AboutJames Hawthorn Expertise I can answer just about any question concerning Jimi Hendrix.
I cannot give the value of records, CDs or tapes relating to the work of Jimi hendrix.
Experience I am the author of The Jimi Hendrix Record Guide:
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/hendrix.guide/hendrix.htm
Education/Credentials B.A. Hons. Degree in Graphic Design
Expert: James Hawthorn Date: 8/18/2007 Subject: Hendrix mono CDs
Question A couple of years ago I purchased both ARE YOU EXPERIENCED and AXIS: BOLD AS LOVE on CD through the Internet. Both copies say they are mono, but the packaging makes me think these are bootlegs. Even if it sounds mono, could it be what is known as a "fold-down" from the stereo? (Kind of the reverse of what record companies did in the 1960's when reprocessed stereo was made from mono). Did you know if these two albums have ever been released in the mono formt on compact disc?
THANKS,
TOM in NJ
Answer Hi Tom,
those two albums have never been released officially in Mono form as CDs. "Axis" has been released as a Mono vinyl release (perhaps still available, see the official site).
Mono CDs have been circulating among collectors and traders. On some CDs, vinyl crackles can occasionally be heard, so that is somewhat of a guarantee that the file was made from an original mono vinyl.
Other clues are the slight differences between the stereo and mono mixes. Here is what I wrote on my site :
Mono or stereo ?
In the UK in 1967, home stereos were not very widespread and stereo radio didn't exist, so mono was the mix that received the most attention. Many consider that the mono version of "AYE" is the real thing. It is true that in those days, stereo mixes were often bashed off as a gadget after-thought, although here, Chandler and Kramer made a very good job of theirs. The stereo mixed version wasn't released in the UK until the early seveties ! USA got mono and stereo editions of the US version of "AYE" a little later in 1967 (see Other Albums In Jimi's Lifetime section).
The now rare mono mix has a more direct punch to it perhaps, but I somehow feel that "psychedelic rock" deserves stereo, to add multi-layered richness.
The mono version has a few tiny differences. On "Third Stone From The Sun" Jimi mutters "War must be war" which is absent in stereo. On "Foxy Lady" Jimi's "Here I come baby…" is missing ! Polydor censorship ? At the end of "Red House", as Jimi says "How's that one ?", we hear Chas reply "Great, I think we should put that on ..." ! Another minor difference, Jimi turning the page in "May This Be Love" is masked in mono. In Sean Egan's book about the making of this album (from which this paragraph is drawn), he says that the opening drum roll of that track is absent in stereo, but it is there on all my stereo copies.
