Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

To those complaining about this, lighten up. Did you expect to hear something recorded just last week by a man who's been dead for almost 43 years? Did you expect to hear Hendrix's take on a U2 song or a duet with Joe Bonamassa? Any devoted Hendrix fan kind of knew we'd hear songs we've heard a thousand times before. Different mixes. Different takes. I mean, considering his short life, the work still out there is amazing. To me, a lifelong Hendrix admirer and one who has heard everything (and I mean everything, I have bootlegs and other Hendrix stuff that if I hit "play" on iTunes would go for months) I like it. I like it a lot. This album sounds very fresh like it's Jimi in a room, live with 2 other guys. Period. Not some 45 tracks mixed together. Intimate. That's the word, intimate. "Somewhere" sounds very much like Jimi with his Strat and a Vox wah-wah plugged into a Marshall and that's about it! That's where you admire Hendrix the most IMO. Yeah, I've heard way too many versions of all these songs but, to me, these versions are up there with the best. Let's not forget the mix either. I have a pretty decent audio setup with DAC's and tube amps, old school speakers along with new ones. I go back and forth with them. Face it, some of Hendrix's recordings were dreadful as to quality. They weren't meant to be released. West Coast Seattle Boy's recordings sound very good to me. I love the mono versions of Axis and Are You Experienced. If I had to choose Hendrix's most explosive playing it'd be Band of Gypsies. Gives me goosebumps to this day. But I hate saying that because I always have to add in Axis, AYE, EL.....etc; etc; I mean, how can you just pick ONE? But, getting back to PH and A's, it's quality mix allows me to push it. Cranking the volume to the limit (with good equipment) with Hendrix? Is there another way? Look, I'm not about to dissect track by track on this. IMO, if you are a true Hendrix fan, you listen to EVERYTHING! I want to hear every nuance to every version of every song. This album is a worthy add to any Hendrix collection. We pretty much have to get what we can. It is what it is. Recordings made 40 plus years ago that weren't made to be released. I'm hearing some new playing here by the guy I never get tired of hearing play. Sure, I'd love a double album (remember those?) of all new Hendrix recordings uncovered in some dusty vault. That's be great. But, we have to be thankful that we have this much from him! Look, Duane Allman is another all time favorite and there is far too little recorded stuff of him. Sure, I've heard the Muscle Shoals stuff but, the stuff when he was at his peak? Not much around and most of it is pretty poor quality. The new box set with him is pretty much old stuff we've all heard before. At least with Jimi, there is a ton of stuff. Good enough for me and really, very enjoyable. I give it 5 stars because I'm listening to it over and over. It must be good. I don't give things a second go 'round too often these days. Don't be unrealistic and expect a recording from last week with all new songs. Like I said, it is what it is and IMO, it is good. Very good.