Essential Listening #64: Third Stone From The Sun

My Comments

When Jimi Hendrix came on the music scene in the 60s it was as if the aliens came to earth and dropped off a guitar player. Even the great guitarists of the time such as Pete Townsend of the Who and Eric Clapton of Cream were intimidated by this gifted guitarist. No one wanted to follow his act at the festivals because his act couldn’t be topped. Hendrix is known by the average listener as the wild guitar player that played Purple Haze and set his guitar on fire at Woodstock. But, Jimi was much more than that. He could play the blues like nobody and his chord soloing on ballads were unparalleled. Much is to be learned studying his playing.  If you want to play rock guitar, learn All Along the Watchtower note for note. If  you want to play the blues learn Red House note for note. If you like a clean soulful sound on ballads and rhythm and blues learn Little Wing, The Wind Cries Mary, May This Be Love, Angel, or Spanish Castle Magic note for note. Third Stone From The Sun is like none of the above. It is very experimental incorporating backwards guitar and studio tricks.

Details

Third Stone from the Sun” is an instrumental track by Jimi Hendrix, known for its innovative guitar work and experimental sound. It’s a pivotal piece that showcases Hendrix’s avant-garde approach to rock music, blending elements of jazz, rock, and psychedelia. Here’s a comprehensive look at the song:

Song Overview

  • Title: Third Stone from the Sun
  • Artist: The Jimi Hendrix Experience
  • Album: Are You Experienced
  • Release Date: May 12, 1967 (UK), August 23, 1967 (US)
  • Genre: Psychedelic Rock, Jazz Fusion
  • Length: 6:44
  • Label: Track Records (UK), Reprise Records (US)
  • Writer: Jimi Hendrix
  • Producer: Chas Chandler

Background and History

  • Album Context: “Third Stone from the Sun” is part of Jimi Hendrix’s debut album, Are You Experienced, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock albums of all time. The album introduced Hendrix’s groundbreaking guitar techniques and innovative sound to a wider audience.
  • Recording Sessions: The song was recorded at De Lane Lea Studios and Olympic Studios in London between late 1966 and early 1967. Hendrix worked closely with producer Chas Chandler and bandmates Mitch Mitchell (drums) and Noel Redding (bass) to create the track’s unique sound.
  • Title Meaning: The title refers to Earth, the third planet from the sun. This celestial reference ties into the song’s themes of space exploration and otherworldly experiences.

Musical Style and Composition

  • Instrumental Focus: “Third Stone from the Sun” is primarily instrumental, with a few spoken-word segments that add to its experimental nature. The track is notable for its complex guitar work and innovative use of effects.
  • Guitar Techniques: Hendrix employs various guitar techniques, including feedback, distortion, and tremolo, to create a rich tapestry of sound. His use of the whammy bar and studio effects contributes to the track’s cosmic and otherworldly feel.
  • Jazz Influence: The song features jazz-inspired chord progressions and rhythms, showcasing Hendrix’s appreciation for jazz music and his ability to incorporate its elements into rock.
  • Tempo and Structure: The track is characterized by its laid-back tempo and freeform structure, allowing Hendrix to explore different musical ideas and textures. The piece flows seamlessly between different sections, each featuring distinct guitar riffs and motifs.
  • Studio Effects: Producer Chas Chandler and engineer Eddie Kramer played significant roles in shaping the song’s sound, utilizing techniques such as tape manipulation, panning, and reverb to enhance its psychedelic qualities.

Themes and Imagery

  • Space Exploration: “Third Stone from the Sun” evokes themes of space travel and cosmic exploration, reflecting the 1960s fascination with space and the unknown.
  • Otherworldly Imagery: The song’s sonic landscape creates a sense of journeying through space, with the guitar effects and ambient sounds contributing to a feeling of weightlessness and wonder.
  • Spoken-Word Segments: The track includes spoken-word passages by Hendrix and producer Chas Chandler, featuring distorted and slowed-down voices that resemble an alien conversation. These segments add a layer of mystery and intrigue to the song.

Lyrics and Spoken Word

While primarily instrumental, the song contains a few spoken-word segments that enhance its thematic depth:

  • Opening Lines: The track begins with a conversation between Hendrix and Chandler, their voices altered to sound like alien beings discussing Earth. The dialogue includes lines like:

    _”Star fleet to scout

All About Music
Archive
Friday’s Freebies