Jimi Hendrix’s third and last album, Electric Ladyland, is regarded as one of the most ground-breaking rock albums of all time. Whether you agree is up to you of course, but the album also shocked the world, and even Jimi Hendrix himself, with the nude ladies on the cover. So, what is the story behind this controversial album? Keep reading to find out.
Musical Genius
In 1968 MCA released double album Electric Ladyland, recorded in the studio by Jimi Hendrix and his band The Jimi Hendrix Experience. It would be the last studio album Jimi Hendrix produced before dying an accidental drug-related death in 1970, and it would reach the top spot of the album charts in the United States in just a few weeks. Electric Ladyland was Jimi Hendrix’ bestselling album, but it is mostly remembered for Jimi’s musical genius and the influence the music on the album had on future rock. The studio in New York where the album was produced, is now called Electric Ladyland because of that.
Perfectionist
Although all three Jimi Hendrix studio albums should be part of your collection considering the musical genius of this rock legend, the Electric Ladyland album best shows his versatility and innovative mind. Jimi Hendrix filled four sides of the double record with his genius. But the recordings of the album were not without friction. Jimi Hendrix showed to be a perfectionist, insecure about his own voice and at the same time very determined to do things his way. The whole album was a great experiment for Jimi, learning and discovering while playing. He demanded many retakes; “Gypsy Eyes” for example took Jimi and drummer Mitch Mitchell 50 takes before Jimi was satisfied with the result. The insecurity about his voice shows in the fact he recorded all the vocal parts from behind a studio wall.
“A Party, Not a Record Session”
Besides Hendrix’s demand of doing many retakes, another reason manager Chas Chandler decided to part from Jimi was because of his habit to invite a bunch of people to the studio. Guest musicians such as bassist Jack Cassidy (from Jefferson Airplane) and organist Steve Winwood (from Traffic), but also Jimi’s taxi driver who happened to play the conga. Bassist Noel Redding, who started to experience some problems with Jimi himself, once said “There were tonnes of people in the studio; you couldn’t move. It was a party, not a session.” Some of Hendrix's guests can even be heard on the song "Voodoo Child". This is a more blues-jam version of the album closer "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)". It appears Jimi was not unlike many other geniuses: impossible to work with, but capable of things no one can imagine.
Naked Ladyland
Then there is the story of the cover of the double album Electric Ladyland. Many people will remember the controversial cover with nineteen naked ladies against a black background, but this was definitely not the cover Jimi Hendrix wished for, despite what you may think. His idea was to use a photo taken by Linda Eastman (Paul McCartney’s wife) near an Alice in Wonderland sculpture at London’s Hyde Park. The record company, however, decided to ignore his wishes and offer a bunch of women on the street a few dollars to pose naked for the cover. Although Jimi refused to release the album with this cover, the record company did so anyway. The album, of course, generated a great deal of attention until it was banned from several stores and the record company replaced the photo with a blurry portrait of Jimi in concert.
Good Investment
Electric Ladyland is an album any music enthusiasts should listen to on a regular basis. Listen carefully and be amazed by the musical genius Jimi Hendrix and his band display on the four record sides. His futuristic musical vision and the influence the album had on future rock music are part of the reasons Electric Ladyland is a popular collector’s item. The controversial cover is another one. The original album with the naked lady cover is definitely a good investment, especially if you find one with blue lettering on the inside instead of white. Keep an eye on our Records and Vinyl auction to make your move when it comes up for sale again!