Box Sets
Daft Punk – Random Access Memories Deluxe Box Set
What: While Random Access Memories was surely one of most anticipated releases of the year, it was also one of the most expensive. With the hefty price tag on the album’s deluxe box set, it seems like Daft Punk is still trying to pay back their expenses for studio time and brain food. The latest assembly for the album includes a special 180-gram vinyl pressing, 56-page cloth-bound, hardcover photo book detailing the production of RAM, exclusive artwork, and a flash drive containing more exclusive material of the album.
Buy: MyPlay ($275)
Bob Dylan – The Complete Albums Collection Vol. 1
What: 46 Discs?! Yes, the new Bob Dylan box set encompasses every studio album the folk legend ever recorded, including 14 newly mastered titles. Even though it seems that there is new, previously unreleased material coming from Dylan every year, this is the biggest kahuna yet.
Buy: Amazon ($179.98)
Nirvana – In Utero Deluxe Reissue Box Set
What: In light of the album’s 20th anniversary, Nirvana’s nastiest unleashing, In Utero, was recently re-collected and assembled into a deluxe box set. What stirred up eager fans was the new set of masters of the album, including remastered and original Steven Albini cuts, but that’s not all. The box also contains a load of unreleased demos and the exclusive live show, Live & Loud, Live at Pier 48.
Buy: Amazon ($97)
The Velvet Underground – White Light/White Heat Deluxe Box Set
What: In continuing the trend of Velvet Underground album anniversaries, like last year’s redux of The Velvet Underground and Nico, White Light/White Heat has been repackaged into a three-disc, 30-track assembly of essential New York rock n’ roll. Aside from the stereo and mono recordings of the legendary sophomore album, unleashed John Cale session takes, live performances, and rare B-sides are packed into this deluxe celebration.
Buy: Amazon ($66.49)
Paul McCartney and Wings – Wings Over America Vinyl Box Set
What: Even though New is currently satisfying our Paul McCartney craving, revisiting the legendary Wing’s Wings over America in its deluxe arrangement should provoke the appeal even further. The 28-song recording has been newly remastered and paired with exclusive video content, eight unreleased tracks, four hardcover books, including unreleased interviews, his wife’s photo journal, drawings, photographs, and other memorabilia. If you couldn’t catch Macca on the road this summer, this is a great redemption to indulge in.
Buy: Amazon ($40)
The Jesus and Mary Chain – The Vinyl Collection
What: In light of their 30th anniversary as a band, The Jesus and Mary Chain plan on blowing out the candles with this mega vinyl box set, containing all of their studio albums, exclusive BBC recordings, and a treasure chest of B-sides. Each album will be written to virgin black vinyl using the original tapes at half-speed, ensuring that the highest quality recording is achieved. The band even let their fans become a part of the project through voting on their favorite rarities.
Buy: Amazon ($467)
The Rise & Fall of Paramount Records Vol. 1
What: Jack White has done his share of crate digging and rediscovery with Third Man Records, and his project with the legacy of Paramount Records exceeds all expectations. This mega box set includes over 800 tracks spanning from the label’s legacy (1917-1932), assuming both digital and vinyl formats. Its USB drive may be the most beautiful one of its kind, and its buried chestnut vinyl pressing warrants the same awestruck amazement. All of this music is packed into a custom-crafted chest with a few books detailing the label’s history and replicas of original advertisements and artwork.
Buy: Third Man Records ($400)
Public Enemy – 25th Anniversary Vinyl Collection
What: Throw your fists in the air, “fight the power,” and grab this Public Enemy box to let the revolution run through your veins. With all six of their studios albums pressed on 180-gram vinyl, these hip-hop classics will honor the words of Chuck D and Flava Flav in the best way possible.
Buy: Amazon ($123)
David Bowie – The Next Day Extra
What: We waited patiently for 10 years to hear another studio album from David Bowie, and it was definitely worth it. The Next Day Extra brings more rewards with its three-disc presentation, including a brand-new seven-song EP and DVD packed with music videos supporting the album’s singles. This collection also features an additional reinterpretation of the Heroes artwork, another rockin’ set of tracks from the Thin White Duke.
Buy: Amazon ($19.88)
The Clash’s Sound System
What: Punk legends The Clash have put together their first box set, which includes remastered cuts of all of their studio albums (1977′s The Clash, 1978′s Give ‘Em Enough Rope, 1979′s London Calling, 1980′s Sandinista!, and 1982′s Combat Rock), unreleased demos, and exclusive video content. Their retro boombox casing is a deep treasure chest of exclusive Clash swag. Along with the discs above, it includes dog tags, stickers, badges, fanzines, posters, and more. Grab your patch-loaded jean jacket, throw this boom box over your shoulder, and revisit some punk classics in a whole new way.
Buy: Amazon ($162.86)
Woody Guthrie- American Radical Patriot Box Set
What: The latest offering from Woody Guthrie’s undercover catalog digs into his employment with the US government, revealing both musical and government recordings never heard before. Whether these songs were written for a health service education video or an exclusive performance for the Bonneville Power Administration, fans are given yet another dimension to the sophisticated legend of Woody Guthrie. The 7xCD and 1xLP set is bound within a beautiful hardcover book, including more in-depth analysis connecting his music to the history of 1940’s America.
Buy: Amazon ($89.49)