| "Crosstown Traffic" | |
|---|---|
 West German single picture sleeve | |
| Single bythe Jimi Hendrix Experience | |
| from the albumElectric Ladyland | |
| B-side | "Gypsy Eyes" |
| Released |
|
| Recorded | December 20–21, 1967 |
| Studio | Olympic, London |
| Genre | Psychedelic funk[1] |
| Length | 2:18[2] |
| Label | |
| Songwriter | Jimi Hendrix |
| Producer | Jimi Hendrix |
| Official audio | |
| "Crosstown Traffic " onYouTube | |
"Crosstown Traffic" is a song written byJimi Hendrix and recorded bythe Jimi Hendrix Experience for their third album,Electric Ladyland (1968). It was released as a single after "All Along the Watchtower", reaching number 52 on the USBillboard Hot 100 and number 37 on theUK Singles Chart.[3]
This recording features the full line-up of the Experience with Hendrix on guitar and vocals,Noel Redding on bass guitar, andMitch Mitchell on drums, in contrast to many other songs on the album which featured guest musicians. Hendrix also plays a makeshiftkazoo made with acomb and tissue paper in tandem at points with hislead guitar, and backing vocals are performed by Redding along withDave Mason.
With itshard rock riff, the song mixes elements ofblues andacid rock.[4][5] It is an early example of thepsychedelic funk subgenre.[6]
Billboard described the single as a "pulsating swinger" that "will make a powerful chart dent."[7]Cash Box described it as an "explosive session" with "massive instrumental impact and a heavy vocal."[8]Record World said that "it shakes with excitement."[9]
