Baker's Dozen

Artists discuss the 13 records that shaped their lives

1. The Jimi Hendrix ExperienceAre You Experienced?

The guitar is from another world: the vibe, the sensuality, the feeling, the intensity of his playing is incredible. This was something I listened to when I was young, when I was falling in love with music, and to me it’s mostly about the talent and the writing. I’ve never really been that into sound: I do care about it, but the top albums for me are ones where there is great performing or great writing. I first heard this through my dad; he listened to Jimi Hendrix when he was a teenager. I was probably at the beginning of my teens when I first him: I remember listening to his version of ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ from Woodstock and I said: "What the hell is this? What is he doing? This doesn’t make sense to me!” My mum said: "You’ll understand when you get older,” which is really annoying to a teenager. I still don’t know if I understand it. But things like that leave marks in you.

Selected in other Baker’s Dozens: Dennis Bovell, Bootsy Collins, Cheap Trick
PreviousNext Record

The Quietus Digest

Sign up for our free Friday email newsletter.

Support The Quietus

Our journalism is funded by our readers. Become a subscriber today to help champion our writing, plus enjoy bonus essays, podcasts, playlists and music downloads.

Support & Subscribe Today