Valleys Of Neptune

Having been an avid fan of Hendrix since my first exposure in 1981, I can safely say that I have either owned or been through a large majority of bootlegs and most, if not all, of the "official" (I.E. Major label) posthumous releases.
I always chuckle when one of these releases comes out and the first thing people say is "Well, it's good but it's no "Axis" or "Electric Ladyland". Of course it isn't! The four albums Hendrix sanctioned in his lifetime are within the scope of how he wanted them to be. Only "Electric Ladyland" was the closest to how he wanted it to be and even then the record company fooled with the cover. Any posthumous release will never be within Hendrix's vision because he isn't here to oversee them.
So, what is the Hendrix fan to do? Cherish the fact that the man spent alot of time in the studio and left us with these gems to remember him by. The very fact that Hendrix is still an artist who, nearly 40 years after he left us, is a visisible icon is in fact partially owed to the fact that not only was he extremely talented, but that there's a wealth of unreleased gems that can be released today, for both new and old fans. Plus, I thank God it's not yet another live release. Those are good, but that's the majority of what we were offered by Warners and Capitol in the 80's. At least the live ones released by his family have been of a specific concert ("Woodstock", "Isle Of Wight", etc.) and a portrait into a very specific time-frame.
I don't judge any of these releases against what he released during his lifetime. That's an excercize in futility. I view "Valleys Of Neptune" as a snapshot of the period between "Electric Ladyland" and "Band Of Gypsys", and what a great snapshot it is! Most Hendrix fans are familiar with the work he did following the BOG experiment ("Cry Of Love" etc.) but this is a period not often documented.
The sound quality is impecable for what is essentially unpolished gems. The inside water painting instantly reminded me of the kind of art work one would find in early 70's albums, and it's a nice touch that they put this in there.
I think to build a somewhat complete picture of what Hendrix was trying to do in the studio, you should get his first 3 Experience albums as well as "First Rays Of The New Rising Sun", "South Saturn Delta" and "Valleys Of Neptune". Taken together, these 6 albums will give one a good framework in which to hear the progress of his studio work without having to slog through bootleg after bootleg of long-winded jams and unfinished takes.
I can never give 5 stars to any Hendrix release outside of the 4 he did when he was with us, but this one gets a 4 for the complete package of good art work, great sound and a combination of familiar tunes with some unfamiliar ones.

THAT'S ALL - WOW!

As for the hoo haa over whether it is a money making venture, well it doesn't rank up there with the invasion of Iraq or the Wall Street swindle, but I certainly hope the family is turning some coin on this. This is how the man earned his crust, and all without ever taking advantage of anyone. I met Hendrix in a Holiday Inn in western Massachusettes the Monday night he was supposed to be on Cavett. He was exhausted from Woodstock and bailed on the tv appearance as there was a concert appearance in Mass that Tuesday or Wednesday. My father, my brother, our executive chef (who knew a thing or two about the chitlin circuit) and I asked him to join us in the restaurant for a meal. He was charming, genuine, gracious. My brother and I sat in awe as the adults talked of military service, earning a living on the road, bearing with the indignities of making ends meet. No trippy bs. Just a very gifted man sharing observations on a life. I hope his family makes a bloody fortune on this.

As for this disc, I'll go back to my unbridled enthusiasm. Shorn of the psychedelics, this is Hendrix in the lab creating. As time moves along, it becomes ever clearer what an incredible marriage he and Mitchell were. Cox was the more perfect bass player, but Redding had his merits as well. With Mitchell's passing last year, it is further reason to listen more carefully to what is going on here. The chemistry jumps out in numbers like the instrumental "Sunshine of your love" (listen even once and you'll forget whoever it was that first did that tune). Mitchell and Hendrix were as tightly in step with each other as Elvin Jones and John Coltrane. That intensity is all over this disc, and it is as much about the rhythm section as it is about the astonishing six string work on offer. The lyrics are moving away from the psychedelic babble of AXIS and radically towards the blues. And this is a blues album. While you'll hear ad infinitum that most of the tracks have appeared elsewhere (and anyone who tells you to buy a cutout disc at Target you can dismiss wholesale - typical Yank), Kramer and crew have effected aural wonders in the remaster and the disc sounds especially contemporary, like it was cut yesterday. It is seamless. That is the wonder of the technology. It is to the credit of Kramer that he then gets out of the way and allows the musicians to make their own case.

And the case is simply, 40 years dead, and Hendrix is still the best guitarist there's ever been. I haven't got round to the other re-issues, although I have enjoyed the blu-ray of Woodstock, again mostly because the sound is in fact hugely cleaned up. That is the reason for the exercise in remastering the back catalogue, seeing what is still in the lab, dusting off the ancient texts, handing through the ages the alchemy of making music in service to one's Muse. And for all the years he laboured for chitlins with the Isleys, I do indeed believe he and his family should make a killing. Why not? You know anyone more deerving? In Music? Didn't think so. Enjoy this. WOW! that's all.

This brand new Jimi Hendrix Album, I say is not "unreleased material",but rather GREAT studio masters of unofficially released material via bootlegs and other posthumous albums. That being said, I think this is a great album,maybe a notch below "Are You Experienced" or "Electric Ladyland" but still great! Alot more Blues Jam oriented than psychedelic, but outstanding production,very clear modern sounding cuts and Hendrix singing and guitar playing is superb!

I only saw Jimi live once, but it was an experience that remains forever with me. Now as an aging fan the release of "Valley of Neptune", takes me instantly back to my youth. What an EXPERIENCE! Buy it you will not be disappointed.

Yes these are unfinished and retouched recordings but I agree with others that the sound quality is excellent. Especially considering the source material. Frankly I like the 2 bonus instrumental tracks the best of all. It's great to hear Jimi stretch out and jam. His guitar soars straight to my soul. I also like the instrumentals Sunshine Of Your Love and Lullaby for Summer despite the reused Easy Rider riff. The other tracks have there ups and downs and its great to hear other versions of some of his classics. Any true Jimi fan would want this.