Hendrix rocks from beyond the grave

With the exception of zombies and vampires, most dead people stay dead. Yet, by some divine luck, Jimi Hendrix can still release albums from beyond the grave. “Valleys of Neptune” is more of a rarities collection than a proper album, but these songs still rock.

The album mixes new versions of classic songs with brand new tracks. Of the previously recorded songs, “Stone Free” is given a more sophisticated arrangement, while “Fire” and “Red House” were recorded live in the studio. In fact, the album almost feels like a live album at times. At least three of the songs are done without any overdubs, and most just have a single guitar line. The lack of adornment lets the songs focus on pure, raw power.

The newer tracks will probably be of most interest. The title track and “Crying Blue Rain”  show Hendrix’s songwriting improving. The stand out is a cover of “Sunshine of Your Love.” An instrumental, it focuses on Hendrix’s improvisation skills.

When dealing with a posthumous album, an obvious question arises: “Is this what the artist would have wanted?” In the case of “Valleys,” yes and no. It’s doubtful previously recorded songs would have been released on a studio album. But these songs are on fire, and they help fill in the blanks of Hendrix’s last years.