Quite where this Hendrix album has been hiding for the last 40 years is a mystery, but it’s out now and sounds surprisingly fresh.

The last time unreleased Hendrix material saw the world it was a sprawling four CD box set and was for completists only. This 12-track album in comparison is far punchier, fresher and keeps indulgent guitar widdling to a minimum, keeping the focus solely on the song. There are completely previously unheard before songs on here which have a nice up close and personal vibe in their studio recording. There are also fresh studio cuts of old favourites, including a rollicking version of ‘Fire’.

Valleys of Neptune occasionally sounds a little like discarded offcuts but mostly it’s a polished reminder of the Hendrix legacy and a worthy album in its own right.

-TC

Tags: Jimi Hendrix
Posted in Reviews