Stone free (Jimi Hendrix) (LP 2742 - 2749)

Jimi Hendrix Experience  Smash Hits (Vinyl, Experience Hendrix/MCA Records, 1968/2002) *****  

Jimi Hendrix  Experience Hendrix (CD, MCA Records, 1997) *****  

Jimi Hendrix  :Blues (CD, Polydor Records, 1997) **** 

Jimi Hendrix  West Coast Seattle Boy - The Jimi Hendrix Anthology (CD, Sony Music, 2010) **** 

Jimi Hendrix Hendrix In The West (Vinyl, Polydor Records, 1972) ***** 

Jimi Hendrix Experience  Radio One (Vinyl, RKO Records, 1988) ***** 

Jimi Hendrix  Sound Track Recordings from the Film Jimi Hendrix (Vinyl, Reprise Records, 1973) **** 

Jimi Hendrix  The Jimi Hendrix Concerts (Vinyl, CBS Records, 1982) ***** 

Genre: Rock 

Places I remember: Marbecks Records; JB Hi-Fi

Fab, and all the other pimply hyperboles: Johnny B. Goode (In the West)

Gear costume: Catfish Blues (Blues); Little Wing (In the West)

Active compensatory factors: Here we go, the last edition of the Hendrix-a-thon. This compilation edition has some real gems.

The two studio greatest hits sets - Smash Hits and Experience Hendrix (The Best of Jimi Hendrix) cover all the right bases. 

Smash Hits takes a less is more approach and has 12 of the best, Experience Hendrix goes for a slightly more comprehensive look and has 20. So, take your pick. I love both.

Blues is an excellent thematically oriented compilation. It positions Jimi amongst bluesman like Muddy Waters (Mannish Boy), Albert King (Born Under a Bad Sign); Elmore James (Bleeding Heart) and others.

The alternative versions of Hear My Train Comin' bookend the album superbly and the alternative take of Voodoo Chile Blues is a real treat.

Plus it has Catfish Blues and you can never have enough of that song!

West Coast Seattle Boy (The Jimi Hendrix Anthology) is an excellent single CD made up of some highlights from the 4CD box set of the same name.

It has alternative takes of familiar songs and some real oddities like a rough version of Dylan's Tears Of Rage. It's a worthwhile edition to the Hendrix canon.

Attention now turns to compilations of live versions. Not as knuckle headed as that sounds on paper.

Hendrix in the West cherry picks songs from three sources: Berkeley Community Centre; San Diego Sports Arena; and Isle of Wight (two songs that didn't appear on Isle of Wight).

This was one of the first Hendrix albums I bought when I was sticking a toe in the water after getting hooked by Isle of Wight. So, I have a soft spot for In the West.

Radio One is a compilation of tracks from BBC radio's Top Gear and Saturday Club. Plus, there are songs from Alexis Korner's Rhythm and Blues Show. 

There were five sessions in total, all from 1967, when Jimi was in England.

It's a three sided double album which just explodes from first track (Stone Free) to last (Burning of the Midnight Lamp).

Along the way are treats like Daytripper, Hound Dog, Fire (as always a highlight), and even the Radio One Theme. An outstanding collection!

It's also got a great cover!

The double album soundtrack to the film Jimi Hendrix (an early attempt at documenting the phenomenon that he bccame) was also an early purchase when I was more budget conscious. Compilations are good value for money when you're young and wanting to sample all sorts of sounds.

The interview sections included on each side are not that interesting but the music is outstanding, of course. 

The live material comes mainly from Monterey, Berkeley, Woodstock, Isle of Wight, and the Fillmore East show with Buddy Miles.

Finally (phew - it's been a trip and a half!!), is The Jimi Hendrix Concerts, a double album compilation of songs mainly from Winterland, San Diego, Albert Hall, and Berkeley.

Again, it's a handy collection, but maybe slightly superfluous now that there are so many live albums out there.

Where do they all belong? Do I need any more Hendrix albums? Probs not, but every time Experience Hendrix ships a new live album I'll be tempted.

I mean, for goodness sake, he was the greatest guitarist that has ever lived. Why would I not be tempted?