1001 Albums Summary

Axis: Bold as Love feels like much of the fuzz and overwhelming volume of the group's debut has been reigned in a bit. This slightly tamed approach leaves a ton of space for Hendrix's more technical abilities to shine through, and surprise, surprise Hendrix is a very good guitarist. Axis also varies more stylistically than its predecessor. Blues-Rock, emphasis on Blues, Hendrix and his two be-afroed companions sound like a band, rather than a soloist with a backing group, as they weave in Jazz and Funk. However, while certainly not a boring listen, many of the songs are somewhat forgettable in the overarching Hendrix canon. Sure, "Castles Made of Sand", "Little Wing", "If 6 Was 9", and "Bold As Love" are fantastic, but I just don't see myself wanting to hear "You Got Me Floating" or the Redding-penned "She's So Fine" again soon. Not that these are tracks are bad, just forgettable. So, while it is, certainly, not my favorite Hendrix, it is still Hendrix and there's a lot to like here.