Smash Hits


While Jimi's record label Reprise was waiting for his 4th album to be finished, they put together this greatest hits package. It was most notable for the previously unreleased (at least in North America) tracks Red House, Can You See Me, and Remember. These had appeared on the U.K. version of Jimi's first album, Are You Experienced, but the U.S. record company executives wanted instead, the first 3 singles for the album (Purple Haze, The Wind Cries Mary, Hey Joe). Not that there was anything wrong with wanting those songs, however it kept most people from hearing Jimi's blues great, Red House, until this release.

Once the CD format came out, 2 extra tracks were added to the previous release, 51st Anniversary (the B-side to Purple Haze) and Highway Chile (B-side to The Wind Cries Mary). Also on this release, was included a bonus of CD+G graphics, a new format being developed at the time to add visual effects (in compatible players) to music CDs. The format never really caught on, and until recently, I didn't have a CD ROM capable of playing back those graphics. I now do, but now it's a matter of finding the right software that will work with my system. When I do, I will be sure to let you know what exactly is on it :) Again, as with most Reprise issues, this one is out of print, but still easily found in most music stores, usually at a lower price than regular CDs.

Catalog #: Reprise 2276-2