The Clash, Sound System
This mammoth collection is unreal. It includes remastered versions of all five Clash albums, three discs of singles, rarities and the like, a DVD and all kinds of posters, stickers, even a fanzine. Everything was done under the watchful eye of Mick Jones. And if you don’t know who that is, you’re not allowed to buy this set.
Velvet Underground, White Light/White Heat
This three-CD collection is a fine opportunity to celebrate the life of one of the greats. Lou Reed might be gone, but fans can relive this magical recording. The collection includes a remastered edition of this seminal album as well as the usual rarities and outtakes and a 1967 concert recording.
The Who, Tommy Super Deluxe Edition
Witnessing the Stratford Festival’s phenomenal production of Tommy this summer might have rekindled your love affair with this incredible work. Well, this four-disc set will extend that magic moment considerably. And it will help fill the void until that big world tour, a possibility in 2015.
The Band, Live at the Academy of Music 1971
Here’s a brilliant concert from one of the most influential and beloved rock bands in history. And it kinda helps that they got together in Toronto backing up the one and only Ronnie Hawkins. This collection includes four CDs and a DVD, as well as a 48-page hardcover book with innumerable rare photos and other fun items.
Nirvana, In Utero 20th Anniversary Reissue
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of this monument to the Seattle grunge music scene, the In Utero box set includes three CDs and one DVD. As with the previously re-released Nevermind collection, In Utero shines when the production is stripped away from the songs and all of Kurt Cobain’s angry brilliance bubbles up.
The Jam, Studio Recordings Vinyl Box Set
Definitely an item for serious music aficionados, the Jam was legendary in its time but never achieved mainstream success in North America, like their contemporaries such as the Who and the Clash. This rather extensive collection includes six studio albums and two new albums, as well as a 44-page hardcover book and MP3 downloads of the albums.
