West Coast Seattle Boy - The Jimi Hendrix Anthology

This is an interesting pare-down of the 59-track deluxe version. It includes several recent remixes by Hendrix’s engineer Eddie Kramer that use the original recording tapes before they were mixed down for overdubs. So, “Fire” and “Love or Confusion” come roaring out of the speakers. “Are You Experienced” is the instrumental track before the psychedelic craziness begins. “May This Be Love” is an alternate version with Hendrix doubling his lead vocal. The Band’s “Tears of Rage” was recorded in his hotel room and is as intimate as a phone call. “Hound Dog Blues” features Traffic’s Chris Wood on saxophone and Jerry Goldstein on piano. “Burning Desire” features Buddy Cox on bass and Buddy Miles on drums. “Lonely Avenue” is a blues-based original from 1969. The alternate recording of “In From the Storm” includes additional guitarwork from Jimi. “Bolero” and “Hey Baby (New Rising Sun)” were recorded on July 1, 1970 and were intended to run together, but were physically sliced apart in 1976. They have been as closely returned to their original state as possible. It’s a nice introduction that may lead to wanting the expanded set.