Hendrix - Electric ladyland.

[ericpeters]

I read a story that there is only one version of this albom that has a kind of "phase trip" or something on it that was put there by Jimi Hendrix and the recording engineer. The mastering engineers of the record label appearantly have remixed it so it wasn't there anymore.

Can anyone enlighten me on this subject a bit more? Like is there somewhere a version available which has the original stuff from hendrix on it?

[KLM]

I'm not a Hendrix expert but I believe the original release of this album did have some sort of sound effect taken out. When the Hendrix family reissued this on lp/cd in the late nineties, they put it back in as Jimi wanted it. Maybe someone else can give you more details.

[ericpeters]

I just want to bring it up the list again, as expect someone here may have some more details.

[JohnnyK]

Originally posted by ericpeters
I read a story that there is only one version of this albom that has a kind of "phase trip" or something on it that was put there by Jimi Hendrix and the recording engineer. The mastering engineers of the record label appearantly have remixed it so it wasn't there anymore.

Can anyone enlighten me on this subject a bit more? Like is there somewhere a version available which has the original stuff from hendrix on it?

I think that the begining of Voodoo Child(Slight Return) is recorded out of phase. I haven't played it in a while, but as I remember the begining of that song sounds like it is coming from the sides of the room. I think that the liner notes mention this.

[Beagle]

The original 1st pressings had the phasing taken out, and when Hendrix and Eddie Kramer got wise to it, they made them re-do it with the phasing, as they had intended. Something like that, anyway.

[ericpeters]

So if I understand this correct: there is only one version (the first) that doesn't have this "feature", all other versions have it?

[Beagle]

I believe so. Hard to tell. I read that the initial pressings were "corrected" and then the real deal came out after in subsequent pressings. I don't know. That thing's been reissued so many times I don't know what's what anymore. Sometimes you bring your copies to a used record store and the guy just refuses to take them even though it's a first pressing, he just makes up that excuse so he doesn't have to take them. Little do they know they are missing out on a collectors item, just because you are not in their little "clique". Pretty sad if you ask me. Then you find the same thing on sale there a week later, but a copy that looks like it was left on the Maine Turnpike for a week. :confused:

[John Buchanan]

The UK Polydor pressings were OK. The first US Reprise pressings had this problem. This was corrected in the next run.

[John Buchanan]

According to Michael Fremer, the pressing to avoid is the one with an orange and mustard label with W7 and Reprise printed on the label.
The second pressing is all mustard coloured and has no W7 logo

[Mike V]

How do you identify the 2nd press? I know the vinyl is more flexible than later 70's issues, but I have no clue otherwise. I have a very nice clean copy, which I think it to be circa '74 or so. It doesn't sound very good, but not the worst I've heard.

I have a European reissue from the early 90's which sounded really good to me, but it's been a long time since I've listened, and I have no idea if it's analog mastered. As for the MCA heavy vinyl, I bought 2 copies sent them both back. Much too noisy. Ticks and loud pops all over the place, clicks, etc. And the vinyl looked perfect to boot. I have stayed away from those MCA pressings since.

On a side note, I have the MCA heavy vinyl AYE and Axis, and those are much less noisy. But I did have to buy 2 of the Axis to get one that sounded acceptible (quite a few ticks, but no nasty pops). They're kind of nice if you can get a quiet one.

The classic Axis is fun, just to hear those mixing differences. Very strikingly different, almost unsettling after having grown up with the stereo mix.

Mike

[TommyTunes]

The second issue will be the Tan Reprise label version without the WEA on the outside edge of the label.
If you are seeking the absolute best sounding LP version find the original UK Track issue. Although the "Nude Cover" version usually goes for high dollars it was also available as two individual records as Part One and Two in rather psychedellic looking covers, that I think look pretty cool. These usually go for about $25 each and not only that because they came out at the same time as the first issue are usually from early stampers.

[Mike V]

Thanks Tommy! I'd always wondered about the Track issues. Maybe it's time I got off my keister (sp?) and invested in a proper UK pressing of this classic.