Dive headfirst into the explosive world of 1960s rock innovation – Jimi Hendrix's second album, Axis: Bold As Love, has just been revamped and it's blowing minds all over again. But here's where it gets controversial: Was this psychedelic masterpiece truly Hendrix's studio coming-of-age, or did it come at the cost of alienating key collaborators? Stick around to explore the album's wild creation, its groundbreaking tracks, and the tantalizing reissue that might just redefine your playlist.
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Picture this: While the Rolling Stones (https://www.loudersound.com/features/rolling-stones-albums-ranked) were busy crafting their tripped-out experiment, Their Satanic Majesties Request (https://www.loudersound.com/reviews/the-rolling-stones-their-satanic-majesties-request-album-review), in the very same London studio, Jimi Hendrix and his Experience bandmates were forging a timeless classic that's still resonating today.
Fresh off the massive success of his debut, Are You Experienced, released in May 1967, Hendrix's imagination was firing on all cylinders. Sandwiched between relentless live gigs, songs like The Wind Cries Mary and Burning of the Midnight Lamp hinted at a shift away from pure blues-rock pyrotechnics (https://www.loudersound.com/tag/blues). Axis: Bold As Love (https://www.loudersound.com/features/jimi-hendrix-axis-bold-as-love-story-behind-album) showcased Hendrix maturing in the studio environment, fully embracing the latest technology with an obsessive attention to detail that eventually pushed away producer Chas Chandler. For beginners, think of this as Hendrix evolving from a raw live performer into a meticulous artist, using studio tools like echo and phasing to sculpt sounds that felt otherworldly.
With engineer Eddie Kramer and effects wizard Roger Mayer bringing in cutting-edge gadgets, the album wrapped up at Olympic Studios right as the Stones were ditching their blues foundations for cosmic explorations. And this is the part most people miss: Despite all the innovation, Hendrix kept things grounded on songs like the rebellious counterculture hit If Six Turned Out To Be Nine – a 'freak flag' anthem that challenged societal norms – and the funky groove of Little Miss Lover. To clarify, 'freak flag' here refers to waving a banner of individuality or non-conformity, a term popular in the 1960s hippie movement, encouraging listeners to think outside the box.
Kicking off with the Experience's surreal 'alien radio interview' intro on EXP, followed by the laid-back Mose Allison-inspired shuffle of Up From The Skies, the album peaks with volcanic energy on tracks like Spanish Castle Magic, Ain't No Telling, and You've Got Me Floating – these are pure, quintessential Hendrix Experience moments. Even Noel Redding's contributions, such as the breezy She's So Fine and the upbeat Wait Until Tomorrow, add a light touch. But the slower songs reveal Hendrix's growth, with fluid guitar solos elevating One Rainy Wish, the majestic soar of Little Wing (a gentle ballad that's become a favorite for its emotional depth), and a nod to Curtis Mayfield's soulful style on Castles Made of Sand. The album's title track ends on a stratospheric high with its phased-out climax, sealing Axis as Hendrix's initial studio triumph.
Now, for the bells-and-whistles upgrade: This reissue packs both mono and stereo mixes, plus a whopping 40 bonus tracks featuring outtakes, alternate takes, and live TV/radio clips. Given the vast amount of unreleased material floating around, this is just a glimpse into the iceberg – think early versions of Mr. Bad Luck (also known as Look Over Yonder), nameless instrumentals, a reversed guitar snippet from Castles Made of Sand, and peppy demos of Little Miss Lover and Ain't No Telling that spotlight drummer Mitch Mitchell's jazz-inspired rhythmic flair. Interestingly, If 6 Was 9 is noticeably absent, sparking debate: Was this an oversight, or a deliberate choice to keep the focus on 'finished' gems? For example, fans might argue it was excluded to avoid redundancy, but others could see it as a missed opportunity to showcase Hendrix's raw experimentation.
Check out this official demo of The Jimi Hendrix Experience performing Stone Free / Up From The Skies:
Watch On (https://youtu.be/rsLc-HJs5r0)
Multiple versions of Burning of the Midnight Lamp reveal its origins on Axis before it became their fourth single in August 1967, complete with a live clip from Dee Time. There's also a thrilling eight-song Swedish radio set from September that opens with a fiery take on the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, adding layers to Hendrix's Beatles influences.
A silver lining: The original cover, which stemmed from a misunderstanding – designers misinterpreted Hendrix's 'Indian' theme request and superimposed the band's faces onto a Hindu poster – has been swapped out for a childhood painting of a dragon by Jimi himself, restoring the intended mystical vibe.
So, is it worth revisiting Axis: Bold As Love once more? Absolutely – and here's a thought-provoking twist: Does the album's studio perfectionism overshadow its raw live energy, potentially diluting Hendrix's legendary spontaneity? Do you agree that this reissue elevates it to essential status, or do you think Hendrix's genius shines brighter in his live performances? Share your opinions in the comments – we'd love to hear if you side with the studio wizards or the onstage firebrands!
Kris Needs is a renowned British journalist and author, specializing in music from the 1970s onward. He once served as secretary of the Mott The Hoople fan club, edited ZigZag in 1977, and has penned biographies of luminaries like Primal Scream, Joe Strummer, and Keith Richards. His work has appeared in publications such as MOJO, Record Collector, Classic Rock, Prog, Electronic Sound, Vive Le Rock, and Shindig!
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