August 26: Jimi Hendrix' Are You Experienced was released 40 years ago today.

The date appears to be uncertain in some minds. Most sources I saw online said it was released in 1967 with nary a word about a date. But, Wikipedia makes reference to this date as the original release date of a single with "Purple Haze" on side A, and "The Wind Cries Mary" on side B. Further down the page under albums, they give the release date of August 26, 1967 for the album, Are You Experienced. Since this date has been corroborated by Jon Dillon on 92.5 FM. Lone Star Radio, I'm going with it. Note that Are You Experienced was on the charts for 106 months, that's over TWO YEARS folks!!

For your information, Lone Star Radio streams over the net. I love this station, because the DJs are a bunch of people who have been in radio, mostly in Dallas, since the 60s. They are knowledgeable, and durned good folks. Their morning show with Bo, Jim and Kelly is outrageous. I drive down the freeway to work in the mornings laughing unashamedly at their antics.

They have a studio they call Full Throttle Garage where they record artists who float through this town - kind of an ad hoc thing. I heard JD (not our Jim Dandy §: ), but Jon Dillon) interview the band I'm leading up to on the radio the other day. The Seattle Times wrote of the band, "I heard the spirit of Jimi Hendrix, It was Back Door Slam from the Isle of Man". Their recording is the second play list on the Full Throttle Garage page. Before you discount it, they are NOT country. They deserve a listen. I would recommend starting with "Outside Woman Blues".

Have fun, and ask yourself today if you are experienced. "Not necessarily stoned, but....beautiful."