The Virtuosity & Vision of Hendrix's Electric Ladyland
In this episode of Loud Lit, we explore the masterpiece that is Electric Ladyland through John Perry’s entry in the 33 ⅓ series.
Perry, a guitarist from the band The Only Ones, uses his musical expertise to meticulously analyze the complex virtuosity of Jimi Hendrix's playing and his debut as a producer on this double album.
Learn why the initially misunderstood Electric Ladyland eventually became recognized as one of rock’s greatest achievements.
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Transcript
Loud Lit: Electric Ladyland
(0:04) Electric Ladyland, the third and final studio album by the Jimi Hendrix Experience, (0:08) was initially panned by critics, who considered it directionless noise. (0:13) Eventually though, the so-called music experts caught up to public opinion, (0:17) and Electric Ladyland is now considered one of rock's greatest albums. (0:21) In one of the earliest entries in the 33 and the 3rd book series, the 8th to be exact, (0:26) John Perry taps into his musical expertise to explain exactly why this album is one of the greats.
(0:34) Hey it's Matt, thanks for checking out another episode of Loud Lit. (0:37) This time we're talking Electric Ladyland. You know, the one with the naked women on the cover.
he Only Ones, which formed in:(1:04) You might know their song Another Girl, Another Planet. (1:07) The band blended punk, power pop, and psychedelia, so Perry knows his way around a guitar. (1:12) He lets that knowledge shine throughout the book, explaining from a musician's perspective (1:16) exactly what makes Hendrix's work on Electric Ladyland so incredible.
(1:20) If you're a musician, especially a guitar player, you'll enjoy Perry's dissections of Jimi's virtuosity. (1:27) Now if you're like me and have zero musical expertise, some of his descriptions will go over your head. (1:33) Don't worry about it.
enage Hendrix fan in the late:(2:03) He includes one writer's scathing review, calling them a, quote, (2:07) vulgar parody of rock theatrics. (2:10) Perry also recalls the last time he saw Hendrix perform a disappointing set at the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival (2:16) that Perry describes as so joyless it made the news of Hendrix's death less of a shock. (2:21) Despite that sobering concert review, much of the book concentrates on the making of this classic album.
(2:28) A track-by-track overview ensures that no song, not even And the Gods Made Love, is ignored. (2:33) We get an interesting look into the creative process of what was not just another Jimi Hendrix experience album, (2:40) but also Jimi's debut as a producer. (2:42) From classics like Crosstown Traffic and the Bob Dylan-approved cover of All Along the Watchtower (2:48) to the tracks that are lesser known but still essential to this double album of musical exploration, (2:54) readers are sure to learn something new and find a deeper appreciation of Electric Ladyland (2:58) through this short but thorough book.
(3:02) Thanks for listening. (3:03) Please rate, review, and subscribe so you can keep getting music book recommendations. (3:08) And if you want your own copy of The Electric Ladyland 33 and 3rd, (3:12) click the bookshop link in the show notes.
(3:14) When you do, you're going to be supporting Loud Lit as well as independent booksellers. (3:18) Until next time, keep reading, keep rocking.
