South Saturn Delta (album) Revisited

[jimisite]

Since the Experience Hendrix posthumous compilation South Saturn Delta is about to be re-released on CD & viny I thought I'd take a look back at this underrated and often overlooked album.

Originally released in October 1997, SSD was the second "new" compilation disc released by the new administrators of the Hendrix estate (Janie Hendrix and co.). I remember being thrilled by the release and couldn't wait to hear it. Since it featured tracks from the long deleted Rainbow Bridge, War Heroes and Loose Ends plus other rarities. I thought the album cover was corny and hated the title. But the music inside was all that mattered.

SSD wasn't critically acclaimed and didn't sell that well. Blender Magazine listed it as one of the official Hendrix albums to "be careful" of because it was so uneven musically. However, I'm glad Sony/Legacy is reissuing it because it contains some indispensable material unavailable anywhere else.

LOOK OVER YONDER
The average music fan is probably thinking "Man, not another 'Look Over Yonder!'" but this version is different than the one found on Valleys Of Neptune & West Coast Seattle Boy. It was recorded in the fall of 1968 and would have definitely been included on the 4th Experience studio album, had they ever finished it.

LITTLE WING
A nice, if way too short, instrumental take of this Axis: Bold As Love classic.

HERE HE COMES (LOVER MAN)
The definitive version of a song Jimi attempted over a dozen times in the studio throughout his career. The opening riff is lifted from Jimi's live version of "Killing Floor." Jimi's amazing, soaring solo makes this track unforgettable.

SOUTH SATURN DELTA
Recorded during the sessions for Electric Lady, features Jimi & Mitch with an unknown horn section. I first heard this instrumental on 1990's "Lifelines" box set and was impressed. Don't like the mix here as much. But it's nice to hear the complete version.

POWER OF SOUL
A Band of Gypsys era classic that was hacked to death on 1975's Crash Landing. The live version is a lot better but it's great to hear the unaltered original track. One complaint is the intro to this song goes on way too long. It feels like 2 minutes before Jimi hits the first verse.

MESSAGE TO THE UNIVERSE (MESSAGE OF LOVE)
Probably the weakest track on this collection. However it's nice that they included something from Jimi's Gypsy Sun & Rainbows period.

TAX FREE
A great instrumental originally released on 1972's War Heroes. Jimi's guitar/keyboard effects are incredible.

ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER (alternate mix)
I remember Eddie Kramer mentioning this 4 track stereo mix in his "Setting The Record Straight" book. I really can't tell much of a difference and prefer the EL version.

THE STARS THAT PLAY WITH LAUGHING SAM'S DICE
Originally released back in 1967 in the UK as B side to "Burning Of The Midnight Lamp." A fun little track featuring some great guitar work from Jimi. This is a much improved stereo mix.

MIDNIGHT
Another classic instrumental piece from War Heroes. Noel Redding was originally credited with having written this track.

SWEET ANGEL
The true "rare and never heard before" track. Recorded around the time of "Little Wing" this is a true gem. A very early demo of "Angel." The version released 3 years later on the Purple Box set features the missing intro and a stereo mix. Hopefully EH will include the complete version here but I doubt it.

BLEEDING HEART
My favorite version of this Elmore James cover. A great lead off track on War Heroes. Unfortunately gets kind of lost in the mix here.

PALI GAP
This track became legendary in my mind because up until 1995's Voodoo Soup it was impossible to find. Rainbow Bridge had been out of print for 20 years so "Pali Gap" became this huge mystery. Trying to guess what it even sounded like. Turns out it is a great instrumental. Doesn't fit well here though. Should have been included on First Rays instead of "Beginnings."

DRIFTER'S ESCAPE
Another Bob Dylan cover. I prefer the mix on "Lifelines" to this one. Still a great song though. Love the lyrics and Jimi's impassioned singing and guitar plaing.

MIDNIGHT LIGHTNING
They saved the best song for last. When I first bought SSD I feared this was the awful version of "Midnight Lightning" from the 1975 album. Turns out to be a solo rendition of the song from Jimi with some amazing lyrics and heartfelt singing. A true rarity, I've always thought this would have worked better as an album closer on First Rays than "Belly Button Window."

In reality, SSD is really a "loose ends" album. Compiling leftover tracks from Rainbow Bridge, War Heroes & Loose Ends with little rhyme or reason. There are some true gems in here though. It works better as an Anthology type overview of Jimi's short recording career than the recent box set. Since every period & lineup is covered. Definitely recommended listening, it's just a shame Sony/Legacy couldn't throw in a couple more "rarities" on the April reissue.

[Experiencereunited]

got to disagree about stpLsd. I much prefer the original b side mix which EH has never released to my knowledge. also as great as Pali Gap is the bass from the vinyl Rainbow Bridge version that was so great is tepid and weak on the universal release of SSD. hoping at least that is better with the next release.

[josephboggs]

Oh man I thought that Message to The Universe was amazing on this album. You can tell it was recorded right before/after the Woodstock version.. Hendrix never really played Message to Love the same way after that.. You know with the soft solo with the vocal harmonizing..

[RasFreeman]

I often think of the Valley Of Neptunes release as SSD 2.0. I've thought about
combining the two with the recent non-Lp B-sides that have come out lately and
it would make a cool 2 CD compilation.

[trampledunderfoot]

POWER OF SOUL
A Band of Gypsys era classic that was hacked to death on 1975's Crash Landing. The live version is a lot better but it's great to hear the unaltered original track. One complaint is the intro to this song goes on way too long. It feels like 2 minutes before Jimi hits the first verse.


Personally, I love this version of the song. I don't find the opening too long, but I can understand how it might stick out as such to some. :)


got to disagree about stpLsd. I much prefer the original b side mix which EH has never released to my knowledge. also as great as Pali Gap is the bass from the vinyl Rainbow Bridge version that was so great is tepid and weak on the universal release of SSD. hoping at least that is better with the next release.

The mono mix of "The Stars that Play" was released in the Singles Collection box-set. Personally, I prefer the stereo mix. :)

[Fenders Fingers]

The mono mix of "The Stars that Play" was released in the Singles Collection box-set. Personally, I prefer the stereo mix. :)

Indeed it was, the 2nd box set. A fantasic review can be found in JP. lol.
This set along with the 1st box set is being snail mailed as flac and art btw though the copy of the 2nd set is from the black vinyl as I don't see the "extra" track that appeared on the coloured set.

I enjoy both the stereo and mono versions but have issues, enough to say this is one track I would love to hear as a new mix and set out on 12" vinyl. One side mono re-mix and flip it over for the stereo re-mix :-)

[manfree]

I always Loved the "Nod" to Hush Now on the aforementioned Track!

[dino77]

I always Loved the "Nod" to Hush Now on the aforementioned Track!

On "Stars"? "Hush Now" is STPLSD instrumental, cheekily recorded by Ed Chalpin. Both tracks were recorded within a space of a few days.

[manfree]

I didn`t realise they were recorded so close together, I can remember a "Rumour" going around (maybe the gossip column in MM or NME) That "Hush Now" was recorded as a "Demo"
for the newly arrived Wah Wah effect!

[Chris M]

TAX FREE
A great instrumental originally released on 1972's War Heroes. Jimi's guitar/keyboard effects are incredible.
It really is incredible. The way the guitar tracks duck and weave around each other is sick. Some of my favorite Jimi playing as well as one of my favorite recordings. That said Mitch's posthumous drum overdub almost ruins it. His style was radically different in 1972 compared to what he played on the original 1968 drum track. That and the recording of the drum overdub belongs to a different era of production (that dead early 70's style, plush carpet on the studio walls, etc). It doesn't sit well in the track surrounded by 1/68 guitar and bass track. In fact, the big roll leading into the chorus IS from the original 1/68 performance. Once you hear the 1/68 rough mix with the original drum track (and cowbell!) you can never hear the War Heroes/SSD version again. I have no idea why they insisted on having Mitch replace all of those drum tracks. Somewhere is another one that comes to mind. Also Stepping Stone, Earth Blues..

[Chris M]

POWER OF SOUL
A Band of Gypsys era classic that was hacked to death on 1975's Crash Landing. The live version is a lot better but it's great to hear the unaltered original track. One complaint is the intro to this song goes on way too long. It feels like 2 minutes before Jimi hits the first verse.

It is much less edited but Power of Soul on South Saturn Delta is still missing several crucial bits of the song and the heavy delay Eddie added in the remix (done in 1997) wasn't on the 1970 rough mix. My theory is Eddie didn't realize he was working from a multitrack reel that Douglas hacked up (he made edits on the multitrack itself!). Either that or it was the most complete multitrack they had so they went with it. The 1970 Jimi/Eddie rough mix is the only version really.


MIDNIGHT
Another classic instrumental piece from War Heroes. Noel Redding was originally credited with having written this track.

I can't believe Noel wrote Midnight. Nothing in his career (JHE, Fat Mattress, etc) sounds anything like Midnight. I do hear Noel playing a basic rhythm guitar track low in the mix, I'm sure he had a hand in it but this is obviously Jimi's baby.



DRIFTER'S ESCAPE
Another Bob Dylan cover. I prefer the mix on "Lifelines" to this one. Still a great song though. Love the lyrics and Jimi's impassioned singing and guitar plaing.

IMO the August 1970 rough mix Jimi and Eddie did (on SSD) KILLS the weak Lifelines mix which inexplicably has the percussion mixed out. The mix Jimi was involved in (like always) grooves harder than the later remixes (Lifelines).

[Lord Summerisle]

It is much less edited but Power of Soul on South Saturn Delta is still missing several crucial bits of the song and the heavy delay Eddie added in the remix (done in 1997) wasn't on the 1970 rough mix. My theory is Eddie didn't realize he was working from a multitrack reel that Douglas hacked up (he made edits on the multitrack itself!). Either that or it was the most complete multitrack they had so they went with it. The 1970 Jimi/Eddie rough mix is the only version really.


I doubt that. I'd say it's the most complete multitrack they had, as you said.

[Chris M]

Maybe but FWIW the track description in the book goes on about how this is the first time the track was available unedited. It would be nice if they would've corrected some of the errors on the original pressings. This was probably our last chance at getting all of the BBC tracks in true mono rather than fake stereo. Of course, we have them in mono but I hate casual fans are stuck with the fake stereo (a few tracks are mono..)

[dino77]

I can't believe Noel wrote Midnight. Nothing in his career (JHE, Fat Mattress, etc) sounds anything like Midnight. I do hear Noel playing a basic rhythm guitar track low in the mix, I'm sure he had a hand in it but this is obviously Jimi's baby.


The riff is taken from Booker T and the MG's "Homegrown" but slightly modified. Noel showed Jimi the BT riff and off they went.

[ranasakawa]

I can't believe Noel wrote Midnight. Nothing in his career (JHE, Fat Mattress, etc) sounds anything like Midnight. I do hear Noel playing a basic rhythm guitar track low in the mix, I'm sure he had a hand in it but this is obviously Jimi's baby.




Check out Noel Redding Solo CD, listen to a track called 'Noels Tune' you may change your opinion then.

[manfree]

I have to admit, I quite like Noels `72 album "Road" (I`m a sucker for a wah-wah)

[trampledunderfoot]

I'm wondering if anyone's shelled out the cash for the reissues...in particular the vinyl?

If so, how does it sound?

[Pali Gap]

Oh man I thought that Message to The Universe was amazing on this album. You can tell it was recorded right before/after the Woodstock version.. Hendrix never really played Message to Love the same way after that.. You know with the soft solo with the vocal harmonizing..

+1

[Pali Gap]

Are Sony re-issuing this?

I dont know if its the VAT rise over here in GB- but their re-issues seem incredibly expensive compared to the prices of the original issues.
A friend of mine saw Woodstock DVD re-issue at £20 the other day...I remember getting it for about £8!!!

It's complete sacriledge Rainbow Bridge LP was deleted. It was my favourite next to the original live BoG album. I cant imagine what its like not to know what Pali Gap (my favourite) sounded like! SSD was the only way to get PG on CD in recent years I missed the Rainbow Bridge CD release.

[Fenders Fingers]

Rainbow Bridge never made it to CD, ever. A blow to many but not to vinyl heads :-)
That said, a re-issue of RB on vinyl would be most welcome. A forth or would it be fifth pressing of this would be nice on 180 grm virgin vinyl as long as it was from the analog masters.

[Crdx]

Yeah, Rainbow Bridge is really great. I have a very nice pressing on Reprise -- might even be a first press. Sounds fantastic.

[trampledunderfoot]

Rainbow Bridge never made it to CD, ever. A blow to many but not to vinyl heads :-)
That said, a re-issue of RB on vinyl would be most welcome. A forth or would it be fifth pressing of this would be nice on 180 grm virgin vinyl as long as it was from the analog masters.

Some would argue that a re-release of the album wouldn't be necessary, since all of the tracks - including the mix of "Hear My Train" - have been released elsewhere.

I think the real problem with the newer releases has been the use of George Marino's services, myself...but he seems to fluctuate in terms of how he masters what he works on: Most are clipped to hell and overblown, but some are much better sounding...

Also: There have been a few CD releases of Rainbow Bridge. but they've all been bootlegs. :p

Also-also: I take it no one hear has heard a copy of the re-released SSD vinyl?

[Fenders Fingers]

Some would argue that a re-release of the album wouldn't be necessary, since all of the tracks - including the mix of "Hear My Train" - have been released elsewhere.

Not me, a re-issue on vinyl would be fantastic. Modern pressing, cutting machines, groove profile etc Regardless of the other issues (in great quality) I already own.

I think the real problem with the newer releases has been the use of George Marino's services, myself...but he seems to fluctuate in terms of how he masters what he works on: Most are clipped to hell and overblown, but some are much better sounding...

Noticable on CD more so than vinyl.

Also: There have been a few CD releases of Rainbow Bridge. but they've all been bootlegs. :p

Like I said, no CD release.

Also-also: I take it no one hear has heard a copy of the re-released SSD vinyl?

Me, not yet and not likely too. I have more important releases to pick up :-)

[trampledunderfoot]

Me, not yet and not likely too. I have more important releases to pick up :-)

I agree about Marino - but he fluctuates. Most of WCSB is good, not too loud...but FR and SSD? Yeesh...

No official release. :p I had to check, I swore I had a P20P release on my hard drive...

[Fenders Fingers]

No official release. :p I had to check, I swore I had a P20P release on my hard drive...

I have the p20p's but not an RB. Just why this release was overlooked back in the 80's when the powers that be wanted to digitise anything that moved is beyond me.

[trampledunderfoot]

I have the p20p's but not an RB. Just why this release was overlooked back in the 80's when the powers that be wanted to digitise anything that moved is beyond me.

I always forget that it didn't get a release back then. I imagine Prof. Stoned's rip is the best representation of the material at this time.

[Experiencereunited]

I bought the Legacy vinyl pressing and have listened to the first 3 sides. I found it far more enjoyable than the Universal CD at least. South Saturn Delta the song in particular really sounds great on this vinyl. The bass seems a bit tepid on some songs but not all of them but that may be my system. I am getting a new amp soon so am saving side 4 until I get the new amp. This and Valleys of Neptune were the first new vinyl Lps I have bought in about 25 years. I have watched vinyl slowly coming back and also have started to be amazed to see younger people learning about and enjoying vinyl which in a lot of ways is still the best medium for music. certainly requires more care and effort to get the best sounds but it is worth it. The main reason I decided to buy a new turntable and vinyl was because To me the CD versions of 2 jimi songs in particular are atrocious compared to the Rainbow Bridge vinyl. Pali Gap and Roomful Of Mirrors. While others may have noticable differences as well it was always these 2 that made me say when I have money I am going to get a good turntable and clean vinyl versions to listen to. CDs and iPad still has it's place but the vinyl experience even with it's flaws is still unbeatable overall to me. Will advise the ultimate test which is listening to Pali Gap on this pressing once I have my new amp and actually listen to side 4. The true comparison will be to the Rainbow Bridge vinyl not the CD because to me the CD version of Pali Gap simply sucks.

[Experiencereunited]

I should clarify the Universal CD with Pali Gap on it sucks. I have not heard the legacy CD to see if it is any better.

[Fenders Fingers]

EXPUNT, Way to go ............................ vinyl :-) Don't wait to play side 4, do it now and enjoy THEN hear the difference with the new amp. You'll hear the difference again with a new TT. buy with care/. Have a good listen to a few in your price range. Spend as much as you can on the deck as you can upgrade everything else over time.
Anyway just a comment regards your post. In no way can you A/B vinyl against CD, vinyl sounds so much better EVERYTIME. Even if the vinyl is mastered from digital as would the CD the differences are huge. I would like to hear the differences between the Legacy vinyl and that of MCA/Universal, if any.
Planning a Rainbow Bridge vinyl fest later today. Gonna check all my copies against each other.

[dino77]

I always forget that it didn't get a release back then. I imagine Prof. Stoned's rip is the best representation of the material at this time.



Usually love Stoned's rips, but it seems he boosted the treble and bass a great deal on that transfer. I prefer an 80's vinyl of RB. Or the 90's bootleg cd.

[purple jim]

I have the p20p's but not an RB. Just why this release was overlooked back in the 80's when the powers that be wanted to digitise anything that moved is beyond me.

Douglas hated "Rainbow Bridge", which is why he decided to leave it off catalogue. Then he destroyed "Cry Of Love" by doing "Voodoo Schloop". :(

[Experiencereunited]

I always knew there was a reason I didn't like Douglas besides his Frankenstein tendencies. His view of Rainbow Bridge was the exact opposite of mine. I found it to be my favorite of all and in many ways even more than the Canon of LPs released during Jimi's lifetime. The pacing of the Rainbow Bridge LP was just perfect to me. With only Look Over Yonder being slightly out of place. Just the same it seemed to go with the whole feel of the album even though it was an Experience track through and through and not 69/70 type track.

[trampledunderfoot]

Usually love Stoned's rips, but it seems he boosted the treble and bass a great deal on that transfer. I prefer an 80's vinyl of RB. Or the 90's bootleg cd.

I might have misspoken. Still, I'm a fan of his work, and it sounds good to me.

[bluesunday]

Since the Experience Hendrix posthumous compilation South Saturn Delta is about to be re-released on CD & viny I thought I'd take a look back at this underrated and often overlooked album.

MESSAGE TO THE UNIVERSE (MESSAGE OF LOVE)
Probably the weakest track on this collection. However it's nice that they included something from Jimi's Gypsy Sun & Rainbows period.
.

Why is this the weakest track in the collection? It' a beautiful version, with light, lush strumming provided by Larry Lee. It's one of my favorites. It's not weak at all. Listen to the power of this tune from the Woodstock performance. Now imagine if Michael Jeffries had given his full blessing on this band, supporting Jim's desire to expand his sound. Would have put BOG to shame.....

[ranasakawa]

Why is this the weakest track in the collection? It' a beautiful version, with light, lush strumming provided by Larry Lee. It's one of my favorites. It's not weak at all. Listen to the power of this tune from the Woodstock performance. Now imagine if Michael Jeffries had given his full blessing on this band, supporting Jim's desire to expand his sound. Would have put BOG to shame.....


One of my favorite songs on that compilation was and still is 'Message To The Universe (Message To Love)' from August 1969.

[Makkinen]

Yes, I agree. Message to the Universe - absolutely fantastic!
I really feel sorry for those who can't hear it.
Maybe a few consecutive hearings might help them (no sarcasm).

[Experiencereunited]

As most of you probably know I have really enjoyed my South Saturn Delta but the true comparisons are to the old vinyl. War Heroes and Rainbow Bridge to be specific. Unfortunately I sold my Polydor pressing of War Heroes back to a record store as the import War Heroes became available on CD (import to the US that is). BTW the Polydor CD is very good of War Heroes nice and "warm". So if you can find it it is a very nice CD. As most who read this should know I also love my Rainbow Bridge German Reprise pressing K44159 about as much as I have ever loved any lp. Also you have probably seen me complain that Pali Gap and Rainbow Bridge were never right on the CDs as compared to at least the K44159 pressings. Now that I own South Saturn Delta on Vinyl and after comparisons I can tell you that the new audiophile pressing from Legacy while completely blowing away both the legacy and universal CD versions still does not compare to the K44159 German pressing. Something about the new vinyl just sounds stiff for lack of better words. I friggin love the K44159 pressing I have and what is most interesting is to see others say the original US pressing may be even better. Bottom line SSD new vinyl is really good so much better than the CDs but I still like the K44159 Rainbow Bridge pressing better for the songs that are common to both.

[Fenders Fingers]

As most of you probably know I have really enjoyed my South Saturn Delta but the true comparisons are to the old vinyl. War Heroes and Rainbow Bridge to be specific. Unfortunately I sold my Polydor pressing of War Heroes back to a record store as the import War Heroes became available on CD (import to the US that is). BTW the Polydor CD is very good of War Heroes nice and "warm". So if you can find it it is a very nice CD. As most who read this should know I also love my Rainbow Bridge German Reprise pressing K44159 about as much as I have ever loved any lp. Also you have probably seen me complain that Pali Gap and Rainbow Bridge were never right on the CDs as compared to at least the K44159 pressings. Now that I own South Saturn Delta on Vinyl and after comparisons I can tell you that the new audiophile pressing from Legacy while completely blowing away both the legacy and universal CD versions still does not compare to the K44159 German pressing. Something about the new vinyl just sounds stiff for lack of better words. I friggin love the K44159 pressing I have and what is most interesting is to see others say the original US pressing may be even better. Bottom line SSD new vinyl is really good so much better than the CDs but I still like the K44159 Rainbow Bridge pressing better for the songs that are common to both.

Can't say I hear much if any difference between the German Polydor and either of the Reprise (US / Canada) LP's I own, so maybe your not missing anything here :-)
I just mailed an audiophile pressing company with the suggestion of obtaining the licence for RB. Most likely nothing will come of it but at least I tried :-) These chaps also put this stuff out on SACD, which would be a first if it were to happen.

[trampledunderfoot]

I'll have to pick up a copy of South Saturn Delta for when (if?) I eventually get a good enough set-up to listen to it on.

[Experiencereunited]

After listening to SSD on vinyl many times now I can say it really is a great album IMO. Love SSD itself and side 3 is really great Also Drifter's Escape, Midnight and Bleeding Heart are not so harsh they are almost unbearable as they are on the CD versions. Just nice clean Jimi. (Still like Rainbow Bridge better though)

[crazydiamond13]

Midnight Lightning is my fav on this compilation. Gives me shivers to hear Hendrix alone with his guitar.