Okay, so I was only 5 years old when it came out, but Axis: Bold As Love by The Jimi Hendrix Experience has influenced my entire adult life as a guitarist, songwriter, and musician. It is rather mind boggling to conceive of the fact that Jimi released this album in the same magical year that produced his debut, Are You Experienced? I chose the second album for various reasons, but both are monumental in the development of rock music. Some of the songs on Axis that resonate most powerfully with me are the ballads; Little Wing, Castles Made Of Sand, One Rainy Wish…these are great compositions by a man who is known primarily for (justifiable) guitar heroics. Up From The Skies, Spanish Castle Magic, and If 6 Was 9 feature some subtle blues, harder rocking, and psychedelia. The crown jewel of the album, though, is the glorious title track, featuring some of Jimi’s best lyrics ever, and some soaring lead guitar for the ages.
Written By Braddon S. Williams
VinylLair.com 
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