"Electric Ladyland" by THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE (2010 Experience Hendrix/Legacy CD and DVD Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...The Moon Turned Fire Red..."

I suppose in truth it's probably impossible in 2015 to properly assess or even be rational about something as iconic as "Electric Ladyland". And yet for dudes like me who saw older teenage boys grooving to its wild guitar-scapes (I was 10 when it was released in 1968) – I joined in the head-shaking and tennis racket guitar hero shapes they were throwing in sitting rooms with large mahogany Stereograms because I instinctively knew something awesome was unfolding before me - I just didn't know what. Besides - even if I didn't 'get' the cool soundscapes sexy Jimi was laying down - there was always that awesome 'Nude Women' cover to gawk at (didn't understand that either but I was getting there). Well here we are again with another Reissue - but is "Electric Ladyland" really the masterpiece they all say it is? Damn right man – and relistening to this meticulous Remaster – you're only going to love and appreciate it even more. Here are the Slight Returns...

UK released March 2010 – "Electric Ladyland" by THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE on Experience Hendrix/Sony Legacy 88697 62164 2 (Barcode 886976216429) is a CD and DVD in a three-way card digipak and breaks down as follows:

CD (75:27 minutes):

1. ...And The Gods Made Love [Side 1]

2. Have You Ever Been (To Electric Ladyland)

3. Crosstown Traffic

4. Voodoo Chile

5. Little Miss Strange [Side 2]

6. Long Hot Summer Night

7. Come On (Let The Good Times Roll)

8. Gypsy Eyes

9. Burning Of The Midnight Lamp

10. Rainy Day, Dream Away [Side 3]

11. 1983...(A Merman I Should Turn To Be)

12. Moon, Turn The Tides...gently gently away

13. Still Raining, Still Dreaming [Side 4]

14. House Burning Down

15. All Along The Watchtower

16. Voodoo Child (Slight Return)

Tracks 1 to 16 are the double-album "Electric Ladyland" – released October 1968 in Stereo in the USA on Reprise 2RS 6307 and November 1968 in the UK on Track Records 613008/9.

CD - the artwork was famously different for both countries – the UK produced the naughty 'nude ladies' gatefold sleeve on the outside as opposed to the side-profile face shot of the US album (which is what’s been used for every CD reissue ever since). The only CD to have the UK artwork is one that was produced in the early days of the format in a clunky double jewel case (probably pressed in Germany around the mid 80s) – and the only acknowledgement of that artwork is a two-page spread on Pages 24 and 25 of the booklet that shows an Alternate shot of all the women who took part in the photo-shoot. The gorgeous 36-page booklet that accompanies this digipak edition has pages of reminiscences from Derek Taylor (quotes from those who were there) as well as repros of handwritten notes on Newhouse Hotel paper by Jimi on the track runs and how he wanted the credits on the sleeve to look. It also includes a facsimile of his ‘Letter To A Room Full Of Mirrors’ and loads of fantastic colour photos of The Experience Live, Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell (including the cover shot Linda McCartney). Although the British inner gatefold isn’t reproduced here (which seems odd – the American inners are all over the inner digipak flaps and picture CDs) – you have to say that for such a classic album it’s all very tastefully done and informative at the same time. There's also online content from the Experience Hendrix website available via the CD...

DVD - after the Experience Hendrix Logo appears - the non-regional DVD offers a Menu with a 'Film' broken into four chapters most of which are discussions by Original Producer Eddie Kramer on "Crosstown Traffic", "Gypsy Eyes", "Voodoo Chile" and "1983...(A Merman I Should Turn To Be)". The downside is that although it’s hugely entertaining and informative - duration is only 25 minutes or so and you crave more. What you do get is Kramer sat at a mixing desk isolating Jimi’s vocals – talking about the musical connection Steve Winwood and Jack Casady had with Hendrix when they did the Blues jam "Voodoo Chile" (much appreciation all around) and confirmation that Dave Mason of Traffic sings uncredited backing vocals on "Crosstown Traffic". Chas Chandler talks briefly of the crazy way the album was effectively recorded in the studio (too many hangers on and 50 takes of songs so Jimi could get it right – much to the chagrin of both Mitchell and Redding) while that’s followed by live footage and short interviews of old with Noel Redding. The quality of the print is fantastic given the vintage - but as I say - you wish there was more because its over too soon and this double-album deserved twice the input. Subtitles include English, French, Spanish, Dutch, German, Italian and None...

The Remasters have been handled by original album Producer EDDIE KRAMER (who also features heavily on the DVD) and Sound Engineer GEORGE MARINO with Supervision by Janie Hendrix (Jimi’s stepsister and CEO of Experience Hendrix which handles his musical legacy) along with Sound Engineer John McDermott whose been involved in quite a few of the Experience Hendrix CD reissues.

Recorded at the Record Plant in New York with Producers Chas Chandler, Eddie Kramer and Gary Kellgren - the core band was Hendrix on Guitars and Vocals with NOEL REDDING on Bass and MITCH MITCHELL on Drums. Guests included STEVE WINWOOD of The Spencer Davis Group and Traffic on Organ with JACK CASADY of Jefferson Airplane on Bass for the 15-minute Blues jam of "Voodoo Chile" while DAVE MASON of Traffic is confirmed by Producer Eddie Kramer to have sang uncredited backing vocals on "Crosstown Traffic". AL KOOPER plays Piano on "Long Hot Summer Night" while the Jazzy combo of Mike Finnigan (Organ), Freddie Smith (Horns), Larry Faucette (Congas) and Buddy Miles (Drums) played on two tracks – "Rainy Day, Dream Away" and "Still Raining, Still Dreaming". Excepting "Little Miss Strange" which is a Noel Redding credit - all songs are Hendrix originals except for "All Along The Watchtower" and "Come On (Let The Good Times Roll)" which are Bob Dylan and Earl King cover versions respectively.

The opening one and half minutes of noodle that is "And The Gods Made Love" gives way to a sensual vocal on "Have You Ever Been (To Electric Ladyland)" – but its when "Crosstown Traffic" kicks in that the hairs on your arms rise. I mean just how cool is this tune – and how uber cool was he – "...the sexiest man that's walked the planet..." as Neneh Cherry says in the booklet – hell yes. You can't help be but blown away – all that noise and all those guitars and all that those off-the-cuff vocals - yet it makes a coherent whole that rocks. "Crosstown Traffic" is only two and half minutes long yet it seems HUGE and other-worldly. Then of course we get the Side 1 monster "Voodoo Chile" - Blues done through the filter of Jimi Hendrix. 15 minutes of Steve Winwood and Jack Casady trading licks on Organ and Bass with Jimi opening up and showing his stunning feel for the genre and his axe. It begins with that lingering organ and feedback and Wow is the only appropriate response...

Noel Redding's poppy contribution "Little Miss Strange" has always seemed 'old' musically compared to what Jimi was doing on the rest of the record – but his edgy guitar contribution brings it into play (I’ve always liked it). The audio on "Long Hot Summer Night" is wicked – hissy for sure in certain places – but the presence is wonderful – swirling around your speakers with life and balls. It's followed by a much-needed boogie and rock out - his kicking version of Earl King's "Come On (Let The Good Times Roll)" and I'm reminded instantly of that other stunning Guitar God Stevie Ray Vaughan who must surely have based a lot of his output on this (that solo sounds fabulous). I cannot be rational about "Gypsy Eyes" – I've adored it for 4-plus decades. It was the first Hendrix 7" single I bought in a now rare UK Picture Sleeve (I've even included it in a screenplay I've written – but that's another hairyman story). The remaster really brings out that amazing phasing of the guitars. "Burning Of The Midnight Lamp" shows his songwriting expanding – that strange mix he settled on where the sound seems from another world – his vocals and those treated backing voices – brilliant.

Bolstered by the Horns of Freddie Smith, the Organ of Mike Finnigan and the backbeat drums of Buddy Miles – the Jazz-Blues of "Rainy Day, Dream Away" is not what you expect and yet the song fits here so perfectly. We then get the second album monster – the near 14-minute trippy genius of "1983..." According to original producer Eddie Kramer Jimi wanted to stretch out musically and sonically – so he tries effects on everything – guitars and voices – structure – it ends up feeling almost Prog Rock before such a thing even existed. There's a lot of hiss in certain parts of it for sure – but the Audio on those Drums and Bass is awesome throughout – a great job done in the transfer. Perhaps everybody's fave boogie on the album “Still Raining, Still Dreaming” remains amazing to me and of course "All Along The Watchtower" redefined into something altogether more potent – but even those are kicked in the proverbial nuts by the sheer wallpo of the album finisher "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" – quite probably the most unlikely Number 1 single in the entire Universe. This is surely his most magnificent moment and one that still sends chills up my arms a full 45 years after the event.

"...Stand up next to a mountain...and chop it down with the side of my hand..." 

And didn’t he just...WOW!

"Dear Mr. Fantasy: The Jim Capaldi Story" by JIM CAPALDI (2011 Universal/Island 4CD Box Set of Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

“…All These Years…”

Compiled with love and care by his wife Aninha Capaldi and friends/admirers Paul Minkkinen and Daryl Easlea – "Dear Mr. Fantasy: The Jim Capaldi Story" by JIM CAPALDI was released June 2011 on Universal/Island 5333997 (Barcode 600753339978) as a 4CD Book Set spanning his entire musical career. 

67-Tracks include early songs with The Hellions, Revolution and Deep Feeling – then onto his stay with TRAFFIC and collaborations with PAUL KOSSOFF of FREE, GEORGE HARRSION, DAVE MASON of TRAFFIC and ERIC CLAPTON. It includes 11 Previously Unreleased songs and breaks down as follows…

Disc 1 (75:53 minutes):

1. Dreaming Of You – THE HELLIONS (1964 UK 7” Single on Piccadilly 7N 35213, A-side)

2. Hallelujah – REVOLUTION (1966 UK 7” single on Piccadilly 7N 35298, A-side)

3. Pretty Colours – DEEP FEELING (Autumn 1966 recording made in London)

4. Dealer – TRAFFIC

5. Mr. Fantasy – TRAFFIC (4 and 5 from their debut album “Mr. Fantasy”, 1967 on Island ILPS 9061)

6. Light Up Or Leave Me Alone – TRAFFIC

7. Rock And Roll Stew – TRAFFIC (6 and 7 from the LP “Low Spark Of High-Heeled Boys”, 1971 on Island ILPS 9180)

8. 40,000 Headmen – TRAFFIC (Previously Unreleased Version)

9. Pearly Queen (Live) – ERIC CLAPTON & FRIENDS (from “Eric Clapton’s Rainbow Concert”, 1973 LP on RSO 2394 116)

10. Tricky Dicky Rides Again – JIM CAPALDI (1973 UK 7” single on Island WIP 6165, features PAUL KOSSOFF of FREE on Guitar. Later appeared as “Dirty Business” on JC’s “Contender” album)

11. Oh How We Danced

12. Eve

13. Don’t Be A Hero

14. Open Your Heart

15. How Much Can A Man Really Take (11 to 15 are from his debut solo LP “Oh How We Danced”, 1972 on Island ILPS 9187)

16. Low Rider

17. Whale Meat Again (16 and 17 are from his 2nd LP ‘Whale Meat Again”, 1974 on Island ILPS 9254)

Disc 2 (78:07 minutes):

1. It’s All Up To You

2. Love Hurts

3. Short Cut Draw Blood

4. Boy With A Problem

5. Seagull (1 to 5 from his 3rd LP “Short Cut Draw Blood”, 1975 on Island ILPS 9336)

6. You And Me – JIM CAPALDI with PAUL KOSSOFF and The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section (first appeared on the “Koss” double-album anthology in 1977 – first appearance on CD here)

7. Game Of Love

8. Elixir Of Life (7 and 8 from the LP “The Contender”, 1978 on Polydor 2383 490)

9. Shoe Shine (Disco Mix) – (a UK 12” Promo Remix on Polydor 2141 164 issued in 1979. Is a track on the “Electric Nights” LP)

10. Hotel Blues

11. Tabitha

12. Electric Nights

13. Wild Geese (10 to 13 are from the LP “Electric Nights”, 1979 on Polydor 2383 534)

14. Every Man Must March To The Beat Of His Own Drum

15. Man With No Country

16. Going Home (14 to 16 are from the LP “The Sweet Smell Of Success”, 1980 on Carrere CAL 116)

Disc 3 (80:33 minutes):

1. Let The Thunder Cry

2. Favella Music

3. Child In the Storm

4. Warm

5. Old Photographs

6. We Don’t Need (1 to 6 are from the LP “Let The Thunder Cry”, 1981 on Carrere CAL 123)

7. Tonight You’re Mine

8. Living On The Edge

9. That’s Love

10. Gifts Of Unknown Things (7 to 10 are from the LP “Fierce Heart”, 1983 on WEA Records U 0057 in the UK/Europe - Atlantic 80059-1 in the USA)

11. Lost Inside Your Love

12. Tales Of Power

13. Warriors Of Love (11 to 13 from the LP “One Man Mission”, 1984 on WEA Records 251350-1

14. Something So Strong

15. Oh Lord, Why Lord

16. Love Used To Be A Friend Of Mine

17. Some Come Running (14 to 17 are from the LP “Some Come Running”, 1988 on Island 259 439

18. Living On The Outside (on the CD album “Living On The Outside”, 2001 on SPV Records 085-72512)

Disc 4 (76:38 minutes):

1. Standing In My Light

2. Anna Julia

3. Love You ‘Til The Day I Die (1 to 3 are on the CD album “Living On The Outside”, 2001 on SPV Records 085-72512)

4. State Of Grace (Demo) (from the 1994 TRAFFIC reunion album sessions for “Far From Home” – Previously Unreleased)

5. Tallulah (Demo) (written for his daughter and was one of his last recordings - Previously Unreleased)

6. Humanity (Just Another Checkpoint) (Demo) – Recorded sometime in the 2000s - Previously Unreleased

7. Bright Fighter (from the CD album “Poor Boy Blue”, 2004 on SPV Records 085-70412)

8. Strange Bird (Demo) (no dates provided) - Previously Unreleased

9. How Do I Get To Heaven (Demo) - Previously Unreleased

10. Love’s Got A Hold On Me (with GEORGE HARRISON) (Demo prepared for this Box set) - Previously Unreleased

11. Song For George [aka George’s Song] (Demo) – written after his friend Harrison had passed - Previously Unreleased

12. The Time Of Cholera (Demo)

13. Invaders Of The Heart (Demo) (12 and 13 recorded sometime in the 2000s – Both Previously Unreleased)

14. Getting Stronger (from the CD album “Poor Boy Blue”, 2004 on SPV Records 085-70412)

15. Love Will Keep Us Alive (Live) – DAVE MASON and JIM CAPALDI (from the album “Live 40,000 Headmen Tour”, 1999 on Receiver Records RRCD 270 Z)

16. Dear Mr. Fantasy (Live) – TRAFFIC (recorded at the rehearsals for Traffic’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2004 - Previously Unreleased)

The presentation is first class – the pasted-in chunky booklet is crammed with period colour photos, album covers, music press adverts, concert posters, facsimiles of rare Island singles, snaps of him with pals George Harrison and Eric Clapton, hand-written lyrics – and a track-by-track breakdown on each entry.

But for me the real news comes with the fantastic sound – tapes transferred, remastered and mulled over by two names familiar to anyone whose bought the Polydor, Island, Vertigo or Deram 3CD mini box sets – MARK POWELL and PASCHAL BYRNE. Their work here is exemplary – each track exuding warmth and clarity (I’d even swear these TRAFFIC remasters are better than what’s gone before).

Highlights for me are the Funky-Rock of “Low Rider” (not the War tune) and the echoed menace of the title track from “Whale Meat Again”. His writing became far more sophisticated by 1975 – “It’s All Up To You” and “Boy With A Problem” while his chipper cover of “Love Hurts” (first brought to us by The Everly Brothers) saw him break the Top 5 in October 1975. The “You And Me” track from 1977’s “Koss” double is a gem here featuring Kossoff in sly form (the song was later reworked by Capaldi as “The Contender”). The Disco Mix of “Shoe Shine” doesn’t come over as hideous as its title sounds – it funky and has clever synth runs and guitar breaks. The ache in “Every Man Must March To The Sound Of His Own Drum” is real and defies its slick Eighties production. Of the previously unreleased stuff his “Song For George” is very Traveling Wilburys and the song “Tallulah” for his daughter is very pretty. The ‘loose’ “Dear Mr. Fantasy” rehearsal in 2004 that ends Disc 4 is a nine-minute blast – beautifully recorded and played with Winwood sounding stunning. It’s a nice way to bring the whole box set full circle.

Capaldi never had the best of voices or the song-writing chops of say Steve Winwood or even Dave Mason – but there’s much on here to love. And with that top notch sound and trawl of desirable rarities – a real fan pleaser…

"Songs For Beginners" by GRAHAM NASH (October 2008 Rhino CD and DVD AUDIO 2-Disc Set) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This Review Along With 300+ Others Is Available In My

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(No Cut and Paste Crap)

"…I Watched You Go Through Changes That No Man Should Face Alone…"

With Stephen Stills and David Crosby having produced absolute storming debut albums in November 1970 and March 1971, Graham Nash's quietly lovely opener didn't disappoint either. In fact in the early Seventies - it seemed like everything the combined and individual talents of CSYN did was magical.

This October 2008 2-Disc DELUXE EDITION of "Songs For Beginners" by GRAHAM NASH on Rhino/Atlantic 8122-79949-3 (Barcode 081227994938) celebrates his June 1971 debut album with a Remastered Stereo Remix of the stand alone first disc - while the second disc is a 5.1 DVD Audio Mix. You need a DVD player to hear the second disc that contains a DVD Interview about his Photography featuring a Gallery of Stills, Photo-Backed Lyrics & Web Links.

"Songs For Beginners" was released in June 1971 on Atlantic SD 7204 in the USA and Atlantic 2401 011 in the UK. The album featured many famous guests (one is uncredited), so here's a detailed breakdown (33:47 minutes):

1. Military Madness 

[DAVE MASON of Traffic on Guitar with RITA COOLIDGE on Backing Vocals]

2. Better Days 

[NEIL YOUNG (credited as Joe Yankee) on Piano, SEEMON POSTHUMA of THE FOOL on Clarinet, RITA COOLIDGE on Backing Vocals with DALLAS TAYLOR of CSYN and MANASSAS on Drums]

3. Wounded Bird 

[GN all instruments and voices]

4. I Used To Be A King 

[NEIL YOUNG (credited as Joe Yankee) on Piano, JERRY GARCIA on Steel Guitar with PHIL LESH on Bass (both of THE GRATEFUL DEAD) and DAVID CROSBY on Electric Guitar]

5. Be Yourself 

[RITA COOLIDGE on Piano, Electric Piano and Backing Vocals]

6. Simple Man 

[DAVID LINDLEY on Fiddle, DORIAN RUDNYTSKY of THE NEW YORK ROCK & ROLL ENSEMBLE on Cello with RITA COOLIDGE on backing Vocals]

7. Man In The Mirror 

[NEIL YOUNG [credited as Joe Yankee] on Piano, JERRY GARCIA of THE GRATEFUL DEAD on Steel Guitar, CHRIS ETHERIDGE of THE FLYING BURRITO BROTHERS on Bass]

8. There's Only One 

[RITA COOLIDGE on Piano & Backing Vocals, CHRIS ETHERIDGE on Bass, BOBBY KEYS on Saxophone with VANETTA FIELDS, SHIRLEY MATTHEWS, CLYDIE KING & DOROTHY MORRISON on Backing Vocals (The Blackberries)]

9. Sleep Song 

[DAVE MASON on Guitar with RITA COOLIDGE on Backing Vocals]

10. Chicago 

[DORIAN RUDNYTSKY on Cello]

11. We Can Change The World 

[RITA COOLIDGE, VANETTA FIELDS...DOROTHY MORRISON on Backing Vocals]

The 20-page booklet has an essay on the album and its star-studded background by noted writer DAVID FRICKE - it features Session Photos, Lyrics, Detailed recording and reissue credits - and even a picture of the master tapes.

But for fans the big news is the SOUND. The CD album has been Stereo Remixed & Remastered and the quality isn't just good - it's fabulous - BREATHTAKING.  "Better Days" has a very quiet Piano and Vocal Intro - it's spotlessly clean - and when the band kicks in - it's an absolute wow! The mastering is credited to DOUG SAX and SANGWOOK NAM at The Mastering Lab, Ojai - and they should both be Grammy nominated for it. "Days" is followed by the Acoustic and Vocal-only of "Wounded Bird" (a song for Stephen Stills and Judy Collins and their troubled relationship) and it's a lovely as it gets - BEAUTIFULLY restored. The delicately aching Cello work of Dorian Rudnytsky combines with Rita Coolidge's Backing Vocals on "Simple Man" to genuinely touching effect, while Jerry Garcia's Steel Guitar on "Man In the Mirror" adds a lot from an instrument you wouldn't expect from him. And on three tracks there's Neil Young - plinking away - putting in genuinely superb Piano work (he was credited as Joe Yankee for legal reasons). 

I find the 2nd disc, however, problematic. I don't have a DVD AUDIO player and 99% of the planet doesn't either - it's a dead format. Disc 2 features the entire album in Advanced Resolution 5.1 Surround Sound, Dolby Digital & DTS - wonderful stuff guys - if I could play it! But the really disappointing part is the complete lack of anything new - no outtakes, no demos - not even a live recording. However - and although it's completely unrelated to the album - things improve on the DVD part of the disc - it contains an interview with Nash about his lifetime obsession with black and white photography - and its fascinating - a lovely man, intelligent, sensitive - and you suspect a real peacekeeper among huge egos that often got out of hand. Then there's the gallery of images (he explains many of them in the interview) - I won't spoil it too much for those who are going to buy this except to say that there are captured moments on here of Joni, Neil, Stills and especially his lifetime pal David Crosby that will reduce some people to tears.

To sum up - a beautifully realized first disc - with a slightly odd and unrepresentative 2nd. Still - for fans of the album - this is a no brainer - the gorgeous remaster means you simply have to own it...

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