Smash Hits (album)

Smash Hits was the first compilation album released by The Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1968 in the UK and 1969 in the US. Containing nothing but the band's biggest successes, both editions of the albums have proven to be long and popular sellers.

Related Topics:
The Jimi Hendrix Experience - 1968 - 1969

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The UK version first appeared in April 1968, only 4 months after the band's second studio album, ', and while they were working on their third. Containing their first 4 UK singles (and their respective B-sides) in addition to 4 standout tracks from Are You Experienced, Smash Hits became exactly that - a #5 album in the UK and one that had a long chart life. It also marked the first appearance on album of "Burning of the Midnight Lamp", 5 months ahead of its placement on Electric Ladyland.

Related Topics:
April - 1968 - Are You Experienced - Electric Ladyland

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In the US, however, things were done a little differently. Jimi's then-record label, Reprise Records, felt that a greatest hits collection was far too premature and waited until mid-1969 (and, coincidentally, the break-up of the band once Noel Redding suddenly quit) to issue a different version of the same album. Now with Electric Ladyland in the mix, there was more to choose from. There were also tracks that had been elbowed off of the UK edition of Are You Experienced in 1967 to make way for "Hey Joe", "Purple Haze" and "The Wind Cries Mary". As a result, the US version of Smash Hits - which reached #6 in its territory - is more balanced and more representative of the band's career. However, the UK edition is the only Hendrix album where you can find the mono mix of the rare 1967 B-Side "Stars That Play With Laughing Sam's Dice".

Related Topics:
Reprise Records - 1969 - Noel Redding - Electric Ladyland - 1967

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In 1997, Hendrix's family compiled and issued ', which currently stands as the definite Hendrix compilation.

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