful Hendrix songs ever recorded. Machine Gun exhibits Hendrix's superb ability to take blues riffs and completely modernize them, adding a special kick that only Jimi was capable of. Every time I hear this song I get chills and find myself fully engulfed for the entire 12 minutes. Band of Gypsies was the last Hendrix album released that Jimi himself authorized. If you have not heard it I highly recommend you pick it up. The entire album is another example of his ability to shine as a performer by taking studio recordings and essentially redoing them on stage.

Killing Floor (from Jimi Plays Monterey) - While this is a Howlin' Wolf song originally the reason I pick it is because of how it hits when you hear it for the first, the second and the 100^th time. Jimi opened his historical set at Monterey Pop Festival with Killing Floor shortly after a Brian Jones introduction. Again Jimi Plays Monterey is another must-listen live album. A little tidbit for you, my reading buddy: Prior to going on stage Jimi dropped two tabs of the infamous Purple acid that was circulating around the Monterey festival, which explains the love inspired climax to his set. Rent the DVD and you will witness one of the most entertaining displays of musicianship to ever be documented.

Earth Blues (First Rays of The Rising Sun [1997] ) - Upbeat song with a positive message to go along with the seemingly carefree strumming of Hendrix. Nevertheless, Jimi doesn't fail to deliver strikingly crisp guitar parts that have a tendency to cause people to bust out their air guitar.

One Rainy Wish (Axis: Bold as Love) - The mental image I get when I listen to One Rainy Wish is precisely why this is one of my favorite Hendrix songs. Musically, it is a wave of relaxation that washes over the listener, leaving them mentally cleansed afterwards. In terms of lyrics the song opens with, "Golden rose, the color of the dream I had/Not too long ago/Misty blue and lilac too/Never to grow old," which is where the mental picture begins to form, but partner the story with the music and it is a pleasant musical experience.

Honorable Mentions: Red House, Ain't No Telling, Voodoo Chile, Ezy Rider, Freedom and pretty much every Hendrix song recorded. However, Purple Haze, Fire and Foxy Lady are probably my least favorite Hendrix songs, but good tunes nonetheless.

Since this is an interactive article you are encouraged to participate by sharing your favorite Jimi Hendrix songs. Use comments as a means to do so and if you are unfamiliar with Hendrix's work, either check some of his music out or read some more fantastic articles on Associated Content-Joe Dimeck CP Page for starters ;-).