There is a very good reason why so many inches of media type are being used up on the release of this, and subsequent other unreleased albums, by Jimi Hendrix. For a start, he was, and in many cases remains, the greatest guitarist of the rock era.

That statement, rather surprisingly so, is not too hard to quantify. Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Brian May, Eddie Van Halen and Jimmy Page are just some of the many contenders to be considered. Even though the above have merit, none extended the guitar's capabilities as much as Hendrix.

Until James Marshall Hendrix came along, the guitar was seen as nothing more than another instrument within a rock band. Then, with one explosive album Are You Experienced? he took the guitar, cranked up the volume, making distortion an art form that was explosive and incendiary at the same time.

His wonderful, flowing lines and sudden leaps into the stratosphere realized a whole new art form. It was like watching Jackson Pollock with electricity. I first experienced the Experience, much to the chagrin of my then-girlfriend, by playing Third Stone from the Sun 12 times in a row.

For months, I was garrulous in my praise for this rock god and I haven't changed my stance one iota since.

According to the Virgin Book of Popular Music (2002), a major reissuing programmed (of his albums), started in 1977, is now the definite and final word. Not so.

Only careful reading of the sleeve notes to Valleys of Neptune will reveal why these tracks have been missing for so many decades. One thing for sure, is the fingerprints of grubby little lawyers are all over the master tapes.

These are not left over, half-completed versions (there are plenty of new songs here as well) of favorites, nor are they merely alternative takes, but fully fledged versions. But, on the other hand, would these tracks have ever seen light of day had Jimi lived? A difficult question.

It's important to approach this disc with the mindset of the late 60s and early 70s in terms of sound, technique and trial and error in the studio; it will make for a more enjoyable experience.  5 STARS