#25 "PURPLE HAZE"
JIMI HENDRIX, 1967

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The opening riff on Purple Haze is one of the most recognizable and coolest beginnings of any rock song.  It's sex, violence, and non stop party all rolled up into one explosion of guitar.  When one talks about artists that disappeared too early, Jimi Hendrix is the biggest tragedy of them all.  One can only wonder what this young genius would sound like now, were he able to continue evolving and growing as a guitarist.  Sure, there's been more athletic and melodious musicians since then, but when Jimi had his guitar scream, it was like an alien talking to us all.  And let's give credit where credit is due to the trippy bells ringing in your head ending to the song, as well.

-Robert Berry

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