December 1, 1967 - Axis: Bold As Love

Less than 7 months after their extremely successful, extremely awesome debut, The Jimi Hendrix Experience released their second album of 1967 on December 1, "Axis: Bold As Love". With one defined track listing this time, it is a much shorter album than it's predecessor, which would certainly be a tough album to live up to.

Side 1 begins with "EXP", which sounds like it is a radio interview about U.F.O.'s. Hendrix speaks as "Paul Caruso" and then claims he has to go, followed by a bunch of feedback and percussion made to sound like a spaceship taking off. It's a trippy little intro track for sure. Up next is "Up From The Skies" it's a slow-paced song that isn't bad but not a whole lot is happening either. Hendrix starts a decent solo at the end of the song, but it fades out before it is over, which always annoys me. Track 3 was another hit for the Experience with "Spanish Castle Magic", and it's no surprise why. It has a catchy guitar riff that drives the song which is about a place where Hendrix played growing up called the "Spanish Castle", not an actual castle at all. Jimi fires off a cool guitar solo in the middle of the song, and another one at the end to complete a great track. Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell provide backing vocals on the next song, "Wait Until Tomorrow", which is about a man making plans to run away with a girl, but when he arrives with a ladder at her window, she says they should wait until tomorrow. He can't believe why she would say that and tries to persuade her, but while they talk the girl's father shoots him. Wow. It's got a fun little riff and some great drumming from Mitchell, especially at the end. The next track, "Ain't No Telling" is about not knowing if you'll make it to tomorrow. It's a fast-paced song with some great guitar, and clocks in at just under 2 minutes. Track 6 is a slow blues-y jam called "Little Wing" with some beautiful guitar from Hendrix. Side 1 closes with a psychedelic song, "If Six Was Nine". The lyrics are about how Jimi doesn't care about various things, he just wants to live his own life. He wanders on the guitar on this song, playing all over the map with some trippy sounds. Redding's great bass carries the song and Mitchell shows off another good drum bit before returning to a wandering solo from Hendrix, ending with an odd whistling sort of sound. 

Side 2 begins with "You Got Me Floatin'", a song about a girl that really gets him going. It's got a nice rock and roll riff and some cool bass, as well as backing vocals from Redding. Up next is a slower jam named "Castles Made Of Sand" which has Hendrix getting some cool licks in between the slower main riff. The lyrics are very sad, and the chorus is about how sandcastles will always wash away. Track 10 is "She's So Fine", which is written and sung by Noel Redding. It's a solid song from all members, and the bass is prominent since that is his instrument. It slows down again with "One Rainy Wish", a slow rock song with some cool guitar and nice solo. It's lyrics talk about approaching a beautiful girl sleeping under a tree, lying down and describing the sky and clouds with some psychedelic imagery. Track 12 is "Little Miss Lover" a song about a girl who approaches Hendrix and wants to have sex. He checks his conscience and gets the OK. It's got a funky sounding bass line and some wah wah guitar. The album ends with "Bold As Love" another slow song that does ramp up with some great guitar at the end. Hendrix matches colours to emotions in the lyrics saying purple is anger, green is envy, red is confidence and war, and of course, yellow is mellow. An interesting concept indeed, this song is typical of most of the album: much slower and melodic than their debut.

That is the end of "Axis: Bold As Love". Hendrix still shines on spots, but it's a lot less explosive than "Are You Experirnced". I think their debut is definitely the better album, but this sophomore effort is still a worthy addition to the collection. This also wraps up 1967, and what a fine year it was. 5 full albums mark the beginning of some variety and now the question of album and song of the year become a little more difficult. 

Favourite song of the year: It was a tough decision but I think my favourite song of '67 was "Red House" by the Experience. The guitar in that song is superb, and when Hendrix really goes off, there is nothing else like it. 

Top 3 albums of the year

1. Are You Experienced

2. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

3. The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn

The Jimi Hendrix Experience debut is my favourite album of the year. What will 1968 bring? See you "next year" for some more new artists!