Just getting into vinyl, which has definitely proven to be an expensive habbit. I was surprised to see this album on 180 gram vinyl for under twelve bucks, remastered from original Analog by Jimmy's former engineer none the less! I literally had to check to make sure I was reading the price right as this was over half off what my local record shop was charging.

It was on backorder but came less than a week and a half after I ordered it. The Hendrix family authorized vinyl records are usually done right. They are usually pressed on high quality, thick vinyl ... Mixed and remastered with care for the music and intent ... And are placed in expensive rice paper plastic sleeves. The album covers are usually done well and faitful to the original. This is in a thick gatefold vinyl jacket which has a paper booklet inside which contains photos of a letter than Jimi wrote to his publisher on hotel stationary talking about how he wanted the album cover designed and the notes. I was amazed at how much of a control freak Jimi was based on this letter but this is a man who knew what he wanted and was polite but uncompromising and driven. Really cool to include this.

I will say that I was surprised to see that the label was mis-punched on one side about 1/8 an inch off the hole. This is the first time I've ever seen a bit of a flaw on a Hendrix album. For under twelve bucks I won't complain as it just looks a little sloppy and doesn't affect the album.

The album itself is ranked as one of Jimi's best. You'll notice a lot of experimentation with sound effects on this. It starts off (and continues a few times throughout) by using some tricks to almost make you think there is an issue with your album or turntable. Only to realize it was an audio trick. Don't expect straight up rock and roll. This is a jam album with long guitar and drum solos. Very mellow and good background music.

It has a very Buddhist feel ... Almost Japanese type of Zen. At one point it's a 5 minute guitar riff solo with windchimes and no vocal which builds up to a drum solo and then electric guitar. Jimi takes you on the ride he wants to take you.

This is certain chill out music with haunting vocals. I'd put it up there with The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper and The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds for audio tricks and blending blues, rock and roll with experimental music.

I've never heard the original pressing so cannot compare but it's reassuring to know that Jimi's own producer had a hand in the remastering. It may be a bit more bass heavy as is the preference of today's listener but it has a wonderful deep and full sound. It will take you on a journey.

This won't be everyone's cup of tea as Jimi was way ahead of his time. This isn't jukebox or party music ... But this is an LSD trippy chill out album and any true fan of Jimi would be happy with it. If you are looking for Hendrix standard songs, buy a best of album. This one shows why Jimi was (and still is) way ahead of his time and why there will never be another quote like him.

At this price, buy it! The only flaws are the off-pressed label and also maybe the fact that because the songs are longer and more drawn out, you have to flip or change the albums a bit more than seems standard.

Brand	N/A
Rating	4.8 (1681 ratings)
Price	$24.97
Category	Classic Rock

Electric Ladyland

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