People, Hell and Angels

Just got the NEW Jimi Hendrix album in the mail (pre-ordered about a month ago). I opened the box….yeah….a box! Inside, a factory sealed, double-album set…wait….let me smell the fresh vinyl…ohhhhh mannnnnn - nice! As you may or may not know, Jimi left behind some tasty tid-bits never heard before until now. Lucky me! Before we get to the music, let me mention the awesomeness of album cover art, design (something to read and peruse in a big comfy chair like you had in your dorm at college while you listen and…well…sort through the 420 'paperwork' if you will). There is also a BOOK inside the first sleeve with pictures, historical reference and liner notes. CD's and mp3's suck. 

Time to get into it…..Its a rainy day here in Phily - about 2pm, the streets are quiet and Hendrix is filling  the air once again. 

SIDE A: 'Earth Blues', 'Somewhere' & ' Hear My Train A Comin' - smooth and silky rock coolness drizzled with blues, soul and talent - what a concoction of aural delight especially when put up against so much of the bullshitery out there today. Just amazing sounds coming off my turntable now - I think the rain is dancing. Those who said they would forever say that side four of 'London Calling' by The Clash was the best album side ever…..Side A of People, Hell and Angels may have just done a smackdown. Oh..but wait….side B is about to play….damn!!

SIDE B: 'Bleeding Heart', 'Let Me Love You' and 'Izabella' - Three deep tracks showing the versatility of arguably the best guitarist in or out of this world. I have had to actually replay Bleeding Heart because it makes you stop and think about modern music all together - I am not just having a yearn for the past, trying to relive a memory or conjure a feeling from yesteryear, this tune features the mastery of tight musicianship, killer lyrics that are not 'candyass' or outright stupid….This in an Elmore James tune for goodness sake as delivered by The Experience. How cool is that!

SIDE C: 'Easy Blues, 'Crash Landing' and 'Inside Out' - Whoa….Billy Cox is walking the bass like you might hear at The Blue Note, the sizzle of a Ziljian ride as played by Mitch Mitchell and face melting blues guitar over the top - rock sophistication I tell ya. Imagine if these guys walked out on the stage of American Idol as unknowns and played. The range of style with this band is surreal - Talent in its purest form. 'Crash Landing' is an early incarnation of what Jimi would develop later as 'Freedom'. 'Inside Out' is the only  duet on the album with Hendrix playing both guitar and bass along side Mitch Mitchell on drums.

SIDE D: 'Hey Gypsy Boy', 'Mojo Man' and 'Villanova Junction Blues' - A little Albert King, some John Lee Hooker and full-on chill out - This is the post party album side when the room is filled with empties and butts and everyone has that 'feel good' expression on their face

12 songs previously unreleased are now available to enjoy on this album - I encourage you to by the vinyl and wear some deep grooves into it and take it all in - This is not a blast from the past but rather a timeless romp through greatness - Thanks Eddie Kramer for doing what you do! Nice job. - MG