There's a red house over yonder

Interestingly enough -- possibly the greatest "blues" song of all time has red in the title. I am, of course, talking about the Jimi Hendrix classic "Red House." The B-side of his U.K. debut 45, "Red House" is an exercise in fabulous modernist blues playing. A simple, 12-bar chord progression, the song's lyrics are about a simple blues theme: the unexpected departure of a lover. Filled with classic imagery (such as "the key won't unlock this door," among others), it's Hendrix own devastating guitar playing that rightfully dominates the track, and his solos are easily on par with his own English blues instrumental rivals, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page.

The version I am including here is actually an unreleased, slighlty up-tempo version that blows me away.

Jimi Hendrix - Red House (unreleased)