Crosstown Traffic

The Zoo Crew is spinning Crosstown Traffic by The Jimi Hendrix Experience, a track from their 1968 album Electric Ladyland that’s packed with raw energy and clever wordplay. One standout feature is the iconic kazoo riff, which Jimi Hendrix crafted using a comb and tissue paper, syncing it with his searing guitar to mimic the chaotic buzz of city traffic. Fans on Songfacts have noted this homemade kazoo was originally a plastic comb, a quirky choice that amplified the song’s gritty vibe. The lyrics, dripping with metaphor, compare a hard-to-shake lover to navigating a congested city street, with lines like “tire tracks all across your back” hinting at sexual bravado and blues-inspired wit. Some fans, like a commenter named Seth on Songfacts, argue it’s not just about brushing someone off but about the frustration of connecting with a partner who’s emotionally distant, making the “traffic” both the obstacle and the destination.

Another layer to the song’s story comes from its production. Unlike many tracks on Electric Ladyland, which featured guest musicians, Crosstown Traffic showcases the core trio—Hendrix on guitar and vocals, Noel Redding on bass, and Mitch Mitchell on drums—with Dave Mason from Traffic adding high harmonies to the word “traffic.” A post on X by @SVG__Collection highlights this full-band effort, noting the track’s distinct place in the album. Hendrix wasn’t thrilled about the song being released as a single, feeling it didn’t fit the album’s broader concept, as he mentioned in a 1968 interview quoted on Far Out Magazine. Yet, its pulsating rhythm and hard rock edge, blending blues and psychedelic funk, made it a hit, reaching #52 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #37 in the UK.

Jimi Hendrix’s journey to becoming a rock legend began in Seattle, where he was born Johnny Allen Hendrix on November 27, 1942. As a teen in the 1950s, he was drawn to rock and roll pioneers like Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry, but electric blues giants like Muddy Waters and B.B. King shaped his early guitar style, as he told Guitar Player magazine in 1968. After a brief stint in the US Army in 1961, Hendrix hit the road, playing gigs on the chitlin’ circuit and backing acts like the Isley Brothers and Little Richard. His big break came in 1966 when Chas Chandler, ex-bassist of The Animals, spotted him performing Hey Joe at Cafe Wha? in New York. Chandler brought him to London, where The Jimi Hendrix Experience was formed with Redding and Mitchell. Their debut album, Are You Experienced, exploded in 1967, cementing Hendrix as a guitar innovator whose improvisational genius drew comparisons to jazz greats like John Coltrane, as noted by Miles Davis.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out Hendrix’s official website for news, music, and exclusive content. The official Jimi Hendrix Facebook page shares vintage photos and updates, while the Jimi Hendrix Instagram offers visuals of his legacy. On X, the @JimiHendrix account posts about releases like the 1968 Smash Hits compilation, which included Crosstown Traffic. Fans can connect on the Jimi Hendrix Fan Club on Facebook or explore Jimpress, a fan site with detailed archives. Another gem is hendrix-fans.de, run by Eckhard Bergman, focusing on Hendrix’s music and message.