- Genuine French Pressing on Barclay Panache Records
This verson of "Are You Experienced" is from the independent Barclay Records in France, which produced a completely different cover featuring a photo of Hendrix performing on a recent French TV show, surrounded by "psychedelic" painted, swirling graphics;
The year is 1967. London simmers with a potent mix of social upheaval and burgeoning psychedelia. It's against this backdrop that The Jimi Hendrix Experience unleashed their debut album, "Are You Experienced?" This article takes a fresh look at a unique iteration of that landmark recording: the French pressing on Barclay Records with its distinctive cover art.
Eschewing the usual collector-centric discussions and historical reverence, we delve into the raw musical power that redefined rock guitar. Hendrix, a southpaw wielding a right-handed guitar strung upside down, defied convention with a blistering sonic assault. His blues roots bled through walls of feedback, his distorted riffs writhed and snarled, yet amidst the aural chaos, a thread of melody always shone through. Tracks like "Foxy Lady" and "Fire" are electrifying bursts of adrenaline, while "Purple Haze" warps the listener's perception with its lysergic soundscapes.
The Barclay edition injects a touch of Gallic whimsy. The iconic psychedelic collage is replaced with a live photo of Hendrix performing on French television, surrounded by swirling, painted graphics. Imagine a Salvador Dali trip poster fueled by absinthe – that's the vibe.
Context is crucial. 1967 was a year of simmering discontent. The Vietnam War cast a long shadow, the Summer of Love bloomed in defiance, and the younger generation questioned authority. Hendrix's music embodied this restless spirit, a sonic rebellion against the status quo. Loud, brash, and undeniably cool, it rattled cages and redefined the boundaries of rock.
Naturally, such sonic audacity wasn't universally embraced. The heavy distortion and suggestive lyrics ruffled feathers among the more conservative listeners. But that's the essence of rock and roll, isn't it? To push boundaries and challenge norms.
Produced by the astute Chas Chandler, the album emerged from a whirlwind of London studios – De Lane Lea, CBS, and Olympic. The liner notes, helpfully penned in French by Jean-Noel Coghe, might leave some listeners nonplussed. But fret not – simply crank the volume and surrender to this sonic revolution.
This French pressing of "Are You Experienced?" may be a subtle variation on a classic, but it underscores the universality of Hendrix's music. It transcended borders and languages, speaking a dialect of rebellion, innovation, and pure sonic bliss. So crank it up and lose yourself in the experience.
In this tranascript of the Liner Notes by Jean-Noël COCHE, of the magazine "Rock & Folk" explains his view on Jimi Hendrix's style of guitar playing and music
Jimi m'a défini sa musique comme étant du Freak'n Funky -. Il a de suite voulu associer à sa réussite Mitch Mitchell et Noël Redding. Il se déclare très content d'eux car ils jouent dans son esprit. C'est évident. La batterie de Mitchell est percutante à souhait ; quand à la basse de Redding, elle complète le tout d'une façon admirable.
L'intégrité, l'homogénéité du groupe est réelle, efficace. Jimi pense qu'il ne lui aurait pas été possible de réaliser l'Expérience avec des musiciens blancs américains ; non qu'ils soient inférieurs aux Anglais, ce n'est qu'une question de mentalité et d'état d'esprit nécessaires à la musique d'Hendrix...
Le métier, Jimi l'a appris auprès des grands noms du R'n'B, qui lui ont apporté l'expérience, mais il déclare n'avoir guère été influencé par leurs genres respectifs... Son style lui est propre. Cela fait déjà plusieurs années qu'il. se l'est crée, mais ce n'est que depuis quelque temps qu'on lui attache de l'importance.
Jimi admet toutefois qu'il a été marqué par une certaine forme de blues dont il a très vite donné une version "Free-Form"". II pense - il en a le droit - que sa ,musique est bien à lui et espère que le nom de Hendrix sera bientôt synonyme d'un style de musique, comme l'est celui de Chuck Berry par exemple.
Sa dextérité deviendra légendaire. Ses doigts parcourent le manche de la guitare avec une rare sûreté et c'est là que l'on devine les nombreuses années de métier, de pratique. La guitare n'a, pour lui, plus aucun secret.
Généralement tout est improvisé. Jimi est, dans l'exécution de ses mouvements, d'une rapidité à toute épreuve ; du revers de la main, du coude, il caresse sa guitare ; bien sûr, il a quelques trucs faciles, comme le fait de gratter ses cordes derrière la nuque ou entre les jambes.
Mais, alors que chez d'autres, cela tourne au numéro de cirque, chez Hendrix, on dénote autre chose. Il a besoin de ces acrobaties. Je m'explique. Pour Jimi, la guitare c'est tout. Il m'a confié par ailleurs que sa guitare tenait chez lui, l'importance et la place que peut avoir une femme chez d'autres.
J'ai alors, en toute pudeur, comparé son jeu de scène instinctif à l'accomplissement de l'acte sexuel, ce qui ne l'a nullement offusqué ; il ne m'a guère contredit ! Il peut jouer avec les dents, je vous affirme que ce 'n'est pas du bluff.
Je l'ai vu et entendu interprété ainsi le solo de Hey Joe : il est tout en sueur et plus rien, désormais, ne pourra le sortir de ce monde qu'il vient de se créer. Arrive alors le dernier morceau, une fantastique version de Wild thing ».
Déjà, entre-temps, il a plusieurs fois changé de guitare, à cause des cordes cassées, ou parce qu'il désirait obtenir une nouvelle sonorité. C'est alors qu'il atteint le sommet, le moment d'extase. Il frotte le manche de sa guitare contre un pied de micro puis se retournant vers ses amplis, il s'acharne une nouvelle fois contre eux et commence à donner de violents coups de reins.
La sonorité atteint alors son paroxysme d'énerve-ment tandis que la basse vrombit, que la batterie cogne, et que les baguet-tes volent en éclats. Le visage hagard, il en arrive à tàper de sa guitare les amplis qui se mettent à vaciller dangereusement. Soudain, il délaisse sa guitare et, comme vidé, quitte précipitamment la scène, pendant que se prolongent longtemps encore les effets de larsen:.. Grandiose, démentiel, suffoquant, délirant...
Jean-Noël COCHE, de la revue Rock & Folk.
Music Genre: Acid Psych Prog Blues Rock |
Album Production Information: The album: "JIMI HENDRIX - Are You Experienced?" was produced by: Chas Chandler This album was recorded at: 26 October 1966 – 3 April 1967 in London, at De Lane Lea, CBS & Olympic Studios. Liner Notes (in French) by Jean-Noel Coghe Jean-Noël Coghe Jean-Noël Coghe carved a path through the vibrant world of French music journalism, establishing himself as a champion of rock and a reporter who ventured beyond borders. Early Notes and Reviews: Coghe's career began with a focus on the music he loved. He honed his writing skills at publications like the Nord Éclair newspaper and Disco Revue magazine. His passion for rock music landed him a coveted spot at the influential Rock & Folk, a French magazine dedicated to the genre. Here, Coghe likely dished out insightful reviews, interviews, and features, shaping opinions and keeping French audiences abreast of the latest rock developments. Beyond the Studio: Reporting Takes Flight Coghe's journalistic spirit wasn't confined to the written word. He transitioned into the world of radio, lending his voice to stations like France Inter and RMC. But it was his tenure at RTL, a prominent French radio station, that cemented his reputation as a reporter. From 1980 to 1996, Coghe served as a permanent correspondent for RTL in northern France and Belgium. This role likely involved covering a wide range of stories, bringing the world closer to French listeners. From Reviews to Rock Biographies? Following his years as a reporter, Coghe turned his focus to book writing. While details remain elusive, it's likely he delved into the world of biographies, potentially chronicling the lives of his rock heroes or perhaps sharing his own experiences navigating the exciting world of music journalism. A French Voice for Hendrix One specific instance that highlights Coghe's expertise is his work on the French pressing of the Jimi Hendrix Experience albums "Are You Experienced" and "Axis: Bold as Love" on Barclay Records. He was entrusted with writing the liner notes, a testament to his standing as a respected figure in the French rock scene. |
Record Label and Catalognr: Barclay XBLY 80 581, Panache License Yameta |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1967 Made in France |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: JIMI HENDRIX - Are You Experienced? |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "JIMI HENDRIX - Are You Experienced?" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "JIMI HENDRIX - Are You Experienced?" is:
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "JIMI HENDRIX - Are You Experienced?" |
High Resolution Photo Album Back Cover with Liner Notes by: Jean-Noël COCHE, de la revue Rock & Folk.
Enlarged High Resolution Photo of the Record's "Barclay" Label
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ). |
Jimi Hendrix was a true original, a musician whose innovative approach to the guitar helped to define a generation of rock music. His untimely death cut short a career that was still full of promise, but his influence continues to be felt to this day. He remains a true icon of American music, and his legacy is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation in the arts.
Barclay XBLY 80 581, Panache License Yameta , 1967 , France
This verson is from the independent Barclay Records in France, which produced a completely different cover featuring a photo of Hendrix performing on a recent French TV show,
Are You Experienced? 12" Vinyl LP
Barclay 0820167 , Panache , License Yameta , 1967 , France
The album was recorded to fulfill the band's contract. Even so, it was not released in the USA until 1968 due to fears that it might disturb the sales of the first album.
Axis Bold As Love 12" Vinyl LP
Polydor 2489 146 , 1970 , France
"Band of Gypsys" is a landmark album in Jimi Hendrix's career and in the history of rock music. Its fusion of funk, soul, and rock set a new standard for musical experimentation and improvisation.
Band of Gypsys (France, Polydor Records) 12" Vinyl LP
Barclay 0920221 , 1970 , France
This is the French edition of JIMI HENDRIX's "Band of Gypsys", released on the Barclays Record Label with different cover photographs
Band of Gypsys (France, Barclay Records) 12" Vinyl LP
Music For Pleasure Ltd MFP 50053 , 1970 , Holland
The Birth of Success Recorded Live was produced by Ed Chalpin with live tapes of Curtis Knight and the Squires incl JIMI HENDRIX. It is an enduring masterpiece that solidified Jimi Hendrix's place as a musical legend
The Birth of Success Recorded Live 12" Vinyl LP
Polydor 2480 027 , 1971 , Germany
This album "JIMI HENDRIX - Cry of Love" is a posthumous fourth studio album by American musician JIMI HENDRIX, released in February 1971
Cry of Love 12" Vinyl LP
Polydor 2310269 , 1968 , UK
This is the s Polydor International album release cover, controversially, with a photo of group of nude women, which was replaced after Experience Hendrix took control of Hendrix' recordings.
Electric Ladyland (Original UK Uncensored Cover) 12" Vinyl LP
Barclay 0920069 Super Panache , 1968 , France
Jimi Hendrix's "Electric Ladyland" French Barclay 2LP is a rare gem, featuring a distinctive Finger cover. This iconic release showcases Hendrix's musical brilliance
Electric Ladyland (France, Barclay Records) 12" Vinyl LP
Hallmark records SHM 732 , 1976 , England
Jimi's guitar playing and songwriting had revolutionized rock music, and he was constantly pushing the boundaries of what was possible with the instrument. However, before he became a solo artist
Eternal Fire with Curtis Knight 12" Vinyl LP
Entertainment International SLDEI 782 , , France
"The Experience" movie was a concert film directed by Steve Rash that featured performances by Hendrix and his band, The Experience, at the Royal Albert Hall in London, in 1969.
Experience Movie Soundtrack 12" Vinyl LP
DIsques Esperance ESP 155503 , , France
"Dawn of Jimi Hendrix" is a significant album in Hendrix's career. It provides a glimpse into Hendrix's early collaborations with Curtis Knight and showcases his unique guitar playing.
Dawn of Jimi Hendrix 12" Vinyl LP
Musique Festival Album 204 , , France
This is a masterpiece that showcases the incredible talent of Jimi Hendrix. The album features some of Hendrix's most iconic songs and demonstrates his versatility as a musician.
Genius of Jimi Hendrix Original Sessions (1984, France) 12" Vinyl LP
Polydor / Successo 2486 158 , 1968 , Italy
"Hey Joe the Successo Rock Giants Vol. 1" Italian release vinyl LP album is a great addition to any Jimi Hendrix fan's collection. It showcases some of his best-known songs and highlights
Hey Joe 12" Vinyl LP
Barclay 80.448 , , France
"Hendrix in the West" is a must-have for any Jimi Hendrix fan. The album captures the excitement and energy of his live performances and showcases his incredible guitar skills.
Hendrix In The West 12" Vinyl LP
Experience Hendrix – 88697 77225 1 , 2010 , EU
This is a beautifully packaged three-lp set with Jimi Hendrix Live performances at the Woodstock 1969 Pop Festival
Live at Woodstock (2010, Europe) 12" Vinyl LP
International Joker Productions SM 3912 , 1981 , Italy
A collaboration between Jimi Hendrix and fellow musician Lonnie Youngblood. The album blends soul, R&B, and blues, showcasing Hendrix's versatility as a musician
Lonnie Youngblood 12" Vinyl LP
TRIP Records TLP-9512 / SLT-00861 , , USA
The album was compiled by Alan Douglas, who had previously produced Hendrix's posthumous releases. The album features tracks from various recording sessions throughout Hendrix's career,
Moods 12" Vinyl LP
Atlantic 940.056, XBLY 940.056 , 1967 , France
This album is a compilation LP album, Side one is dedicated on tracks by Jimi Hendrix, while Side Two has the tracks by Otis Redding, who died six months after this festival.
Monterey International Pop Festival (1967, France) 12" Vinyl LP
Reprise REP 54 004 , 1971 , Germany
Rainbow Bridge was released after Hendrix's death. The LP was compiled by Hendrix's manager, Michael Jeffery, from various recordings and unfinished tracks that Hendrix had left behind.
Rainbow Bridge 12" Vinyl LP
TRACK Record 613 004 , 1966 , Gt Britain
This album "Smash Hits" by Jimi Hendrix is a compilation of singles by The Jimi Hendrix Experience, and the very first compilation album for Jimi Hendrix
Smash Hits (1966, Gt Britain) 12" Vinyl LP
Reprise REP 64017 , 1973 , Germany
It contains the full-length live performances from the film and some clips from interviews (though not necessarily from the film). The album has not been released on compact disc.
Sound Track Recordings from the Film (1973, Germany) 12" Vinyl LP
Reprise records 9362-45438 , , Germany
"Stone Free a tribute" a 1993 album recorded by various artists in tribute to Jimi Hendrix. The artists include his classic rock contemporaries.
Stone Free a tribute 12" Vinyl LP
Blank White Label, stamper codes JHBL , 1970
An unofficial record capturing the musical zeitgeist of 1967-1968, resonates with electrifying live recordings. The album showcases Hendrix's unparalleled prowess
Voodoo Chile Live Experience 1967-1968 12" Vinyl LP
Barclay 80467 , 1972 , France
War Heroes is the posthumous sixth studio album by American guitarist JIMI HENDRIX, released on October 1 and December 1972 in the United Kingdom and the United States respectively.
War Heroes (1972, France) 12" Vinyl LP
Europa E 454 , , Germany
"Tribute to Jimi Hendrix" is a vinyl LP album released by jazz guitarist Jeff Cooper in 1971 as a tribute to the legendary rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix, who had passed away a year earlier.
Tribute to Jimi Hendrix 12" Vinyl LP
Sonic 9013 , 1971 , Germany
"Purple Fox - Jimi Hendrix Hits" is a collection of Jimi Hendrix covers and a tribute album by a band called The Purple Fox. It was released in 1971 on the Sonic 9013 label
Jimi Hendrix Hits (Tribute Album) 12" Vinyl LPPioneered hard rock and heavy metal, with influences from blues and psychedelia. Known for their powerful vocals, driving riffs, and complex instrumentals.
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