22/11/2018: “Fire” by The Jimi Hendrix Experience

Jimi Hendrix is one of history’s greatest musicians, there’s no doubt about that.

His skill with the guitar, especially his innovative techniques, has cemented his place in the Rock n Roll pantheon.

His songwriting and singing was pretty good as well, meaning that many of his songs has attained iconic status, as indeed has the man himself.

Although the song was inspired by a line literally about a fireplace and a dog (“Move over Rover let Jimi take over”), the song has some slightly more risque overtones, although in fairness it never quite spills over into smuttiness.

The song kicks off, and in my opinion is sustained, by some pretty wicked drumming. Mitch Mitchell is a great drummer, for sure! It’s fast and funky, almost a continuous roll of snares and hihats.

The bass stops and starts, before letting loose in the choruses. It adds up to a smashing rhythm section.

The guitar riffs follow the bass for the most part, with a pleasant fuzz to them. But when Hendrix unleashes his solos, the guitar soars.

The song was on the 1967 album Are You Experienced, and has become one of Hendrix’s most popular songs.

So speedy!

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