Description
Jimi Hendrix – People, Hell and Angels – 180 Gram Double Vinyl Records
People, Hell and Angels is a posthumous studio album by Jimi Hendrix, released on March 5, 2013. The album features twelve previously unreleased tracks recorded between 1968 and 1970, during a period when Hendrix was exploring new musical directions and working on material intended for his planned follow-up to the iconic Electric Ladyland. The tracks on People, Hell and Angels showcase Hendrix’s evolving sound, incorporating elements of blues, funk, and jazz, and highlighting his experimentation with different musicians and arrangements.
Tracklist and Themes
Earth Blues – (3:33) Featuring Hendrix’s signature blend of rock and funk, this track discusses themes of love and spirituality.
Somewhere – (4:05) A bluesy rock track showcasing Hendrix’s fluid guitar work and soulful vocals, with lyrics about finding a place of peace.
Hear My Train A Comin’ – (5:42) A powerful blues number, capturing Hendrix’s deep connection to the genre and his ability to convey raw emotion through his guitar.
Bleeding Heart – (3:58) A cover of the Elmore James classic, with a heavy, grinding rhythm and expressive guitar work, embodying the pain and sorrow of the blues.
Let Me Move You – (6:50) A funk-driven track featuring saxophonist Lonnie Youngblood, highlighting Hendrix’s love for rhythm and blues.
Izabella – (3:42) A fast-paced rock track with politically charged lyrics, reflecting the turmoil of the late 1960s.
Easy Blues – (5:57) An instrumental piece that blends blues and jazz elements, showcasing Hendrix’s versatility as a guitarist.
Crash Landing – (4:14) A gritty, soulful track with a heavy groove, exploring themes of love and loss.
Inside Out – (5:04) A track with a psychedelic edge, featuring innovative guitar techniques and complex rhythms.
Hey Gypsy Boy – (3:39) A precursor to the later ‘Hey Baby (New Rising Sun),’ this track is a soulful, reflective piece with a haunting melody.
Mojo Man – (4:07) A collaboration with the Ghetto Fighters, blending funk and soul with Hendrix’s searing guitar work.
Villanova Junction Blues – (1:44) A brief, but poignant blues instrumental, providing a fitting close to the album.
People, Hell and Angels captures Hendrix during a period of musical exploration, where he was experimenting with different genres, instruments, and collaborators. Many tracks on the album are deeply rooted in the blues, reflecting Hendrix’s foundational connection to the genre and his ability to innovate within its framework. Hendrix incorporates funk rhythms and jazz-influenced improvisation, particularly evident in tracks like ‘Let Me Move You’ and ‘Easy Blues.’ The album showcases Hendrix’s extraordinary guitar skills, with his use of feedback, distortion, and other effects that helped define his revolutionary sound.
People, Hell and Angels was well-received by critics, who praised the album for its insight into Hendrix’s creative process and its high-quality production. The tracks were recognized for highlighting Hendrix’s versatility and continued relevance. Fans appreciated the album as a valuable addition to Hendrix’s discography, offering new material that shed light on his musical evolution during his final years. The album debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200, demonstrating Hendrix’s enduring popularity and the strong demand for his unreleased material.
People, Hell and Angels provides a glimpse into the direction Hendrix was heading before his untimely death, showcasing his desire to expand his musical horizons and collaborate with a broader range of artists. The album further solidifies Hendrix’s legacy as a pioneering force in rock and blues, influencing generations of musicians with his innovative approach to music. The release of People, Hell and Angels contributes to the ongoing preservation and celebration of Hendrix’s work, ensuring that his music continues to inspire new audiences.
People, Hell and Angels is a significant posthumous release that offers a deeper understanding of Jimi Hendrix’s creative journey during the final years of his life. With its blend of blues, funk, and experimental rock, the album showcases Hendrix’s versatility as a musician and his willingness to push the boundaries of genre and sound. Celebrated by fans and critics alike, People, Hell and Angels stands as a testament to Hendrix’s enduring influence and his continued relevance in the world of music.
Pressed on 180 gram audiophile grade vinyl by Quality Record Pressings
Gatefold Jacket
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Earth Blues
Somewhere
Hear My Train A Comin’
Bleeding Heart
Let Me Move You
Izabella
Easy Blues
Crash Landing
Inside Out
Hey Gypsy Boy
Mojo Man
Villanova Junction Blues
