Rating: 
Summary: all the little details
Review: I was pretty diapointed with this book. I've read just about every other Hendrix bio out there and was hoping for some in-depth coverage of what went on in the making of AYE. Aside from some clarification of the dates the band recorded specific tracks there is really no new info provided. Author Sean Egan bases much of his factual data on the stories and opinions of Hendrix's girlfriends (an unbiased source to be sure). For some reason he also includes his own laughable opinions as to why certain tracks 'work' or not. For example he feels that Third Stone From the Sun goes on far too long, is boring, overkill etc. Hello? 'nuff said on that... Egan also repeatedley makes what he thinks is a hugley important point in that the US version of AYE lists the tracks in a different order than the UK version and with slightly different spellings. He obviously felt the need to emphasize the fact that Hendrix made it big in the UK before breaking out in the US, as he points this out 4-5 times throughout the book. The real clincher to this poorly written [thing] is the final line of the book, "As stated in the introduction, Are You Experienced is one of the most groundbreaking albums of all time." wow, true literary genius. The only saving grace to this book is the inclusion of some random behind the scenes stories which are fairly interesting for us Jimi-holics. I also came away appreciating the fact that AYE was recorded with only minimal rehearsals and only a few hours in the studio. Compared to today's records AYE was cranked out in lightning speed. If you've read 'Electric Gypsy' you've pretty much got the bulk of it, skip this ...unless you just want to laugh at the author's complete lack of writing skill.
Rating: 
Summary: Written by a 4th grader?
Review: I was pretty diapointed with this book. I've read just about every other Hendrix bio out there and was hoping for some in-depth coverage of what went on in the making of AYE. Aside from some clarification of the dates the band recorded specific tracks there is really no new info provided. Author Sean Egan bases much of his factual data on the stories and opinions of Hendrix's girlfriends (an unbiased source to be sure). For some reason he also includes his own laughable opinions as to why certain tracks 'work' or not. For example he feels that Third Stone From the Sun goes on far too long, is boring, overkill etc. Hello? 'nuff said on that... Egan also repeatedley makes what he thinks is a hugley important point in that the US version of AYE lists the tracks in a different order than the UK version and with slightly different spellings. He obviously felt the need to emphasize the fact that Hendrix made it big in the UK before breaking out in the US, as he points this out 4-5 times throughout the book. The real clincher to this poorly written [thing] is the final line of the book, "As stated in the introduction, Are You Experienced is one of the most groundbreaking albums of all time." wow, true literary genius. The only saving grace to this book is the inclusion of some random behind the scenes stories which are fairly interesting for us Jimi-holics. I also came away appreciating the fact that AYE was recorded with only minimal rehearsals and only a few hours in the studio. Compared to today's records AYE was cranked out in lightning speed. If you've read 'Electric Gypsy' you've pretty much got the bulk of it, skip this ...unless you just want to laugh at the author's complete lack of writing skill.
Rating: 
Summary: Worthwhile and informative.
Review: Just having finished this quick read, I have to disagree sharply with the earlier reviewer, who seems to me to be overly critical in the specific faults he perceives in the book. I did not feel that the author dwelled excessively on the particular points that he notes (but I guess that's why we're all allowed to express an opinion, right?).
I had previously read Mr. Egan's book on the Animals (Animal Tracks), and was pleased to find this book was more fluid and less workman-like in its prose. Personally, I found his critical comments on specific songs to be thoughtful and insightful. As with Animal Tracks this is a very focused book, that does not travel much outside its stated objective, which is to tell you about the making of an album, not to provide a biography, or cultural history or much context for the amazing story of Hendrix's rapid rise and tragic rapid fall. Those stories should be sought elsewhere. Mr. Egan does a good job of synthesizing the varied views and opinions of many of the players in the creation of "Are You Experienced" (yes, it was incredible, wasn't it?) and Hendrix's life at that time, and gives some reasonable consideration to the views and the roles of the late Noel Redding (who died in May at the age of 57) and Mitch Mitchell. The Jimi Hendrix Experience was certainly an experience (who I saw not long before they disbanded, by the way) and not just one person, who, though, it must be granted, was the absolute most important part of the whole. As the author rightly points out, when Hendrix played with different partners, much of the magic dissipated. All in all, this is a very worthwhile book for anyone who wants the story behind one of the most compelling works in the history of rock, Are You Experienced.
I would not mind if Mr. Egan saw fit to continue the series, and tell us how "Axis: Bold as Love" and "Electric Ladyland" also came to exist. I would certainly check those books out too.
Rating:
Summary: A Bit Paradoxical But Still More Than Worthwhile
Review: This book was written by Sean Egan and was published in 2002 by A Capppella books as part of a series called "Vinyl Frontier". I've had it a while and initially just thumbed through it for flavor, then recently went through it cover to cover. I found this book to a bit paradoxical at times, but with enough merit to recommend its purchase to those into Jimi's music or the history of rock in general. Egan conducted numerous interviews that I haven't found published anywhere previous to this book and the key there is he asked some fresh questions that gave answers to similar questions I've had for some time. For example, Lonnie Youngblood gives interesting perspectve on Jimi the musician in the pre-Experience days. Likewise, the comments by Linda Keith on those exciting days the cusp of Jimi's discovery are illuminating. Historical perspective is generally excellent, although not exhaustive. This book focuses on AYE and does not bother with historical trivia that does not bear on this album in some direct manner. Once we are brought to the recordings made in late '66 and '67 that became singles and album tracks for AYE, the mostly chronological approach is effective. This fleshes out the differences between the British Track and US Reprise releases effectively, even if Egan's opinions might not agree perfectly with mine. The technological aspects of these recordings are given some discussion, but not necessarily an exhaustive one from a technotweak perspective. However, the discussion of how the technology was used as a musical research tool and its final effect on the music was given excellent treatment. For example, the discussion of 3rd Stone from the Sun was very entertaining. I particularly enjoyed his mention of people playing their album at 78 rpm to flesh out the vocals that were patched in at half speed. See, people were mining for hidden snippets back there in real time and I'm not the only one to say so! Now for the more confusing aspects: The back cover starts by talking about albums that are so extrordinary that they influence generations of inspiring artists, yada, yada. Yes, AYE certainly fits that mold, maybe even shatters it to bits requiring a remolding job for all that follow. The problem comes when one reads the last chapter, titled: "The Songs". Herein we are treated to what I consider to be overly harsh criticisms of too many of these songs - such that I'm surprised that Egan considers AYE to be worthy of classic status. Three of the British Track LP tracks, I Don't Live Today, 3rd Stone From The Sun and Are You Experienced receive criticisms that I disagree with, and do so strongly. Those are three of my all-time favorites! Don't get me wrong - I enjoy diversity and respect the opinions of others regardless of how flawed they in
fact are, but this last chapter left me wondering if Egan might have been in a bit of a rush to finish the project off? His writing here is on average less colorful and insightful than the rest of the book and due to the subject matter - the music itself - it sticks out like a sore thumb. But I still strongly recommend this book, without reservation.
Rating:
Summary: A Bit Paradoxical But Still More Than Worthwhile
Review: This book was written by Sean Egan and was published in 2002 by A Capppella books as part of a series called "Vinyl Frontier". I've had it a while and initially just thumbed through it for flavor, then recently went through it cover to cover. I found this book to a bit paradoxical at times, but with enough merit to recommend its purchase to those into Jimi's music or the history of rock in general. Egan conducted numerous interviews that I haven't found published anywhere previous to this book and the key there is he asked some fresh questions that gave answers to similar questions I've had for some time. For example, Lonnie Youngblood gives interesting perspectve on Jimi the musician in the pre-Experience days. Likewise, the comments by Linda Keith on those exciting days the cusp of Jimi's discovery are illuminating. Historical perspective is generally excellent, although not exhaustive. This book focuses on AYE and does not bother with historical trivia that does not bear on this album in some direct manner. Once we are brought to the recordings made in late '66 and '67 that became singles and album tracks for AYE, the mostly chronological approach is effective. This fleshes out the differences between the British Track and US Reprise releases effectively, even if Egan's opinions might not agree perfectly with mine. The technological aspects of these recordings are given some discussion, but not necessarily an exhaustive one from a technotweak perspective. However, the discussion of how the technology was used as a musical research tool and its final effect on the music was given excellent treatment. For example, the discussion of 3rd Stone from the Sun was very entertaining. I particularly enjoyed his mention of people playing their album at 78 rpm to flesh out the vocals that were patched in at half speed. See, people were mining for hidden snippets back there in real time and I'm not the only one to say so! Now for the more confusing aspects: The back cover starts by talking about albums that are so extrordinary that they influence generations of inspiring artists, yada, yada. Yes, AYE certainly fits that mold, maybe even shatters it to bits requiring a remolding job for all that follow. The problem comes when one reads the last chapter, titled: "The Songs". Herein we are treated to what I consider to be overly harsh criticisms of too many of these songs - such that I'm surprised that Egan considers AYE to be worthy of classic status. Three of the British Track LP tracks, I Don't Live Today, 3rd Stone From The Sun and Are You Experienced receive criticisms that I disagree with, and do so strongly. Those are three of my all-time favorites! Don't get me wrong - I enjoy diversity and respect the opinions of others regardless of how flawed they in
fact are, but this last chapter left me wondering if Egan might have been in a bit of a rush to finish the project off? His writing here is on average less colorful and insightful than the rest of the book and due to the subject matter - the music itself - it sticks out like a sore thumb. But I still strongly recommend this book, without reservation.
Rating:
Summary: A Bit Paradoxical But Still More Than Worthwhile
Review: This book was written by Sean Egan and was published in 2002 by A Capppella books as part of a series called "Vinyl Frontier". I've had it a while and initially just thumbed through it for flavor, then recently went through it cover to cover. I found this book to a bit paradoxical at times, but with enough merit to recommend its purchase to those into Jimi's music or the history of rock in general. Egan conducted numerous interviews that I haven't found published anywhere previous to this book and the key there is he asked some fresh questions that gave answers to similar questions I've had for some time. For example, Lonnie Youngblood gives interesting perspectve on Jimi the musician in the pre-Experience days. Likewise, the comments by Linda Keith on those exciting days the cusp of Jimi's discovery are illuminating. Historical perspective is generally excellent, although not exhaustive. This book focuses on AYE and does not bother with historical trivia that does not bear on this album in some direct manner. Once we are brought to the recordings made in late '66 and '67 that became singles and album tracks for AYE, the mostly chronological approach is effective. This fleshes out the differences between the British Track and US Reprise releases effectively, even if Egan's opinions might not agree perfectly with mine. The technological aspects of these recordings are given some discussion, but not necessarily an exhaustive one from a technotweak perspective. However, the discussion of how the technology was used as a musical research tool and its final effect on the music was given excellent treatment. For example, the discussion of 3rd Stone from the Sun was very entertaining. I particularly enjoyed his mention of people playing their album at 78 rpm to flesh out the vocals that were patched in at half speed. See, people were mining for hidden snippets back there in real time and I'm not the only one to say so! Now for the more confusing aspects: The back cover starts by talking about albums that are so extrordinary that they influence generations of inspiring artists, yada, yada. Yes, AYE certainly fits that mold, maybe even shatters it to bits requiring a remolding job for all that follow. The problem comes when one reads the last chapter, titled: "The Songs". Herein we are treated to what I consider to be overly harsh criticisms of too many of these songs - such that I'm surprised that Egan considers AYE to be worthy of classic status. Three of the British Track LP tracks, I Don't Live Today, 3rd Stone From The Sun and Are You Experienced receive criticisms that I disagree with, and do so strongly. Those are three of my all-time favorites! Don't get me wrong - I enjoy diversity and respect the opinions of others regardless of how flawed they in
fact are, but this last chapter left me wondering if Egan might have been in a bit of a rush to finish the project off? His writing here is on average less colorful and insightful than the rest of the book and due to the subject matter - the music itself - it sticks out like a sore thumb. But I still strongly recommend this book, without reservation.
Rating:
Summary: all the little details
Review: This books is a treasure trove of Jimi Hendrix information. I loved all the details and the thoroughness of the research.
Rating: 
Summary: A mixed bag...not very in depth but has a few gems
Review: This brief book seems to be written by someone that's at best a very casual fan of Hendrix's music. He actually slags off "Electric Ladyland" and states that by the end of Hendrix's life his solos had gotten "boring" (hmmmm...maybe he should listen to "band of gypsys" or "live at berkeley: the second set"?). However if you're a SERIOUS Hendrix fan you'll still find a few nuggets here...you can read some interview excerpts from some of his early studio engineers, girlfriends and career supporters. Although I've read many Hendrix books there were a few details I was unaware of and was happy to discover. I came away feeling I had glimpsed a very specific period of his career...the time period from when he landed in England to when he returned to the USA for his star-making set at the Monterey music festival in California. Other than that the book was a disappointingly light affair written in an offhand fashion by someone that doesn't know much about music (or so it would seem...)
Rating:
Summary: A mixed bag...not very in depth but has a few gems
Review: This brief book seems to be written by someone that's at best a very casual fan of Hendrix's music. He actually slags off "Electric Ladyland" and states that by the end of Hendrix's life his solos had gotten "boring" (hmmmm...maybe he should listen to "band of gypsys" or "live at berkeley: the second set"?). However if you're a SERIOUS Hendrix fan you'll still find a few nuggets here...you can read some interview excerpts from some of his early studio engineers, girlfriends and career supporters. Although I've read many Hendrix books there were a few details I was unaware of and was happy to discover. I came away feeling I had glimpsed a very specific period of his career...the time period from when he landed in England to when he returned to the USA for his star-making set at the Monterey music festival in California. Other than that the book was a disappointingly light affair written in an offhand fashion by someone that doesn't know much about music (or so it would seem...)
Rating:
Summary: A mixed bag...not very in depth but has a few gems
Review: This brief book seems to be written by someone that's at best a very casual fan of Hendrix's music. He actually slags off "Electric Ladyland" and states that by the end of Hendrix's life his solos had gotten "boring" (hmmmm...maybe he should listen to "band of gypsys" or "live at berkeley: the second set"?). However if you're a SERIOUS Hendrix fan you'll still find a few nuggets here...you can read some interview excerpts from some of his early studio engineers, girlfriends and career supporters. Although I've read many Hendrix books there were a few details I was unaware of and was happy to discover. I came away feeling I had glimpsed a very specific period of his career...the time period from when he landed in England to when he returned to the USA for his star-making set at the Monterey music festival in California. Other than that the book was a disappointingly light affair written in an offhand fashion by someone that doesn't know much about music (or so it would seem...)
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