The Jimi Hendrix Experience Album: “Smash Hits [Bonus Tracks]”

This is a solid collection of Jimi Hendrix Experience tunes, but the thing I've always found strange is that there is no songs from Axis Bold As Love. But if you have the new remasters of Expereinced?, Axis, and Ladyland, you relly don't need for this collection since you will have all 12 Smash Hits on those albums. But this is a great collection for amatuer/new fan wishing to get a taste of classic Hendrix. But once you get a sample, you'll probably want the full menu!

The track listing on Amazon and when you import the CD doesn't match the actual songs or what is printed in the booket. I bought this for sentimental reasons, so really wanted the CD as I remember listening to the cassette. The CD is missing Red House, Crosstown Traffic, Remember and All Along the Watchtower. Wouldn't have purchased if I knew half of the Smash Hits were missing. I DO like the songs that are included: 51st Anniversary, The Stars that Play with Laughing Sam's Dice, Highway Chile and Burning of the Midnight Lamp - because yeah, it's Hendrix - but I really miss Red House and Watchtower and wish this was disclosed upfront.

Many Hendrix freaks may be wondering, "Why should I buy this remastered Smash Hits? I already own 10 copies of all these tunes." Please note that this is the import version with a slightly different track listing than the US version. More specifically, it features the original MONO single mix of "Stars That Play...", which beats the pants off the lousy stereo mix currently available on 'South Saturn Delta'. And if you ask me, you can't own too many copies of these songs anyway.

This album changed things, for me. Any preconceived notion of what rock and roll could sound like was turned on its head after listening to this. I taped my cousin's album on my portable cassette player in 1969 and I played that tape every night before going to sleep. I soon gravitated to Axis: Bold as Love and the rest of the Hendrix catalog. Then in September 1970 he was gone. Then the posthumous album 'The Cry of Love' and other albums came out, (some were outtake tapes mixed by someone else). But it all comes back to 'Smash Hits', an album that will live in musical history. Hendrix was majestic in his concept and in his style, (and the undisputed master of the guitar).

this was my first Hendrix Album and as a Kid back in the day I was blow away by Jimi Hendrix's tone on Guitar and the rawness,fury and funk He displayed."Purple Haze" then and now sounds like nothing else on radio. Hey Joe one of those tracks that is very direct and cold.all along the watchtower, Foxey Lady,etc.. he had a way of putting words and expressing himself so freely. he was soulful with a Bluesman's pain, he was R&B,Pop and Gospel all as one. He made his Music like it was truly a extension of himself which is so rare for any artist to accomplish. a true musical Force. his impact and legacy are timeless to the ears, hearts and souls.