Colt Langley/reporter
Even though it has been nearly 40 years since Jimi Hendrix’s death, he can still release a chart-topping album.
Released March 9, Valleys of Neptune, Hendrix’s new album of previously unreleased studio recordings, debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard chart.
According to a promotional card that comes inside the album, the title track “Valleys of Neptune” is “one of the most sought-after” songs that was never released on any of Hendrix’s previous albums.
One disappointment with this album is that it includes four songs that Hendrix fans have already heard before.
Songs like “Stone Free,” “Red House,” “Fire” and “Sunshine of Your Love” are all songs fans have heard played more than a few times, songs that are played in heavy radio rotation.
Though on the bright side, they are all great versions of the songs.
Hendrix’s vocals are not overdubbed, which means all of his vocals are live and done in one take.
But that’s the whole vibe of this record. None of the songs are too highly produced. The whole record features the band playing loosely.
It is definitely one that fans and especially guitar players would like to hear. Those who play guitar may find it easy to pick out notes Hendrix plays and learn the songs fully.
This album has no reversed tracks as on his 1967 album Are You Experienced?
Some songs definitely worth a couple listens are “Hear My Train A Comin’,” “Ships Passing Through The Night” and “Crying Blue Rain.” All these songs feature Hendrix playing a bluesy guitar.
