Jimi Hendrix - Was "Neptune" worth it?
 

This month, the "new" Hendrix album "Valleys of Neptune" was released.

I've read about it, and some of the reviews are interesting, but not singling it out as an instant classic, so I thought I'd give it a go.

I'm currently working through the three earlier Hendrix Experience studio albums to get some context, and remembering just how GOOD they all are.

The full length (15 minute) "Voodoo Chile" is blistering, and I am repeatedly struck by the fact that by giving creative people relatively free rein in the studio, record companies in the late sixties managed to foster some incredible music.

So - my question is, have any of you heard the new album, and what do you think of it compared to the existing cannon, and compared to other releases from this year?

Just listening to it now, pretty decent album so far, Hendrix sounds incredible as usual. All around I like the album a lot, it's not like most posthumous releases that are basically a waste of time and an effort to cash in on the Hendrix name.

I know of this, but I haven't heard it yet.

I'm a bit skeptical of the whole idea. Hendrix was an awesome innovator in the world of rock music, and Electric Ladyland sits within my top ten albums of all time. Even with that being the case, the whole 'lost sessions' thing just feels like a cash-grab to me.

Hendrix's contract is often pointed to as one of the most exploitative deals in the historyof music. Compared to how much the label made off his work, he was playing for what amounted to peanuts. Why stop the exploitation just because he's dead?

It might turn out to be good, but that doesn't mean I'll feel good about it.

I will return to this with further thoughts once I've actually heard the material in question.

his sister gets all of the cash now. at least thats the deal with the clothes that bear his name and image that are being sold at wal*marts.

that is, if im not mistaken. im pretty sure i heard this watching a hendrix documentary.