Collector’s choice — The top box sets for 2024 features WAR

The glorious and ever-so-coveted ‘box set’ has been a target and focal point of music collectors since the inception of the idea. There is no one protocol nor size, shape or form with which box sets are envisioned, created, released and brought to market, and that is probably one of the most, if not the most, attractive quality about the format. Many times, the packaging is just as desirable, or more desirable as the music media itself, and quite frequently a collector will choose a box set based on the physical beauty of its appearance and its ‘additional contents’ (booklets, photographs, inserts, etc.), over the music.

More than likely, the earliest recognized music packaging that would qualify for today’s definitions of a box set, were circa ’40s and ’50s collections of 7-inch, 10-inch and 12-inch shellac and vinyl recordings, containing several discs (more than two), representing an artist’s discography or a record label’s catalog, and more than not were of the genres of Blues, Classical or Big Band Jazz. Now, decades later, a collector can find and acquire box set releases from almost every record label, countless amount of recording artists, and from virtually every genre of music.

Based on the musical mindset of a ‘collector’ — of which I am one who wields the disease — I have scoured the 2024 year via many and various venues (YouTube Vinyl Community, other music publications, social media and others), to assess what are some of the most desired box sets of the year. Welcome to Goldmine’s top 15 collector’s choices of the year — we hope you don’t overdose.

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^{(in alphabetical order)}

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The Beatles

1964 U.S. Albums in Mono

^{Capitol Records / Apple Corp. /  UMe}

If you’re not quite the die-hard Beatles collector, historian or aficionado, but are still a fan of the Fab Four and their most amazing catalog of music, you may not be aware of the following: after the band’s 1963 British ‘albums’ debut, it wasn’t until the following year, in 1964, that first Beatle’s full-length records would be released in America.  What’s more monumental is that Capitol Records would release a whopping seven (7) Beatles albums in one calendar year, that would differ from their U.K. counterparts. One significant difference was that the original U.S. mastering engineer, Dave Dexter, modified the mixes to incorporate a much more resonant sound, more palatable to the American audience, and became controversial especially with The Beatle’s U.K. team, including producer George Martin. Nevertheless, they sold like wildfire and the rest is history.

To the tune of Beatlemania, Universal Music has released a FAB-ulous box set containing original mono mix remasters of these first seven albums in a simple yet glorious package — The Beatles, 1964 U.S. Albums in Mono, making it one of the most talked about and sought after box set releases of the year. The box contains the albums: Meet The Beatles!; The Beatles’ Second Album; A Hard Day’s Night (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack); Something New; The Beatles’ Story (double LP); Beatles ’65; and The Early Beatles, all immaculately remastered by Ken Reeves. Each album contains pristinely reproduced artwork and includes 4-panel inserts specific to each individual release, with liner notes by Beatles historian and author, Bruce Spizer. As well, each album includes a replica of an original inner sleeve and each disc housed in a separate poly-lined sleeve. After having reviewed all seven individually — with very discerning ears and an even more discerning HiFi system — each of these selections playback with incredible dynamic range and fidelity, without losing the character of the originals. This release is by far a MUST HAVE for any and everyone, not just The Beatles collectors.   Get your copy.

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The Chick Corea Electrik Band

The Complete Studio Recordings 1986-1991

^{Candid Records}

The iconic Chick Corea assembled his mid-career ensemble — The Chick Corea Electrik Band — in the mid ’80s, which included an array of other iconic musicians (some what of a supergroup, if you will). The Electrik Band included the likes of Dave Weckl, Eric Marienthal, Frank Gambale, and John Patitucci. Out of his almost 60-year recording career, up until his passing in 2021, this lineup is regarded as creating some of Corea’s most eclectic fusion and contemporary jazz music. This particular ensemble of Corea’s would end up putting out a total of nine albums. The original incarnation would disband in the mid ’90s, releasing a total of six albums (5 studio and 1 live) but would reform with the same line-up in the mid-2000s, with Chick Corea releasing the remainder of the band’s catalog, coming to its finale in 2023 (the last album released posthumously of Corea).

In 2024, Candid Records (the legacy jazz powerhouse label), gathered together the original master tapes for the entire five album discography of the band’s first run of releases (from ’86 to ’91) and has brought forth one of the best vinyl box set issues of the year. Fully remastered with absolute precision, and reimagined the way they were supposed to be from the beginning.  The original single LP releases omitted songs that were intended to be included, but because of single-disc space, could not be.  Candid has reissued these in this fantastic box set as double LP albums which now include the omitted material.  The box includes five double disc record albums (a total of 10 records) with a pack of collectible extras, including: a tour book, exclusive photos, a poster and a laminate. If you love Chick Corea and Jazz Fusion, this is a no brainer.  Find your copy (here).

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Deep Purple 

= 1  — Limited Edition Box Set

^{e۰a۰r Music / EDEL}

Legacy rockers, Deep Purple, have made the year fantastic for many fans of classic-era rock bands. In mid-2024, the group released their 23rd studio album out of an impressive discography that has spanned over a 55-year tenure. The modern day incarnation of the band — which contains many of its original and and/or very early members, including Ian Gillan, Ian Paice and Roger Glover — recorded and released their 23rd studio installment to amazing critical acclaim and high accolades; simply put, the =1 album is a conflagration of music on fire. In September of 2024, Goldmine gave our readers an expository, full analysis review of the album, and you can read it (here) for a deeper dive into the release.  Simultaneously with the launch of the double LP vinyl album and its CD/DVD, and cassette tape album counterparts, =1 came available as a deluxe, limited edition box set that will blow minds and satisfy many musical palates.

Considering most box sets in these days and times come with a considerable cost, the price point of this special release of the album was impressively affordable in juxtaposition with all of the incredible media and ‘extras’ that it comes with — this thing is literally under $100 USD! The =1 deluxe limited edition box set includes the following amazing items: (1) double LP vinyl album, (1) compact disc album which includes the Access All Areas DVD documentary, (3) 10-inch vinyl records of live in concert Deep Purple during their 2022 tour, a commemorative T-shirt (size extra-large only), (2) custom =1 guitar picks, a 12×12 commemorative art piece, a full sized booklet with all lyrics, and a commemorative lanyard. The Deep Purple = 1  Limited Edition Box Set presents itself as quite literally one of the most well-put-together box sets of the year. It is physically impressive and ‘Deep[ly]’ desirable, as well as sonically immaculate. This is one insane Deep Purple box!  Get your copy (here).

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Elvis Costello 

King of America & Other Realms (6-CD box set)

^{Universal / UMe}

So many albums and so little time to consider, if you are an Elvis Costello fan. Nevertheless, it is never a waste of time to spend time exploring the discography and immersing yourself in the music of the ‘other Elvis.’  The British self-proclaimed ‘King of America,’ has been making records for just short of 50 years, starting with the release of his debut album, My Aim is True (1977, Stiff Records), and maintaining worldwide musical success, spurred on by an incredibly sizable fandom. In 1986, the artist released the 10th album in his discography, King of America, under the moniker, The Costello Show, and it became one of his most accoladed recordings in the history of his name. Thought the album did not break into Top 10 charting it faired extremely well, internationally, entering the Top 100 and Top 40 in Billboard album charts in many countries. The album’s reputation, however, has afforded it to be consider one of Elvis Costello’s bona fide classics.

This year, Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) had the brilliant idea to expound upon this iconic album and gave to us, King of America & Other Realms — A six compact disc box set (even though it’s not in a ‘box,’ but in book-form) that includes the original album with a plethora of other Costello goodness. This new release contains a newly and pristinely remastered version of the King of America studio album.  The additional five discs are laden with recordings (which include rare outtakes and demos) recorded over a massive trek of the artist’s musical exploits through well-regarded geographies such as New Orleans, the Tennessee hot spots of Memphis and Nashville, and the legendary musical south, represented by the Mississippi holy grounds of Oxford and Clarksdale. The package also includes a beautifully presented 35-page, full-size booklet containing Costello’s essay about his recording experiences throughout his journey, as well as rare, never-before-seen photos. Don’t be left out; get your own copy (here).

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John Lennon

Mind Games — The Ultimate Collection (Super Deluxe Box Set and CD Box Set)

^{Lennon Music / Universal / UMe}

One of the most monumental recordings in the lexicon of music has received one of the most impressive collective reissues in the history of recorded music.  By a labor of love, Sean Ono Lennon and The John Lennon Estate, in partnership with Universal Music Group, has given 2024 quite possibly the most impressive music box set ever released.  John Lennon’s 1973 studio album, Mind Games, which has become a legendary icon within the annals recorded music and hosted the single release with the same name.  It is one of the most visually recognizable albums with a cover that Lennon himself designed.  With some of the most dedicated planning I have ever witnessed — with regard to a music release — Sean Lennon and Universal Music have reissued his father’s third studio album with two 2024 box sets of monumental proportions: Mind Games — The Ultimate Collection.  The two releases — a Super Deluxe box set and CD box set — both contain a lot of information to convey, with a plethora of tangibles related to each of the releases. Therefore, I will give concise but thorough descriptions, and then leave you with external links so you may discover further:

The Ultimate Collection (Super Deluxe Box Set) — This is simply the most incredible, musical puzzle piece you’ll ever experience (quite literally, as disassembling and reassembling the box is like an I.Q. puzzle test).  It is the most intricately, physically designed box set I have ever seen, and includes not only several incredible versions of the album (nine vinyl LPs, six standard CDs and two Blu-Ray audio discs in Dolby surround, including Atmos mixes), but also offers very creative interactive elements with which the owner can participate, and a ton of extras including a phenomenal full sized hardcover book. This is my vote for not only the ‘box set of the year,’ but moreover, the box set of this (and the last) century. Disclaimer: it is limited to 1,100 units worldwide and it is NOT CHEAP … but it’s worth it.  To explore the finer details, (visit here).

The Ultimate Collection (6-CD Box Set) — For those who would love to experience all of the sonic elements of the Super Deluxe Box Set — without having to take out a second mortgage or forsake your rent for a month — UMe has condensed this incredible remastered/reissue in a 6-CD + 2-Blu-Ray audio discs box set, that is beyond the level of satisfying. The sonic playback of this digital format offering is utterly brilliant.  It is definitely the affordable way to go without feeling like you are missing out on the most important part of these box sets … the music.  Each compact disc and Blu-Ray audio disc contains the same incredible variations of the album that the Super Deluxe Box Set includes.  It contains post cards and an interactive participation game that revolves around clues provided in and around this CD box set.  It also includes a full-size hardcover book on the history of Mind Games (though slightly smaller and different than the one in the deluxe box set).  For more detailed information on this version of the release, (visit here).

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Joni Mitchell

Archives, Vol. 4: The Asylum Years 1976-1980 (LP and CD Versions)

^{Rhino Records / Warner Music Group}

When taking into account the ‘box set’ aspect of this release — with quality and content considered — this 4th volume of archival, never-before-released live and studio performances from Mitchell was a no-brainer to include on our list, and just as much because collectors are saying so.  Over the past half decade, Rhino Entertainment began releasing a volumed series of Joni Mitchell’s unreleased archival material, beginning in 2020 with Archives Volume 1: The Early Years 1963-1967; followed in 2021 by Archives Volume 2: The Reprise Years (1968-1971); and finally, in 2023 with Archives Volume 3: The Asylum Years (1972-1975). This year, the box set series was furthered by the edition of Archives, Vol. 4: The Asylum Years 1976-1980, with a cornucopia of live performances, intimate one-on-one sessions, and studio recordings that greatly and impressively differ from the past volumes. From a period of time where the artist was exploring and being expressive, outside of ‘her box’ (no pun intended), this release is packed with so much insanely good, never explored, eclectic material.  With one-on-one sessions at Gordon Lightfoot’s house, avant-garde recordings with Herbie Hancock, and live performances at a plethora of various venues over a five-year period, there is a healthy and overwhelming amount of Joni Mitchell surprises to discover.

As always, Rhino did an outstanding job designing, compiling and producing this box set.  Joni Mitchell – Archives Vol. 4: The Asylum Years 1976-1980 was made available on both the vinyl record and compact disc formats.  The release comes to you either as a four full-length LP disc ‘highlights version,’ or a ‘full version’ 6-CD variant.  The vinyl version contains condensed selections from the compact disc box, with everything chosen for inclusion by Mitchell, herself. Also, both include an expository book including never-before-seen photography, and insights and stories about this period of her career, of which she orates to her friend and confidante, Cameron Crowe.  I would suggest that owning both copies is essential. Get your copies (here) and (here).

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Marillion

This Strange Engine — Deluxe Edition 2024 (LP and CD versions)

^{e۰a۰r Music / EDEL}

Marillion  simply continues to make amazing music, with which their fans don’t require any additional fluff to stay loyal (noting their most recent 2023 studio effort, Silent & High The Making of Sounds That Can’t Be Made).  In 1997, the band would release their 18th full-length album, This Strange Engine — an endemically unique style of modern progressive and symphonic rock which, in the consensus of their fandom, became one of Marillion’s most revered albums.  With a mixture of big rock orchestrations, intelligently crafted songs in the vein of rock and folk, and incredible musicianship, the band and the album were worthy of this 2024 deluxe edition re-release with this incredible box set remaster / reissue.  This Strange Engine has been reissued many times since its inception, but nothing upon nothing rivals Ear Music’s 2024 box set reimagined LP box set and CD book versions of this incredible Marillion album.

The vinyl LP variant comes in compact yet full-sized box containing a gloriously remix and remaster of the original album on double LP discs, sounding better than any other vinyl version ever put out.  Moreover, it includes three more vinyl records that document the band’s Live in Grand Rapids (Michigan) 1997 performance, never before released.  The live recording is so good that if it was released as a stand-alone recording, it would have made Goldmine’s picks for best live album releases of 2024. In addition, the box contains a full-size book with extensive liner notes, song lyrics and never-before-seen photos.  The compact disc variant is in hardcover book form and is chock-full of six CDs which include even more material aside from the studio album and live recording, with a disc dedicated to B sides and bonus material both studio recordings and live performances.  To top it off, it contains a book (similar to the LP version) and a Blu-Ray disc with documentary and additional, visual live performance footage.  You need both, and here is where you can find them (LP / CD).

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Miles Davis

Miles in France 1963 1964, Miles Davis Quintet, The Bootleg Series, Vol. 8 (LP and CD versions)

^{Sony Legacy}

Miles Davis, whether billed solo or as an ensemble, has garnered, over his lifetime as well as posthumously, an almost literally uncountable amount of recorded music releases to attend to, and they just don’t seem to stop coming.  This is by far, not a bad thing.  With the rise in popularity of ‘never-before-heard,’ archival music releases over the past decade-plus, the Miles Davis Bootleg Series is one to be greatly acknowledged.  This year, the highly respected and regarded Sony Legacy label gave Miles Davis fans (and box set aficionados) a treat, with the release of the eighth installment of the artist’s bootleg archival series, offering two magnanimous box set releases — one vinyl LP release, and one on compact disc format.  This release is truly one of 2024’s best, not only with regard to box sets, but simply in every general way.  This particular release in the famed ‘bootleg series,’ puts emphasis on the second most notarized Miles Davis Quintet incarnation, which included Davis himself, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Tony Williams, and either Wayne Shorter or George Coleman (on tenor saxophone) at any given time.  It seemed there was a level of fandom that the nation of France expressed to Davis, in ways that his home nation did not, and it is evident here, in these recordings.

This box set release is an extension of the 1964 album, Miles in Europe, which was recorded in 1963, at the Festival Mondial du Jazz in Antibes, France.  Though, the release did not make Goldmine’s picks for best live album releases of 2024 (though it was close considering the limited releases we chose), it was already in consideration for best box sets, and so here it is.  The LP version of the release comes with a monumental eight LPs which include four hours of previously unreleased material and six hours of music in total. It also includes a full-size, 20-page book that commemorates the release and the performances. The 6-CD variant is similar in contents and packaging, additionally including a 32-page book of unseen photos, historical ephemera and fully encompassing liner notes.  Get either copy or both, for yourself (LP or CD).

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NAS

Illmatic — 30th Anniversary Limited Edition 7-inch Box Set

^{Get On Down Records / Columbia / Sony Music}

Over a 50-year tenure within the lexicon of historic hip hop/rap artists, there amongst the greats, includes the Brooklyn, New York-based emcee, NAS.  The New York City rapper — since the inception of his 1994 debut album, Illmatic — has secured himself and his music as a staple in the legacy of hip hop music and culture.  Illmatic has become a monument and a template that many hip hop recording artist’s who’ve come after, have based their inspirations and a pattern for their own music, upon.  I have been fortunate to be of the first generation of hip hop kids and I have lived to see and experience the growth and success of the genre, firsthand (not to mention being Goldmine’s resident authority on hip hop).  Having been exposed to this album upon its initial release, I can attest that hearing this record for the first time back in 1994, was a priceless gift.  Based on the calendar year of the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop (internationally branded as ‘Hip Hop 50’), on September 30, 2024, Goldmine included this fantastic remastered/reissue of the Illmatic album (Get On Down Records) in our Goldmine presents the best of Hip Hop 50 article.

The hip hop reissue label, Get On Down Records, has once again made a Goldmine ‘Best Of’ list with the very same release, and for extremely good reason.  The label’s 2024 interpolation of Illmatic is absolutely brilliant.  It is simple yet impressive to the hilt. The box set includes the entire Illmatic album, pressed over five 7-inch vinyl records, with a sixth 7-inch record containing remixes of two of the album’s songs for a total of six 7-inch vinyl records.  Each record is presented in its own cardstock slipcase and includes a 66-page glue-bound booklet commemorating the release (also housed in its own cardstock pocket) — everything housed in a high-gauge cardboard slipcase box.  This is a must have for every hip hop music aficionado.  (Here) is how to get your copy.  Only 3,000 worldwide.

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Pavlov’s Dog

Essential Recordings 1974 – 2018  (LP and CD versions)

^{Ruf Records}

Pavlov’s Dog is an American rock band formed in 1972 in St. Louis, Missouri, whose initial run with its original ensemble was glorious but short-lived, a mere half of a decade, then temporarily disbanding, having, within that tenure, recorded two full-length albums (1975’s Pampered Menial, and 1976’s At the Sound of the Bell).  In this time frame, the band had recorded a third album (Has Anyone Here Seen Sigfried?), but because sales of the first two were unsuccessful in the eyes of Columbia Records, the album would be shelved to be forgotten, spurring on the band’s breakup.  The master tapes were at some point stolen and a copy of the recording surfaced under the name, The St. Louis Hounds, without any reference to Pavlov’s Dog, and nothing more than a bootleg copy was ever released.  The band would reform 13 years after their initial disbandment, in 1990, for one year, recording and releasing another full-length studio album (Lost in America), deeming it their ‘third’ studio effort, garnering little yet favorable critical acclaim, but unfortunately disbanding again for another 14 years.  A regrouping to perform and tour in 2004 would revive the band, and six years subsequent they would record an ‘official’ fourth studio album.  This would be the catalyst for a bona fide revival of Pavlov’s Dog initiating one live album and three further studio recordings, bringing the band to 2018, when they would release their last and most current album, Prodigal Dreamer.

In 2024, the fantastic Ruf Records — Europe’s premier independent blues and rock label — released a simple, no frills, yet incredible box set, of remastered versions of the band’s most essential albums. The vinyl box contains incredibly-well reproduced reissues of Pampered Menial, At the Sound of the Bell, Lost in America, and their most current LP, Prodigal Dreamer, and as well, including a properly remastered copy of their lost album, Has Anyone Here Seen Sigfried (with all new artwork).  It was released in a heavy cardstock box, all with a mixture default-black and colored vinyl variants, and all on 180-gram vinyl discs.  The compact disc version comes in an exact replica of the vinyl box, however, Has Anyone Here Seen Sigfried includes ‘nine’ additional unreleased bonus tracks not found on the vinyl LP.  This is another example of a 2024 box set which is worth its weight in cost for this much music.  Get your copies (LP box, CD box).

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Queen

Queen I — Super Deluxe Edition Collector’s Box Set 

^{Hollywood Records}

From the standpoint of major music releases, any music fan can make a list of the top 100 releases, and every one of them has been reissued so many times, that it eventually can be considered monotony.  The bigger the band, the more reissues over time, and the more it becomes droned-out and virtually null and numb (though you can bet collectors will still buy them — I’m one of them, self-incriminated and guilty as charged).  However, every so often a reimagined music release comes along, and regardless of the plethora of times that it has been re-served to the public, it tantalizes the musical senses and the collector’s disease, and hits a solid home run.  Such is the case with Hollywood Record’s 2024, jam-packed, super-deluxe box set of Queen’s debut studio album — Queen I (originally self-titled as simply, Queen).  While the debut did not birth many of the band’s most notable hits, it did contain their first hit, “Keep Yourself Alive,” and the singles, “Liar” and Seven Seas of Rhye,” as well as contained some of the band’s best album tracks to date.

On October 25, 2024, Hollywood Records released a monumental box set, honoring the grandiose of this historic record album, with many adjustments, changes, additions and extras, for the first time since this album’s original 1973 inception.  The release is compiled, first and foremost, with a 2024 remix of the album, from the original studio tapes, with the original ‘intended’ song sequence (both on 180-gram vinyl LP and CD).  The further additional five compact discs present: demos versions of many of the album’s songs recorded at De Lane Lea Studios (London), outtakes from the actual recording sessions from the entire tracklisting of the album, a disc full of the backing tracks (instrumentals) from each song on the album, a disc of BBC recordings, and a disc containing actual live performances of the band between 1970 and 1976.  In addition, included is a 7-inch single of  “Keep Yourself Alive” b/w “Doing All Right,” a full-size hardcover book which contains rare photos and memorabilia, and liner notes by Mark Blake (Queen’s longtime biographer). Inserts include a reproduced press release for the album debut, and a replicated tour program from Queen’s 1973 tour of the U.K.  The entire package has been produced so incredibly well, that it would behoove you to obtain a copy (even if you already have multiple copies of Queen I.  You can treat yourself to a copy (here).

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The Rolling Stones

Early Years — Goldmine Limited Special Collector’s Edition

^{Goldmine Magazine  / ABKCO Records}

Between the years of 1964 and 1966 may very well be the most important years for British legacy rockers, The Rolling Stones.  While many of their later ’60s and ’70s releases are traditionally and generally more noted, revered and coveted within popular music culture, it is the band’s earliest material that laid the foundation for their competence, talents and uniqueness with regard to their musicianship, composing, songwriting and performing, and set them apart from many other of their British invasion peers.  Within that two year time frame, the band recorded and released seven full-length albums (six studio albums and one live), a feat even higher than The Beatles accomplished.  Die-hard Rolling Stones fans hold the band’s earliest recordings within these years, near and dear, as much as they do their more classic rock era material.  However, finding pristine and highly collectible-condition early-pressing copies of early originals is not always dollar-friendly, nor are they easy to discover simply by flipping through the record bins at even the most reputable independent record shops.

In 2024, Goldmine partnered with ABKCO Records to bring about a box set release containing four of The Rolling Stones most revered early albums.  Goldmine, with a 50-year history as a major music publication, and whose premise is focused heavily on the wants and needs of ‘the collector’ and the physical media aspect of music fandom, has the wherewithal to understand and provide its readers and music fans with what they desire inside the realm of legacy music.  The box set was released on April 6, 2024, on vinyl LP only.  It is composed of three of The Stones’ early studio recordings — the band’s 1964 debut, England’s Newest Hit Makers (which was the North American title only); 1964’s iconic, 12×5 (an expanded compilation based on their U.K. EP, 5×5); the band’s third U.S. studio album, 1965’s The Rolling Stones Now!; and as well, their first live album release, Got Live if You Want It!, from 1966 (which followed their Aftermath album).  All records are pressed immaculately on heavyweight, 180-gram vinyl discs (with 12×5 pressed as a Goldmine exclusive on gold vinyl).  The playback audio is fantastic sounding, and I experienced no defects visually or sonically.  The box also includes an incredible full-size 100-page softcover book featuring a historical account of the band’s ‘early years’ (from ’63-’66), with original photos and memorabilia.  This is a hand-numbered box set, limited to only 300 copies worldwide! Please know that our choice to include this release on our list was as unbiased as unbiased gets.  It really is THAT GOOD. Get yours while they’re still available, (here).

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Sonny Rollins

Freedom Weaver — The 1959 European Tour Recordings

^{Resonance Records}

One of the most noted influential musicians in recorded music history, is the American jazz saxophonist and composer, Walter Theodore “Sonny” Rollins. Rollins is credited with being one of the earliest musicians to play in favor of pulling away from big band jazz and moving into the rebellious style of ‘Be Bop,’ as well as one of the most noted players who ushered in the subsequent style of the ‘hard bop,’ jazz sub-genre in the early ’50s.  Rollins owns a discography that is equal to peers such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Art Tatum and Thelonious Monk, with over 300 releases combined (studio, live and compilations).  Though the artist has officially retired from recording and performing (as of one decade ago), new Sonny Rollins material continues to be compiled and reissued, as well as archival, unreleased music, discovered and released into the universal musical ethers.  In the recent years, archival albums (recordings of work by artist’s that have gone unpublished, never released, lost, shelved by record labels, or a combination of these), have become an extremely sought after format, and more than any other musical genre, in the realm of Jazz.

The masters and forerunners of archival music releases in Jazz, has been the illustrious jazz music label — Resonance Records, under the passionate direction of the modern day King of Jazz, producer, Zev Feldman. In 2024, Resonance Records, under the direction of Feldman, issued a new Sonny Rollins ‘labor of love’ into the 2024 catalog of Record Store Day releases with the Freedom Weaver — The 1959 European Tour Recordings, LP and CD box sets.  The tracks included in these never-before-heard recordings were originally captured for radio and television, during Rollins’ 1959 European tour throughout Holland, France, Germany, Switzerland and Sweden. The release is full of intimate, organic and introspective performances by the iconic Rollins, to a point that you feel as if he is playing for you, smack dab in the middle of your private, personal space without interference from an audience’s recorded responses.  It resolves itself as one of the best series of Sonny Rollins performances, ever.  It has been made available to the jazz fan on both the LP and compact disc formats.  The LP box set contains his entire 1959 recorded European tour over a 180-gram heavy weight 4-LP box set with a full-size, 24 page commemorative book containing super extensive liner notes, interviews and unique photos akin to this release, documenting the music and the performances.  The compact disc variant contains the exact same musical content over a 3-CD set, with a 60-page booklet containing the same contents as the LP box book. It is definitely one of the best jazz releases of 2024.  Own your copy of the (LP box) or (CD version).

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WAR

The Vinyl — 1977 to 1994  /  The CD Collection — 1977 to 1994

^{Avenue Records / Far Out Productions / Rhino Records}

In the realm of classic Soul and Funk, none is more unique in style, songs and sound, than WAR.  The legendary, Los Angeles-based icons have been perpetuating their most endemic sound for over a half a century without stopping, pausing, disbanding or being considered irrelevant.  Their fandom is one of international loyalty and dedication.  Their recordings are highly sought after and revered, and their live shows are, to this day, ones that continue to pack venues, globally.  WAR, as a band, has accomplished many great musical feats, some monumental, yet disregarded by the industry.  One of those situational zenith points in the band’s existence, was the fact that, in 1973, their fifth studio album (though their third album billed only as ‘WAR’), The World is a Ghetto, was the highest selling album of that year, out selling the likes of Dark Side of the Moon (Pink Floyd), Band on the Run (Paul McCartney and Wings), and Good Bye Yellow Brick Road (Elton John), just to name a few.  However, the band was deprived of the accolades it deserved, including being negated a well-earned Grammy Award for that year. In 2023, the band and long-time producer, Jerry Goldstein, released the album as ‘The Complete Sessions,’ which included the entire recorded excerpts from the actual recording sessions, which was documented and reviewed in a feature article in the Spring 2024 issue of Goldmine, as well as receiving  the cover of the magazine for that print edition.

To commemorate the band’s 50th Anniversary, WAR released the box set, The Vinyl: 1971-1975, immaculately conceived, and was included in the 2021 Record Store Day line-up, only released on vinyl.  The box set highlighted all of the band’s studio albums between that time frame, and was the first time those included albums were reissued since their original releases.  In 2024, as a follow-up box set, the band released, The Vinyl: 1977-1994 (as well as the compact disc variant, The CD Collection 1977-1994), for this year’s Record Store Day-Black Friday as an RSD Exclusive.  The 2024 box set is a perfect continuation of its predecessor. It highlights the studio albums within the band’s ’77 to ’94 discography that may not be as revered as their earliest material, but however, just as amazing and essential, including, Platinum Funk (1977); Galaxy (1977); The Music Band (1979); Outlaw (1982); and Peace Sign (1994), both on LP (colored vinyl variants) and compact disc versions.  All music was remastered for this release by the iconic Bernie Grundman and sounds BETTER than you have ever experienced these recordings.  As well, each the LP and CD variant come with an appropriately full-sized 4-panel insert with liner notes by Grant Hier.  If you own the first box set (or even if you don’t), acquiring this release is a no-brainer.  Both are limited edition and highly recommended.  You can get your copies here (LP / CD).

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Wu-Tang Clan

Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) — 30th Anniversary Limited Edition 7-inch  Box Set

^{Get On Down Records / Sony Music Entertainment}

In the realm of historical hip hop (with 50 years of the genre to consider), no other classic era rap group can hold the torch higher and brighter than Wu-Tang Clan.  In the Golden and Classic Era of Hip Hop, three major New York City boroughs (Brooklyn, Queens and The Bronx ) were the traditional breeding grounds for the genres most notables.  However, in 1992, things would change, and Staten Island would be added to that map via Wu-Tang.  The core group, originally consisting of nine members: RZA, GZA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard (replaced by Cappadonna after death), Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspecta Deck, U-God and Masta Killa, have all found success inside and outside of the Wu-Tang Clan collective over their 30-year tenure.  ‘The Wu’ would go on to spur many affiliate recording artists and established itself as a hip hop movement, outside of just being a self-contained rap group.  In 1993, they would launch their debut full-length album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), via Loud Records / Columbia, and the Hip Hop world would solidify its official transition into the Classic Era of Hip Hop.

To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of this megalithic album, Get On Down Records — the music industry’s premier hip hop reissue label — in 2023, would begin to produce and construct quite literally the best homage to this Wu-Tang Clan debut album that has ever been.  In March of 2024, the label would release Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) — 30th Anniversary Limited Edition 7-inch Box Set, which features the album spread over six 7-inch 45 rpm vinyl records, including a plethora of highly collectible extras.  The level of impressiveness that this release invokes, is extreme.  First and foremost, the box set presents these six 45 rpm singles on split yellow and black vinyl records, representative of the Wu-Tang signature colors, all safely kept in full-color inner sleeves.  Further, the box includes, a 60-page book titled, The Shaolinothology, with full liner notes; introspective commentary from Wu-Tang member, RZA; historical documentation by journalist Chris Faraone; archaic period-correct photos and rare images, as well as additional modern-day photos by Danny Hastings. As if putting a cherry on top of this release, it also includes a pack of trading cards featuring never-before-seen images, exclusive to the box set.  To put it mildly; everything included in this release is presented fantastically and sounds phenomenal.  It is one of my personal favorite box set releases of the year — an absolute must for any hip hop fan.  It is a limited-edition release; there are not many left, so get one while you can (here).  ⌘