Jimi Hendrix Albums in New Format

Hear classic Jimi Hendrix music like you've never heard it before!  

ScatterTunes  is a Texas based company that came on the scene last year to compete with the  iTunes LP format.  They've been rather quiet until signing a deal with the Hendrix Estate.  Technically, V-albums are MP3 also, but it's the entire album in one download.  Not surprisingly,  you can download both the ScatterTunes and the player application for free.  It took me less than ten minutes to be able to hear the music again that I've enjoyed for over forty years.  The Hendrix albums (five are currently available) are only $9.99 which compares favorably with iTunes.  However, ScatterTunes gets competitive by offering lyrics, photos, videos, a slide show, link to artist-specific merchandise, and  concert tickets (not in this case).   With a few experimental clicks to try out the new program, I was soon looking at the lyrics on screen while singing along with Jimi.  Another click and a slideshow of great still shots of Hendrix with other legends of the music industry appeared.  Then, a real treat.   With a click on "video", a new window opened and producer Eddie Kramer is working a sound mixer and talking about the recording sessions that resulted in "Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)".  In addition, Chas Chandler was on hand with his comments on why he eventually broke ties with Hendrix.  Kramer finishes up with more audio and stories of the sessions.

Over forty years ago, this album became my first purchase of Jimi Hendrix music. Fans of Electric Ladyland won't be disappointed.  Every track is included in the same sequence as the CD.  Frequently en route to work I can enjoy the entire CD -- it's a great listening experience.  I've heard it so many times that I anticipate the next track during those few seconds between each.  Hearing this album is like a visit with an old friend.  When time isn't available I often enjoy my two favorite tracks -- two cover songs.  Hendrix's versions of  Earl King's "Come On (Let the Good Times Roll)" and Bob Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower".   It was pleasing to discover in my research that I'm not alone.  Rolling Stone and Total Guitar magazines ranked  Hendrix's cover of the Dylan classic high in their ratings for both greatest songs and greatest covers respectively.

First it was, "Are you experienced?"
Then, "Have you ever been to Electric Ladyland?"  
With these two questions, Jimi Hendrix announced his arrival and his intentions.  And he rocked the music world.  Forget the "and roll" part.  Hendrix ROCKED us.   My first copy was a two record set (vinyl) that came out in 1968.  Later my family listened to it in the car on eight track.  Yes, that's right, I raised my three sons on Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and The Beatles. 

 A free download from their site gets you an iBoard controller for managing your files and other Scattertune products.  A second download provides a "V-album iBoard" for playing the music.  Media, Shop, Concerts, and History tabs can also be accessed from this screen so you can buy more music, T-shirts and tickets when available.   With the introduction of the V-album, Scattertunes has given the previous technology some tough competition.  In March 2010, Scattertunes introduced   its VA (V-Album) Creation tool and “Artists On The Rise” program.  The AOTR program is launching this month (April 2010) and is designed to be a resource for discovering new talent.  The VA Creation tool is set for availability in May and will allow independent artists a resource to produce their own V-albums, photos, videos, and more all online.  Both of these programs along with submission of items for sale in the Scattertunes Store will be free to the artists.

Jimi hit the scene when I was in high school.  In North Louisiana 1969, Hendrix didn't get much air time on our local radio stations.  For me, Are You Experienced? has always served the purpose of a "greatest hits" album.  It had some of my favorite Hendrix songs and certainly ones with which I was most familiar.  From the distinctive opening sounds of "Purple Haze" through the blues of "Hey Joe" and on to the velocity of "Fire" and the sensuality of "Foxy Lady", Hendrix left a lasting impression in my memory.  Hearing the songs of 1969 not only take me back to those long ago days, but they remind me of new memories of more recent times and events that I associate with the long familiar sounds.

The most recent offering from the Hendrix estate is Valley's of Neptune and critics generally agree that it is the best of the posthumous releases.  Apparently it had been intended for release all along and not just a bunch of tapes slung together to see if it would sell.  Hendrix was a brilliant singer/song writer in his own right.   He recorded only three albums with his band "The Jimi Hendrix Experience" and one with the "Band of Gypsies".  He left volumes of unreleased material.  Considering the fate of the author,  these words (from "Voodoo Chile - Slight Return) make me think that he wasn't finished.  

"If I don't meet you no more on this world, I'll meet you on the next one.And don't be late.  Don't be late."