Essential Listening #11: All Along The Watchtower

My Comments

In my opinion, this is the greatest rock song ever. Jimi pulls out all the tricks in this song. The wah-wah pedal, blues riffs, double stops, bends, hammers, ethereal bottle neck slide, octaves, blazing fast riffs and so on. I tell students if you want to study rock guitar styles this is the place to start.

Details

“All Along the Watchtower” by Jimi Hendrix is a renowned cover of a song originally written and performed by Bob Dylan. Hendrix’s version, released in 1968, became one of his most famous and influential tracks. Here’s a detailed look at various aspects of the song:

Origin and Composition

• Original Song: The song was written and recorded by Bob Dylan for his 1967 album John Wesley Harding. Dylan’s version is acoustic and folk-oriented.
• Lyrics: The lyrics of “All Along the Watchtower” are enigmatic and have been interpreted in various ways. They feature a conversation between a joker and a thief, discussing existential themes and societal observations.

Jimi Hendrix’s Version

• Release: Hendrix’s version was released as a single in 1968 and later included on the album Electric Ladyland.
• Recording: Hendrix recorded the song with the Jimi Hendrix Experience, which included Mitch Mitchell on drums and Noel Redding on bass. The recording process was intricate, with Hendrix adding multiple guitar overdubs and reworking the song extensively in the studio.
• Production: The production was helmed by Hendrix and his engineer Eddie Kramer. They employed innovative techniques, including the extensive use of overdubbing and effects to create a rich, layered sound.
• Instrumentation: Hendrix’s version features his iconic electric guitar work, characterized by his innovative use of feedback, distortion, and wah-wah effects. The arrangement is more rock-oriented compared to Dylan’s folk version.

Reception and Legacy

• Chart Performance: Hendrix’s rendition was well-received and became a top 20 hit in the US and the UK.
• Critical Acclaim: The song is often hailed as one of the greatest covers in rock history. Critics and fans praise Hendrix’s guitar work and the song’s powerful production.
• Influence: The cover had a significant impact on both rock music and on Bob Dylan himself, who began performing the song in a style closer to Hendrix’s interpretation after its release.
• Awards and Recognition: “All Along the Watchtower” has been included in numerous “greatest songs” lists, including Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”

Cultural Impact

• Cover Versions: The song has been covered by many artists across different genres, showcasing its enduring influence.
• Film and TV: Hendrix’s version has been used in various films, TV shows, and commercials, contributing to its lasting presence in popular culture.
• Live Performances: Hendrix performed the song live many times, each performance often featuring unique improvisations and variations.

Analysis

• Musical Style: The song is a blend of rock, blues, and psychedelia. Hendrix’s guitar solos are a highlight, exhibiting his virtuosity and innovative approach to the instrument.
• Themes: The song’s lyrics are open to interpretation, with themes of change, uncertainty, and foreboding. The dialogue between the joker and the thief can be seen as a reflection on the human condition and societal structures.

Bob Dylan’s Reaction

• Appreciation: Bob Dylan has expressed admiration for Hendrix’s version of the song. He has acknowledged that Hendrix’s cover brought out the song’s full potential.
• Live Performances: After Hendrix’s version was released, Dylan began performing the song in a manner influenced by Hendrix’s arrangement, incorporating electric guitar and a more rock-oriented style.

Technical Details

• Key: Hendrix’s version is played in the key of C# minor.
• Tempo: The tempo is moderate, around 116 beats per minute.
• Structure: The song follows a simple verse-chorus structure, but Hendrix’s arrangement includes extended instrumental sections and solos.

Jimi Hendrix’s rendition of “All Along the Watchtower” remains a seminal piece in rock history, showcasing his extraordinary talent and the transformative power of musical interpretation.