With all the Hendrix collections available now, the re-release of 1969's "Smash Hits" seems a little irrelevant except for the historic fact that it was the first actual compilation of the Jimi Hendrix Experience and its been out of print for many years. I read somewhere that this is the first time "Smash Hits" has been on CD, which is not true because I used to own it. Also this is different from the original "Smash Hits" CD. The original had 14 songs, all 12 included here + "51st Anniversary" and "Highway Chile". For some reason these two were removed for this remaster. So this isnt even the same "Smash Hits"! What's the point?

I recommend buying the 17 track remaster of the first Jimi Hendrix Experience album, "Are You Experienced?", which this version of "Smash Hits" borrows 10 songs from, not to mention includes the two previously mentioned ommissions from the original "Smash Hits". The other two, "All along the Watchtower" and "Crosstown Traffic" are on the third Experience album, "Electric Ladyland". Something I never understood is why there is nothing on "Smash Hits" from their second album, "Axis: Bold as Love", but that's not important because that album is essential in itself. I can't recommend "Smash Hits" for two reasons: 1. Its just another collection, who cares if its remastered? and 2. The ommission of the two original tracks take away the historical relevance.

If you want the true best of Jimi Hendrix, start out with the first three Experience albums mentioned in this review. Want more? Try the 17 track "First Rays of the New Rising Sun" (which includes proper versions (without the dubbing and tampering of the embarrasing "Voodoo Soup" album) of Hendrix classics like "Freedom", "Izabella", "Room full of mirrors", "Ezy Rider", "Stepping stone", the list goes on.) If you go further, check out his best "live" recordings, like "Band of Gypsys" (made without the Experience and is the only "live" recording that was authorized by Jimi before he died.), "Live at the Fillmore East", and either "Jimi Hendrix: Woodstock" or the complete 2 disc concert on "Live at Woodstock" for his mind-blowing performance there. Both albums contain the complete "Star Spangled Banner" if you're interested.

I'm amused at some of the reviewers trashing this compilation because in their great wisdom it is superfluous. Well, there's quite a few of us who grew up with Hendrix who remember when "Smash Hits" was originally released, and for us it served as a nice, curt compendium when we didn't want to be accosted with Jimi's more mind-blowing noodle sessions, or be subjected to an entire double album. Back in the day, Rolling Stone suggested this CD was the "tightest" hits compilation, and I tend to agree. If you like Hendrix at his most concentrated 3.5-minute-per-cut best, this may be for you. To suggest that any CD that contains a dozen of Hendrix's best and most memorable recordings is worth a single star review solely because you like the way other alternatives are compiled is a disservice to the readers of these reviews, as well as to the memory of Jimi Hendrix.

Originally released in 1969, Jimi Hendrix Experience "Smash Hits" included the classics songs "Purple Haze", "Fire", "The Wind Cries Mary", "Can You See Me","Hey Joe", "All Along The Watchtower", "Stone Free","Crosstown Traffic", "Manic Depression", "Foxy Lady", "Red House" and "Remember". The sound quality is superb and the original artwork is included as well. Granted there are several other "Best Of" compilations which include more songs, but this is the "original" hits album. The legend of Jimi Hendrix lives on with each and every song on this cd, and I highly recommend this cd to not only classic rock lover's, but to all up and coming guitarist as well. Listen and enjoy.

This collection, when it came out, was the first (and only) "greatest hits" compilation during Jimi's lifetime. So, it doesn't compare (in volume) to later releases and packages.

Jimi IS the greatest guitarist ever. Period. It's been said a billion times by fans worldwide and guitar legends like Clapton, Page, Perry, Vaughan etc. etc. People whom I'm sure know just a tad more about musicianship that some boob that calls himself "Super Pimp." Can anyone guess that this is some loser white trash that wears his pants down below his rear end and his hat on sideways? GEE...I WONDER!!!

Some simple-minded moron like "Super Pimp"(???)...who no doubt has an IQ in the single digits...that can barely form a complete sentence without help I say this: Go listen to your beloved white-trash Slim Shady back in your trailer and leave reviews to people who appreciate good music that doesn't involve explitives every two seconds and doesn't contain the term "YO" or "peace out" or any of that other lame-ass wigger wanna-be garbage. YOU are a loser of highest degree..."Super Simp" Now fix your hat and pull up your pants!

This review will be very simple. I have one point to get across, and that is this: This CD has no purpose. Experience Hendrix had already released two greatest hits compilations. The first was 'Experience Hendrix', and included pretty much every song on here, as well as MANY that are not on here (because 'Smash Hits' was released before Jimi died, it includes nothing from his later work). The other one is 'Voodoo Child' which includes Jimi's major hits, as well as a CD of live material. These two compilations (both available on Amazon) were released within just the last couple years and have better content. So, I ask you, what purpose is served by reissuing a THIRD compilation? A compilation that is INFERIOR to ones that already exist? Is it just for hardcore collectors? Possibly. And this should warn off any casual fans. The record company ought to be ashamed of themselves.

A casual fan, or someone who is just starting to get to know Hendrix, should buy 'Experience Hendrix' (it was my first Jimi CD), or just jump in with the studio albums. I would suggest 'Are You Experienced?' because it includes Jimi's most well-known songs. But whatever you do, do not buy this record company tripe. It is for hardcore collectors only.