REVOLVER:THE MUSIC world has gone box-set crazy. Over the next few weeks there are three major and expensive multi-disc releases by some big hitters with loyal fanbases: Pink Floyd, The Smiths and U2.
There is some “new” music on all three releases, but all are anchored by works originally released decades ago. While there have been super-duper box-set releases by big names before, this crop are different in that they will all likely chart and sales will be watched carefully by the industry as we officially enter the era of the “super deluxe” edition.
I could fill this whole page and a few other besides detailing just how much bang for your buck you will get if you purchase the six-disc "Immersion Edition" of Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon, out on September 23rd.
You begin with the bog standard original album (albeit remastered), then any number of permutations on that basic audio – complete with alternate versions, different mixes, and even the original demos. There’s also a few documentaries thrown in, live footage and some other stuff I don’t even understand (I had to ask a sound engineer what they meant).
And that's all before you get to the extra extras, which read: "40-page 27cm x 27cm booklet designed by Storm Thorgerson; exclusive photo book edited by Jill Furmanovsky; 27cm x 27cm exclusive Storm Thorgerson art print; five collectors' cards featuring art and comments by Storm Thorgerson; replica of The Dark Side of the Moontour ticket; replica of The Dark Side of the Moonbackstage pass; scarf; three black marbles; nine coasters (unique to this box) featuring early Storm Thorgerson design sketches; 4-8 page credits booklet".
It’s the three black marbles that intrigue me.
If you find the whole “immersion” package a bit of a sensory overload, don’t worry – there’s an “Experience” edition of the album available as well. They’ve got this down to just two discs plus selected highlights from the extra extras listed above. You’ll have to sacrifice the three black marbles and the scarf if you opt for this “tier” of purchase.
Bono is throwing a pair of his sunglasses into the "Uber Deluxe Editon" of Achtung Baby(out on October 28th). This sounds more like an Ikea purchase than a music album. The "uber" includes a limited-edition "magnetic puzzle tiled box", which contains a wallet containing six CDs discs (the album, follow-up Zooropa, remixes and reworkings from Achtung Babysessions, etc); a wallet with four DVD discs (including the From the Sky Downdocumentary, Zoo TV: Live from Sydney, videos and bonus material); the album on 180gsm black vinyl in a wide spine sleeve with two inner bags; and five seven-inch clear vinyl singles in original sleeves housed in a slipcase.
There's also a 84-page hardback book; a 16-page 12-inch x 12-inch oversized booklet; Bono's trademark "The Fly" sunglasses; four enamel badges; Propagandamagazine; 16 art prints in a wallet; a sticker sheet; and an exclusive numbered lithograph.
Was it really necessary to tell us the badges are made of enamel? But maybe this is the new direction music is taking. Either way, there’s also a “Super Deluxe” edition available, but don’t think you’re getting the enamel badges.
No marbles, scarves or sunglasses with The Complete Smiths: Collector's Edition(out next week). But you do get "eight CD mini LP albums; eight 12-inch LP albums; 25 seven-inch singles; The Complete PictureDVD; eight 12-inch art prints; single and album artwork poster; code to download the catalogue as high-quality MP3s; a booklet with new liner notes and foreword by Johnny Marr".
Christ, would it have killed them to have thrown in some freshly cut gladioli with this? I kind of feel short-changed.
MIXED BAG
The newFlorence the Machine album sounds very brilliant indeed. It will be in the final mix for the album of the year competition.
That newSnow Patrol video – it's like a bad Carry Onfilm.
