The Ultimate Experience is a very appropriate name for this collection of Jimi Hendrix most memorable tunes. All the usual hits are here such as hey joe and all along the watchtower along with some great lesser known tracks such as Long hot summer night and gypsy eyes. Its a great introduction for new fans and a good single cd solution ideal for long time fans to keep in the car.

The music itself has stood the test of time well and makes the polished, painting by number pop of the likes of X factor look quite pathetic. There is an urgency and vitality to the tracks that forces you to listen closely in admiration. When Jimi sings that he`s `gonna shoot my old lady` on Bob Dylans Hey Joe its with such conviction that you never doubt his conviction.

He will always be a hero to guitarists everywhere and the riffs on this cd are some of his best and by turn some of the greatest in the rock canon. Its impossible to listen to a modern blues or rock guitarist without hearing a bit of Jimi`s influence.

The 20 tracks selected for this compilation are given there own commentary in the wonderfully informative colour booklet that comes with the cd. This really helps to get an idea of the musical and social background Jimi was working in and how it influenced his music. The cover art is in keeping with the 60`s vibe and features a classic shot of Hendrix in all his charismatic splendor.

In short this cd is the perfect introduction for the new fan and a handy, single disc compilation for a hardened fan. An essential purchase for any rock fan!