I was somewhat disappointed at first in the Valleys of Neptune, the posthumously released Jimi Hendrix album yesterday with new material in forty years.  But the more I listen to it, the more I like it.  It grows on you.

I had just read this article in the Montreal Gazette about how his estate was promoting the much anticipated new music.  Hendrix had apparently confided with his young sister at the time (his sister was nine when he returned home to tell his father that he’d make him proud).

Nonetheless, the Valleys of Neptune single made it to Billboard’s number 1 spot.  Soon, I’m sure some gangsta rapper will sample it and make it a more iconic hip hop classic.

While most of the tracks were previously unreleased, Valleys of Neptune was never heard.  The single is actually not that bad, reminiscent of his Electric Ladyland days.  There are previously unheard versions of Stone Free, Bleeding Heart, Hear my Train a Comin’, Fire, and Red House.

Red House really sparks a slow bluesy feeling, and it’s basically Hendrix blues at its best.

He also covers an instrumental version of Cream’s

If you’re a die-hard Hendrix fan, go by the album.  You’ll probably enjoy it and find it good (it didn’t blow me away but I can appreciate it)

I actually thought that Valleys of Neptune would feature more Band of Gypsy stuff but it was mainly the Experience with Noel Redding on bass and Mitch Mitchell on drums.  Thankfully it was engineered by Eddie Kramer

Though there have been several posthumous releases, I think it’s a great follow-up fourth album.

The Los Angeles Times awarded the album "Two and a half stars (Out of four)", summarizing their review by saying: "Fans will be fascinated by these bluesy riffs with the Experience, but this album of unreleased material from the archives doesn't convey much that was unknown."

In the forty years since his passing, his iconic status has obviously not waned.

Songs on Valleys of Neptune

1.  Stone Free

2.  Valleys of Neptune

3.  Bleeding Heart

4.  Hear My Train a Comin’

5.  Mr. Bad Luck

6.  Sunshine of Your Love

7.  Lover Man

8.  Ships Passing Through the Night

9.  Fire

10.  Red House

11.  Lullaby for the Summer

12.  Crying Blue Rain

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