(Sony Music)

New studio album from a guitar whiz who’s been dead for nearly 40 years. Isn’t he clever?

As far as posthumous cash-ins go, Valleys Of Neptune is a decent album that maintains the essence of Hendrix. Compared with some of the disgraceful releases that have come out since Michael Jackson’s death (The Stripped Mixes, I’m talking to YOU!), Valleys Of Neptune is respectful, unearthing 12 recordings largely made in the aftermath of Hendrix’ classic double album Electric Ladyland. Working with both his Experience bandmates (bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell), the recordings also hint at his later Band Of Gypsies line-up, with appearances from bassist Billy Cox. One of the most sought after tracks here is the title tune, and a blissed-out piece of Axis: Bold Of Love-style psych-rock it is, too. The Hendrix fans will be more than happy, as these tunes are firmly in classic Jimi tradition – loose, organic playing, blues rock seemingly beamed into outer space. Other highlights include Cream’s Sunshine Of Your Love converted into a percussive freakout jam, the funk blues workout Lover Man and an electrifying run-through of Elmore James’ Bleeding Heart. Not everything is great – an alternate, rather tinny take of Fire (with whiny backing vocals from Redding) is vastly inferior to the more familiar version. Not an ideal introduction to the man, Valleys Of Neptune nonetheless avoids cheapening his legacy. Fans should be, for the most part, chuffed.

***½

MATT THROWER

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