FOR THE MUSIC COMPLETISTS
We’ve assembled a list of five great seasonally released box sets to put under your tree
As long as classic rock fans are still breathing, each Christmas season will see another truckload of newly compiled greatest-hits sets, extra-special deluxe editions and remastered reissues of acts whose back catalogue most already own. The music industry’s ability to recycle its platinum players is proven.
But some are seeking something more than five different takes of Jim Morrison trying to find the best word flow for The End. They want something sparkling and new, or even quality vintage, placed under the tree.
With that in mind, this year we took a look at the many different seasonal releases that came over our desk to come up with some truly memorable box sets or limited-edition releases. The criteria were that the recordings contained unique or hard-to-source content, innovative design and quality sound.
Because everyone can appreciate some great music to share around at a family or friendly gathering while the cold wind blows outside. Considering that the idea of listening together should be enjoyable rather than accommodating an obsessive completist, nothing like the definitive cover versions of Hallelujah compilation was even considered. Here are our five standout seasonal special box sets or releases for the music fan:
1.
Too Late To Pray:
Defiant Chicago Roots
Various artists | Bloodshot Records For its 25th anniversary, the label revisits the concept of its 1994 debut compilation, For a Life of Sin: Insurgent Chicago Country. Providing an overview of all the diverse acts forming the Windy City roots/folk/rock scene, the 22-song set includes covers and originals from acts ranging from longtime label stable artists Robbie Fulks and Handsome Family to newer crews such as Wild Earp and the Free for Alls. The latter’s The Last Honkey Tonk in Chicago boasts a video of the band members visiting some of the city’s classic live venues and dive bars, getting into the spirit of the place. The music is raw, lively and swaggers. Even Rookie’s cover of Tears for Fears’ Head Over Heels takes the tune’s ’80s pop sheen and makes it into a snarky rocker.
2.
Craft Recordings
OK, this is a bit of a cheat. But in 2019, no other label specializing in reissues of classic, hard-tofind material and quality remastering did as bang-up a job as Craft Recordings. Owing to having access to an absolutely massive trove of both original master recordings and compositions, the label maintains meticulous standards in its releases, from original artwork to liner notes. Among the highlights of this year were the vinyl releases from Craft Latino — the Latin arm of the label — of classics on the groundbreaking Latin jazz hitmaking factory Fania Records. Until you’ve heard the 15-song Fania Goes Psychedelic compilation, you just don’t understand the place where merengue and marijuana met. Also out were brilliant Stax soul sides, a definitive Staples Singers career overview, a complete Chet Baker box set, and more.
3.
Herstory Vol. 1
Mary J. Blige | Universal Music Enterprises
R&b/hip-hop superstar Mary J. Blige doesn’t get the kind of respect she deserves these days, unless you are talking about her Oscar-nominated acting in Mudbound or role in Umbrella Academy. Back in the day, her blend of classic R&B, gospel and hip-hop hooks established her as one of the leaders of the new school of soul. This box set collects both hits and harder to find remixes across 2 LPS, eight 7” records, one CD and digital content. It’s a massive amount of funky deliciousness to take all at once. But with gems such as the Bad Boy remix of Love No Limit to the seminal Mary Jane (All Night Long) f. LL Cool J, this will indeed bring you joy. Turn it up and dance.
4.
Motorhead 1979
Motorhead | BMG
In one year, Motorhead dropped two of the best speed-metal releases of all time. Not only do Overkill and Bomber define the genre, they also rank as the late Lemmy Kilmister’s greatest moments with the original power trio lineup of the metal act with Lemmy on bass, Philthy Animal Taylor on drums and Fast Eddie Clarke on guitar. Besides new half-speed masters created from the original tapes for the vinyl and CD reissues, the package includes two double live albums of previously released concerts — both of which are fierce in their no-hold-barred rock approach — plus a 10 tune The Rest of ’79 B-sides compilation, the No Class 7” single, Melody Breaker story, Bomber tour program, the ’79 reproduction badge set and Overkill sheet music for you and your orchestra buddies to enjoy. OVERKILL INDEED.
5.
Drift Series 1
Underworld | Underworldlive.com Caroline International
From one of the genre’s most groundbreaking bands, comes this seven-disc set, complete with an informative 80-page booklet and Blu-ray capturing the video portion of the project. Drift captures one year in the life of Karl Hyde and Rick Smith’s music making from Nov. 1, 2018, to Nov. 1, 2019. During that period, the group played live shows all over the planet, releasing 52 new works with accompanying visuals. The project began with Another Silent Way and was followed by a new piece of music released online every Thursday for a year. Each track is illuminated in detail in the booklets mini essays and interviews. From the gurgling techno of Schiphol Test to the near jazzy swing of Custard Speedtalk or the hypnotic, minimalist groove of Appleshine, this represents some of the best music of the band’s career.