For those unaware, the Jimi Hendrix Bold As Love just-released box-sets offer a premium collector experience in a 4CD + Blu-ray package or 5LP + Blu-ray package. Each set features 27 previously unreleased recordings from 1967, including demos and alternate takes, as well as television and radio performances.

This deluxe edition includes the stereo and mono mixes for the Axis: Bold As Love album, all newly remastered by Bernie Grundman from the original flat master tapes. Both stereo and mono mixes are included in high-resolution 24bit/96kHz audio, as well as a newly created, immersive Dolby Atmos mix by Eddie Kramer and Chandler Harrod.

A 36-page booklet rounds out the offering in some impressive style, filled with rare photos, detailed liner notes, and track-by-track insights. This release is ideal for Hendrix fans and vinyl enthusiasts looking for a definitive archival edition of one of Hendrix’s most iconic albums.

In my humble opinion, although I should profess that I am indeed a HUGE Jimi fans, Bold As Love, the second studio album by The Jimi Hendrix Experience, is a masterpiece that easily solidifies Hendrix’s status as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Released in 1967, the album not only showcases Hendrix’s incredible talent, but his innovative songwriting, and his ability to push the boundaries of rock music.

From the very first notes of EXP, the album grabs the listeners’ attention and takes them on a psychedelic journey. Hendrix’s guitar playing is truly mesmerizing, as he effortlessly blends blues, jazz, and rock influences into his own unique sound. Songs like Spanish Castle Magic and Bold As Love excellently demonstrate his technical skill and command of the instrument, showcasing his ability to create both powerful, energetic riffs and delicate, melodic passages.

Indeed, what sets Bold As Love apart from other albums of its time is its exceptional songwriting. Tracks like Little Wing and If 6 Was 9 showcase Hendrix’s ability to convey deep emotion through his lyrics and guitar playing. The album also features strong vocal performances from Hendrix, as he effortlessly transitions from soulful crooning to powerful wailing, further adding to the emotional depth of the songs.

As for the production on Bold As Love, well that is also very notable, especially now we have been gifted the album in its many forms here in this delicious 5LP box-set. With psychedelic sound effects, lush harmonies, and intricate arrangements that create a rich and immersive listening experience, those and more have been intricately enhanced now for the listener to sit back, kick back, and drift off into a musical landscape that just doesn’t exist any more.

The album seamlessly flows from one track to another, as if each song is a chapter in a larger narrative. It is clear that Hendrix had a clear vision for this album and executed it flawlessly. A noted timeless classic by its peers and associated press both, even today listening to these brand new vinyl editions it still continues to captivate me, to propel me into a colorful hazy mist of yesteryear, albeit on thar even I am aware is only temporary.

I mean, come on now, Hendrix’s incredible guitar playing, his innovative songwriting, and his ability to evoke intense emotions are all on full display, making this album a must-listen and must-have for any fan of music. It is a testament to his genius, and, once again, it rightfully solidifies his legacy as one of the greatest musicians of all time.

LP 1: Bold As Love (ORIGINAL STEREO MIX)
SIDE A
1. EXP 2. Up From The Skies 3. Spanish Castle Magic 4. Wait Until Tomorrow 5. Ain’t No Telling 6. Little Wing 7. If 6 Was 9

SIDE B
8. You Got Me Floatin’ 9. Castles Made Of Sand 10. She’s So Fine 11. One Rainy Wish 12. Little Miss Lover 13. Bold As Love

LP 2: Bold As Love (ORIGINAL MONO MIX)
SIDE C
1. EXP 2. Up From The Skies 3. Spanish Castle Magic 4. Wait Until Tomorrow 5. Ain’t No Telling 6. Little Wing 7. If 6 Was 9

SIDE D
8. You Got Me Floatin’ 9. Castles Made Of Sand 10. She’s So Fine 11. One Rainy Wish 12. Little Miss Lover 13. Bold As Love

The other three LPs included here are a wondrous collection of different takes and live cuts and is a brilliant inclusion to have within this massive box-set. Stand outs from the first LP is the propellent look over yonder opener Mr. Bad Luck [Take 6], a stripped down version of Burning Of The Midnight Lamp [Take 30], the foot to the floor Ain’t No Telling [Demo], and most definitely my favorite version of Little Miss Lover [Demo].

LP 3:
SIDE E
1. Mr. Bad Luck [Take 6] 2. She’s So Fine [Take 4] 3. Burning Of The Midnight Lamp [Take 30] 4. The Stars That Play With Laughing Sam’s Dice [Paramount Studios] 5. Burning Of The Midnight Lamp [Instrumental] 6. The Stars That Play With Laughing Sam’s Dice [Instrumental]

SIDE F
7. Stone Free/Up From The Skies [Demo] 8. Up From The Skies [Take 2] 9. Ain’t No Telling [Demo] 10. Ain’t No Telling [Take 12] 11. Little Miss Lover [Demo] 12. One Rainy Wish [Take 1] 13. You Got Me Floatin’ [Take 1] 14. Untitled Guitar Experiment 15. Castles Made Of Sand [Take 16]

The next LP features the vintage story pop of Spanish Castle Magic [Take 2] and a beautiful Little Wing [Take 2] (it’s just so damn amazing how different each take was, like Jimi had an endless stream of ideas coming out of him) and then other stand outs on this fourth vinyl include both the funkily grooved Wait Until Tomorrow [Take 14] and the cosmically beautiful, albeit trippy Castles Made Of Sand [Backwards Guitar].

LP 4:
SIDE G
1. Bold As Love [Take 19] 2. Wait Until Tomorrow [Take 2] 3. Spanish Castle Magic [Take 2] 4. Little Wing [Take 2] 5. Untitled Instrumental #1 [Take 3] 6. Untitled Instrumental #2 [Take 1]

SIDE H
7. Little Miss Lover [Alternate Version] 8. Spanish Castle Magic [Take 4] 9. Wait Until Tomorrow [Take 14] 10. Castles Made Of Sand [Backwards Guitar] 11. One Rainy Wish [Alternate Version] 12. Burning Of The Midnight Lamp [Original Mono Mix] 13. The Stars That Play With Laughing Sam’s Dice [Original Mono Mix]

The fifth and final vinyl LP in the set includes an on fire, psych rock treat in the form of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band [Sweden 9/5/67] and a stunningly ambient, deeply beautiful The Wind Cries Mary [Sweden 9/5/67], along with a guitar rampant Purple Haze [Sweden 9/5/67], the other stand out being the folk-pop-rock of Burning Of The Midnight Lamp [Top Of The Pops] (which actually opens on a whole other track that Jimi didn’t know the words to and that the presenter called a “slight technical glitch”!)

LP 5:
SIDE I
1. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band [Sweden 9/5/67] 2. Fire [Sweden 9/5/67] 3. The Wind Cries Mary [Sweden 9/5/67] 4. Foxey Lady [Sweden 9/5/67] 5. Hey Joe [Sweden 9/5/67] 6. I Don’t Live Today [Sweden 9/5/67]

SIDE J
7. Burning of The Midnight Lamp [Sweden 9/5/67] 8. Purple Haze [Sweden 9/5/67] 9. Burning Of The Midnight Lamp [Dee Time] 10. Purple Haze [Hoepla] 11. Foxey Lady [Hoepla] 12. Burning Of The Midnight Lamp [Top Of The Pops]

Blu-ray:
Original album in Dolby Atmos
Original album in Mono
Original album in Stereo

Official Purchase Link

www.JimiHendrix.com