One of few post-humous Hendrix releases I find worth having. It was the fourth and last LP issued after his death by manager Michael Jeffery and it seems many of the involved parts didn't like it. Reprise thought it was below standard and didn't release it in US or Canada and the man behind compiling, main mixing and arranging - John Jansen - didn't want his name on the cover and got credits as "Alex Trevor". I don't understand the negative feelings. There are no inferior live cuts here, no back-ground roles or bootleg quality sound. It's all studio outtakes from 1967-70, Hendrix has the lead and the sound quality is great. Some of the tracks are studio jams, but with personnel like Buddy Miles, Billy Cox and Mitch Mitchell and Hendrix himself in a playful mood - what could go wrong? It also includes "The Stars That Play With Lauging Sam's Dice" as true stereo, a new mix by Eddie Kramer made especially for this issue, sounding a lot better than the original messy mono. The cover of Dylans "Drifters Escape", recorded 1970, saw its first release here. It's the only track that doesn't have top audio, probably a demo kept in its original shape. OK it's not "Electric Ladyland" or "Axis", but still a must for us Hendrix fans. Original release also in Japan, Germany and France. Re-issued as "The Jimi Hendrix Album" 1983 on Contour Records. First UK release with label as shown here and thin, matt cover. (JHÄ*)
Big Hendrix fan here, but little love for this album. Yes, the superior stereo mix of STPWLSD and the last track, but that's about it for me. Oh yes, forgot the Elvis impersonation which is pretty funny.
SvaraRaderaMost of side 2 was actually not recorded in a real studio but rather in a rehearsal room equipped with a high quality stereo reel-to-reel machine and some mics (Baggy Sound - founded by Soft Machine roadie). Most of that tape has come out a couple years ago on an official bootleg.
You know I just love jams (rehersals or not) with good audio and those here sounds clear and revealing just as I want it. From all flogging done after his death this is still one of the best to my ears. It may seem silly, but to me it's important the UK release was a high quality one on Polydor. I probably wouldn't take notice if it was on some small semi-legit label.
SvaraRadera