The first re-issue under the current Hendrix estate, First Rays comprises of the complete `The Cry Of Love' album, plus songs from War Heroes, Rainbow Bridge, and Loose Ends, the 4 albums released after Jimi's death. First impressions usually last longest, and I have to say, thank you Janie & Al Hendrix. Not only for regaining control of Jimi's music, but for doing things right. God bless you both!
All songs have been remastered from the original master tapes, unlike previous packages put out by Alan Douglas. My personal favorite on this one, has to be `Hey Baby (New Rising Sun', originally found on the Rainbow Bridge soundtrack. Even in this unfinished state (Jimi never completed final takes), it's powerful. Probably just under my all time fav track "Little Wing" and only because I didn't dare play my Rainbow Bridge album for fear of wearing it out! A quick note on this one...on my CD, the title on the side only shows "First Rays Of The New Rising", missing the final "Sun" Don't know how rare this is, I'll have to do some snooping around and see.
Verdict? A MUST HAVE!
- Freedom 3:26
- Izabella 2:50
- Night Bird Flying 3:50
- Angel 4:21
- Room Full Of Mirrors 3:21
- Dolly Dagger 4:44
- Ezy Ryder 4:07
- Drifting 3:48
- Beginnings 4:12
- Stepping Stone 4:12
- My Friend 4:36
- Straight Ahead 4:42
- Hey Baby (New Rising Sun) 6:04
- Earth Blues 4:21
- Astro Man 3:34
- In From The Storm 3:41
- Belly Button Window 3:36
Catalog #: MCASD-11599
