Two star

Hendrix's February 24, 1969 gig - so it says on the box.

This should have Hendrix anoraks chomping at the bit, for it claims to be the first time the whole concert has been released bar one song.

Released under the Charly label and not authorised by the Hendrix estate, it's unfortunately a smoke and mirrors job.

In its wisdom Charly felt its first CD featuring half the gig, released three years ago, just wouldn't do.

So, without letting trifling historical details get in the way of a good money-spinner, the company has added another five songs and released the whole lot again.

What it fails to mention on the posh cardboard packaging is four of these 'new' songs, Foxy Lady, Red House, I Don't Live Today and Getting My Heart Back Together Again, never saw the Albert Hall.

They were recorded elsewhere at other times and have been released before.

Musically it kicks the proverbial backside with some of the most vicious Hendrix guitar ever committed to tape. Commercially it's an exercise in extortion.

JS