Bootsy Collins honors Jimi Hendrix with his version of “Manic Depression.” As a fellow Hendrix disciple, guitarist Eric Gales provides the perfect companion to Collins’ bass. Gales’ labyrinthine solos light up the single with a virtuosic heat that would make Hendrix proud, while Collins swaps his usual funky lingo for a more subdued vocal performance. The cover of the 1967 classic was recorded in honor of Men’s Mental Health Month. Originally, “Manic Depression” served as an early example of rock music addressing mental health. In 1967, the public was not openly talking about healing the psyche, making the song a prophetic fit for today’s world of mental health apps and high-profile figures openly prioritizing their psychological wellness. Collins and Gales chose the perfect track to bring awareness to an important issue.
