In my Humanities Survey class, we were asked to write a memo to someone from the 20th-21st Century who had advanced the world in the arts, sciences or socially. This was who I chose and what I wrote. It apparently warranted a perfect score. I hope you enjoy.
To: Jimi Hendrix
Gypsy Guitar God
Rock & Roll Hall of Famer
From: Luna Aquarius
Gaming Avatar
Funk Junkie
Date: June 16, 2012
Subject: Inquiry Regarding the Original
Release for the Album Are You
Experienced?
In your time, you were considered a
pioneer in the Rock and Roll world. You
were revered by your peers, even invoking the envy of the likes of Eric Clapton
and Pete Townsend. Guitarist from
Prince, George Clinton, Kirk Hammett of Metallica, Billy Gibson of ZZ Top and
Stevie Ray Vaughn have openly sited you as a major influence.
You introduced musical techniques
that were not thought of before or popularized ones not typically used at that
time. Your experimental use of the
wah-wah pedal, reverb, stereophonic phasing, and amplifier feedback have become
mainstream in 21st Century Rock & Roll.
You accomplished all of this before
your death at age 27, a mere three years in the mainstream spotlight.
You released your first album in
1967, which is the subject of this memo.
Musically, it feels like a psychedelic acid trip. This begs us to wonder if you were high when
you wrote/recorded the songs. Yet you
have said that you wished you could make love to your music. (Note: eww!)
So which is it? Is this album a
40 minute journey through the paisley colored glasses of LSD, or is it a living
breathing thing you would prefer over a woman? Is it both?
There is the matter of the songs
chosen to be on the album. The UK and
North American original releases have 8 of the 11 songs in common. How was it
decided that American audiences got to have “Hey Joe”, “Purple Haze” and “The
Wind Cries Mary” while the Europeans were treated to “Red House”, “Can You See
Me” and “Remember”? How was it decided
that “Stone Free”, “51st Anniversary” and “Highway Chile” would not
be released on either?
By the mere fact that there are
different tracks and a different track order on these releases make the
listening experiences…well, different.
Is that what you were going for at the time? Is that the answer to the question “Are you
experienced?” Was it that you felt that
the releases were tailored to the listening styles of the two continents? Was it a record company ploy to sell more
albums by making the fans buy the local and import release?
Please respond to all questions
presented in this memo no later than the end of time. We thank you for your cooperation in advance.
