Valleys of Neptune
2010
Favorite tracks: Bleeding Heart (Elmore James cover), Lover Man, Lullaby for the Summer
Sleeper tracks: Valleys of Neptune, Fire
I was introduced to Hendrix by my parents and FM radio. I always had a fondness for him as a musician but I was one of the few who thought A) he was a better rhythm player than people realized and B) his band was never given enough credit. 'Fire' was a staple for the band I was in during high school.
This album was released in 2010. I know I said that I wouldn't listen to compilations but Valleys of Neptune was promoted as Jimi's unfinished 4th album. I first heard the album....today. Seriously, this is the first I knew of this Hendrix album. There have been so many greatest hits releases of his work that I just assumed this release was another way to make some money by switching the song order from his other greatest hits albums. Most of the songs were new to me and the versions of "Stone Free" and "Fire" weren't as good as the ones we are accustomed to. I'm glad I listened to it but I didn't hear anything that struck me as much as his first 3 albums. Sorry Johnny.
actually, it is a compilation of rehearsals and newly found outtakes.
ReplyDeleteThe "unfinished fourth album" is first rays of the new rising sun most of which was released in the Alan Douglas years.
And if you haven't heard it "Band Of Gypsys" is the second best Hendrix seller behind "experienced" mostly based on the strength of "Machine Gun"
And I can't believe any record company would put out a 32 minute album (VHII), what a rip-off.
-Will
Whatever it is, the Hendrix album was kinda rank.
ReplyDeleteI actually liked the shorter VH albums. No fillers really.