Fourth of July Fireworks ::: photo by Josh Lovseth
I have to admit, I’m one of those America haters who prefers “Oh Canada” to the “Star Spangled Banner” as far as anthems go. To me “Oh, Canada” is just a superior song.
However, there are two versions of the “Star Spangled Banner” that have me wondering if I’ve been wrong to covet Canada’s anthem. (First and importantly, when was the last time you heard a cover of “Oh Canada,” anyway?) One version is, of course, Jimi Hendrix’s shredding live rendition. The other rendition was one that Sufjan Stevens was playing around with in 2004. In his version, Sufjan takes some lyrical freedoms to the anthem, managing to turn the “Star Spangled Banner” into his very own, just as Jimi did at Woodstock.
Here’s a live recording for your enjoyment, that coincidentally Sufjan played in Toronto in 2004. Take that “Oh Canada.”
We hope you have a Happy 4th of July, shared with family and friends and enjoying some of this gorgeous Seattle summer weather.
Were he still alive today Jimi Hendrix, would have celebrated his 65th Birthday.
While Jimi Hendrix is arguably the most influential and celebrated musician to come out of Seattle, it would seem as a city, we have never claimed our native son. When people talk about Seattle musicians, you get a litany of grunge gods, Heart, and a few misplaced Portland artists. Jimi Hendrix is rarely mentioned. (though yes, we do have that monstrous EMP…)
I didn’t realize Hendrix was from Seattle, until I started high school. Both Josh and I happened to go to Garfield High School, Jimi Hendrix’s Alma mater. Though Jimi never graduated from Garfield (he was expelled) he was in many ways, omnipresent. The urban legends of Garfield were filled with tales of why he’d been kicked out of school GHS and that a “Purple and White Day” (school spirit) assembly had inspired his famous “Purple Haze.” (how naive we were!) The most obvious example was the bronze bust of Jimi, that sat proudly in a place of honor in Garfield’s Library. Where normally a classical bust of a philosopher or president would stand, there was Jimi and his wild afro. On important days throughout the year, a purple and white bandanna would be fashioned over his metallic mane and occasionally, a joint was left between his lips. Hopefully, someone was thinking of Jimi today on his birthday, and rolled him a fat one.
Drive a Faster Car has a sweet performance of Jimi Hendrix up in honor of the anniversary of his death. “Wild Thing” at Monterey Pop Festival. He plays his guitar behind his back, humps the amps the get more feedback then sets the guitar on fire. Filthy.
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