Manic Depression

Electric Urgency in the BBC Studios

This live BBC version of “Manic Depression” preserves the studio recording’s core structure, driven by a restless, blues-based riff and its signature off-kilter momentum. The broadcast setting brings Hendrix’s vocals into sharper focus, underscoring the song’s emotional tension and agitation—a stark contrast to the gentle introspection of “May This Be Love.” Stripped of studio refinement, the performance feels raw and immediate, giving the guitar room to surge forward. The solo is a defining passage, unleashing a dense, volatile rush of sound built on aggressive string bending, wide vibrato, and controlled feedback. It’s a clear demonstration of the Experience’s ability to translate complex psychedelic ideas into a forceful, disciplined live performance.