Eugene Chadbourne

In 1999, Eugene Chadbourne self-released Jimi, a collection of Jimi Hendrix covers from his '80s and '90s recordings. With uneven sound quality and many repeats in selections, the project was far from convincing. Following a tour of Italy dedicated to the guitar hero in November 2001, he released Jimi 2 (and deleted the previous album from his catalog). Much more satisfying, this CD-R is a must for the Doctor's fan and quite a ride for the unsuspecting Hendrix follower. For the occasion, the guitarist was accompanied by ex-Mothers of Invention drummer Jimmy Carl Black (with whom he forms the longstanding duo Jack and Jim) and keyboardist Pat Thomas. The way the album is edited gives it an early Zappa (or Playground Psychotics) flavor. It collages songs, Thomas' piano improvisations on the theme to "Electric Ladyland," and hotel room comments by Black on various topics. Guitar solos are wacky and Thomas provides incredibly atonal accompaniment (he's mad in "Foxy Lady"). The inevitable "Purple Haze" and "Little Wing" are given honest renditions, Chadbourne-style, but the treats are elsewhere, as in this mutated "Hey Joe," over which Black stamped the lyrics of the old Mothers' song "Flower Punk" (the worst thing is that it works!). "Spanish Castle Magic" gets a face-lift on banjo and the final "Electric Ladyland," delivered after three misleading piano introductions, makes an excellent closer. Axe purists should beware. ~ François Couture, All Music Guide