Since the early 1960s, Jimi Hendrix has been idolised as one of the greatest guitarists in history; influential and legendary, he left artists such as Clapton and Townshend in awe.

'Valleys of Neptune,' a cache of previously unreleased songs by the guitarist; the album is a highly anticipated commemoration to the legend's death forty years ago.

To enthusiasts, this album may be a little disappointing. New material, yes, but certainly does Hendrix no justice. It seems the compilation is nothing more than outtakes and jams; a collection of tapes from the archives that were left an abandoned project for a reason.

Mixed by Eddie Kramer, Jimi's long time engineer, the sound is crisp and clean, although impressive, it's seemingly fraudulent, and loses the authentic crackle of nostalgia.

Including an eight minute mix of 'Red House,' the majority of tracks were recorded in 1969, a poor year for the Jimi Hendrix Experience. A year that Hendrix and bassist Noel Redding were in constant feuds, immidiately before being replaced by old friend of Jimi's, Billy Cox.

Despite the inadequacy of album-worthy material, 'Valleys of Neptune,' has it's moments. Immense guitar and a cover of Cream's 'Sunshine of Your Love' helps to redeem the albums credibility.

With the re-release of 'Electric Ladyland,' 'Axis: Bold as Love' and 'Are You Experienced,' the unreleased tracks of 'Valleys of Neptune' are perhaps best suited to bonus material for these remastered chronicles.

Had Hendrix still been alive, these tracks would never have seen light of day; and this album raises the question is it previously unreleased for a reason?