Giving vinyl collections is sound decision
It’s a vinyl world, CDs are just living in it.
Welcome to our all-vinyl gift guide for audiophiles, hipsters and anyone who wants to bring art, ritual and mindfulness back to the listening experience. (Warning: These sets aren’t for the meek of wallet — and range from $100 to more than $420, though you can probably find deals.)
• “The Vinyl Collection,” Midnight Oil
Do you really need all 11 Oil’s albums remastered on 180-gram vinyl plus its two EPs? Yes. The Australian quintet is the most underrated rock band of all time. Don’t argue. Go beyond the hits. Spin “Red Sails in the Sunset” for an anger and energy rivaling U2’s “War.” Try “Earth and Sun and Moon” for a record linking Pearl Jam and the Beatles. Discover a punk-prog hybrid that actually works in the 1978 debut album.
• “Exodus: 40th Anniversary Edition,” Bob Marley
Ziggy Marley revisited his dad’s original session recordings and created a “restatement” version. The younger Marley used his father’s original session recordings, including previously unused and unheard vocals and instrumentation. The new mix has the needed low-end thump of Aston “Family Man” Barrett, but the bass doesn’t wash out the crying guitar of Junior Marvin. This deluxe version also includes a live set recorded at London’s Rainbow Theatre, a “Punky Reggae Party” LP featuring new mixes and a pair of 7-inch singles.
• “The Complete Prestige 10-Inch LP Collection,” Thelonious Monk
A limited-edition box set needs to look great and sound better. This compilation of Monk’s 1952 to 1954 10-inch records does that. Each album has been carefully reproduced from jacket to LP label. But it’s the sound that’s truly amazing. Monk’s dissonant vamping on “Friday the Thirteenth” still feels revolutionary. And his sidemen are aces — listen to saxophone colossus Sonny Rollins practically invent the bebop/hard bop blend on “I Want to Be Happy.”