Third Stone from the Sun
The title reflects Hendrix's interest in science fiction and is a reference to Earth in its position as the third planet away from the sun in the solar system.
While performing with his group Jimmy James and the Blue Flames at the Cafe Wha?, Hendrix played elements or early versions of "Third Stone from the Sun".
[7]Music journalist Charles Shaar Murray associates it with the "hazy cosmic jive straight out of the Sun Ra science fiction textbook.
"[8] Hendrix chronicler Harry Shapiro suggests that his reference of a hen may have been inspired by "Ain't Nobody Here but Us Chickens", a jump blues song by Louis Jordan.
[9] Hendrix biographer Keith Shadwick describes "Third Stone from the Sun" as "a structured group performance" composed of several identifiable passages or sections with further subdivisions.
[10] It is one of Hendrix's most recognizable guitar figures and is notated in common or 4/4 time in the key of E Mixolydian: Several writers have noted the jazz influences in the first section.
[8][10] Around 2:30, Hendrix abruptly changes direction with a vibrato arm swoop, which sets the stage for the second section and his feedback-laden guitar improvisations.
[8] Music critic Richie Unterberger described it as an "instrumental freak-out jam"[13] and "a tour de force of psychedelic guitar".
It is more akin to a soundscape forged from his control of amplified feedback and the way he manipulates the Stratocaster's [guitar's] physical characteristics, including its switches and vibrato arm.
[10]Murray notes that he performs largely independent of rhythm, tonality, or notes and enters into pure sound, which he describes as:[8] [S]creams, whinnies, sirens, revving motorcycle engines, burglar alarms, explosions, droning buzz-saws, subway trains, the rattling of disintegrating industrial machinery, the howl and the whine of mortar shells.
[15] In 1970, business manager Michael Jeffery committed Hendrix to contributing to the soundtrack for Rainbow Bridge; his music is heard during surfing scenes with David Nuuhiwa and others.
[25] In preparing the final mix, Kramer experimented with the track's sound imaging or an instrument's apparent placement, but was limited by the existing technology.
[34] A performance at Blaise's club in London shortly after the December 1966 release of "Hey Joe"[35] was reviewed by music journalist Chris Welch for Melody Maker.
[36] Hendrix played some of the guitar melody line during "Spanish Castle Magic" at the Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Canada, shortly after his arrest for drug possession on May 3, 1969.
[29] Music writers have described the instrumental's jazz elements[11][12][10] and Murray questions whether Hendrix's approach was studied or more organic.
"[8] According to music educator William Echard, "Third Stone from the Sun" "closely resemble[s] later space-rock norms and was likely influential in putting these into place".
Music critic Bret Adams wrote in an album review for AllMusic, "Vaughan pays tribute to Hendrix again with 'Third Stone from the Sun'; he thrashes on his famously mangled sunburst Stratocaster and coaxes unholy noises out of it.
AllMusic's Sean Westergaard calls it "a blistering live medley of 'Little Wing' and 'Third Stone from the Sun' ... Vaughan absolutely nails it.
[42] The guitar melody has been quoted in a number of different recorded songs, such as "Baby, Please Don't Go" (the Amboy Dukes, 1968),[11] "Dance with the Devil" (Cozy Powell, 1973),[43] and "I'm Too Sexy" (Right Said Fred, 1991).
