Ultimate Experience, The - Jimi Hendrix > Reviews > C'mon and kiss the sky

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Groundbreaking
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Good
Value for Money

Advantages:	original, powerful
Disadvantages:	none whatsoever

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

When people talk about great guitarists the name of Jimi Hendrix will be prominent. It is frightening to think of what he could have achieved if he had not tragically died in 1970. This album represents a cross-section of his career and is excellent for newcomers to the Hendrix phenomenon.

The CD contains 20 songs, all recorded between 1966 and 1969. There are very few artists who could produce this quality of material in such a short period of time from only four albums. The amazing thing is that it all sounds as vibrant today as it would have in the sixties. There is no doubt that Hendrix was a man ahead of his time, his music was always at the cutting edge. There is a freshness about these songs more than quarter of a century after they were written.

If you have ever heard Hendrix on radio then rest assured, the classics are all here: All Along The Watchtower (a Dylan cover that doesn’t sound like Dylan), Purple Haze, Hey Joe, Voodoo Chile, Red House and my favourite The Wind Cries Mary. Add to this another 14 quality tracks and this has to be great value for money. Listen to this and hear the music that influenced the next generation.

The music is based very loosely upon the blues that developed among blacks and eventually settled in Chicago. While especially clear on Red House the influence is apparent throughout the album. What is often overlooked due to the brilliance of his guitar playing is the quality of his lyric writing and his singing voice. This is a timeless album, which should be in every genuine music lover’s collection.

Before he died Jimi was writing a song. It ended “The story of love is hello and goodbye. Until we meet again.” Sadly we will never see him again but we can celebrate his contribute to music.