As the holiday shopping season reaches its peak, finding the perfect gift for music fans can be a challenge. Luckily, the music industry always delivers with a wide selection of box sets and special collections. In this article, we delve into the world of anthology releases to uncover some of the best options available. From Joni Mitchell's 'Archives Vol. 3' to Van Halen's 'The Collection II,' these releases offer a treasure trove of musical delights, including demos, alternate takes, and rare concert recordings. Let's dive in and explore the musical wonders that await!
Joni Mitchell: 'Archives Vol. 3 – The Asylum Years 1972-1975'
Explore the musical riches of Joni Mitchell's 'Archives Vol. 3' box set
Joni Mitchell's 'Archives Vol. 3' takes us on a journey through her most musically rich period. This box set covers the albums 'For the Roses,' 'Court And Spark,' and 'The Hissing Of Summer Lawns.' While the original albums are available separately, this five-CD set offers a treasure trove of demos, alternate takes, and even full concerts.
Discover hidden gems like a session with Graham Nash and David Crosby, as well as versions of 'You Turn Me On I'm a Radio' and 'Raised On Robbery' featuring Neil Young & the Stray Gators. Mitchell's extensive vault of unreleased material continues to captivate fans and showcase her artistry.
Van Halen: 'The Collection II'
Dive into the world of Van Halen's 'The Collection II'
Van Halen's 'The Collection II' is a must-have for fans of the band's 'Van Hagar' era. This box set features the five albums recorded with singer Sammy Hagar after David Lee Roth's departure. Known for their solid melodic hard rock sound, this collection also includes eight outtakes and unreleased songs.
Listen to hidden gems like 'Humans Being,' 'It's About Time,' and 'Up for Breakfast.' Van Halen's music continues to resonate with fans, and this box set is a testament to their enduring legacy.
Devo: '50 Years of De-Evolution 1973-2023' / 'Art Devo 1973-1977'
Delve into the catchy and quirky world of Devo's box sets
Experience the infectious synth-pop/rock of Devo with their box sets '50 Years of De-Evolution' and 'Art Devo.' '50 Years of De-Evolution' is a compilation of the band's hits and best album tracks, showcasing their offbeat experimentalism and subversive lyricism.
For fans of their early works, 'Art Devo' offers a collection of unreleased early tracks that trace the band's development and highlight their quirkier side. Dive into the world of Devo and discover their unique musical journey.
The Spinners: 'The Complete Atlantic Singles: The Thom Bell Productions 1972-79'
Rediscover the soulful sounds of The Spinners with this comprehensive box set
The Spinners, in collaboration with songwriter/producer Thom Bell, helped define the soul sound of the '70s. 'The Complete Atlantic Singles' is a 43-song set that collects their hits and notable tracks from the peak years of their career.
Immerse yourself in their timeless classics and experience the magic of songs like 'I'll Be Around' and 'Could It Be I'm Falling in Love.' Additionally, 'Ain't No Price on Happiness' offers expanded versions of the eight Spinners albums released during this period. Discover the soulful journey of The Spinners.
Dionne Warwick: 'The Complete Scepter Singles 1962-1973' / 'Sure Thing – The Warner Bros. Recordings 1972-1977'
Uncover the different phases of Dionne Warwick's career with these box sets
Dionne Warwick's career is celebrated in two box sets: 'The Complete Scepter Singles' and 'Sure Thing – The Warner Bros. Recordings.' 'The Complete Scepter Singles' chronicles her rise to stardom as one of pop's finest vocalists and song stylists.
Meanwhile, 'Sure Thing' delves into a less successful but underappreciated phase of her career. Explore the evolution of Warwick's music and appreciate her immense talent across different eras.
Aretha Franklin: 'A Portrait of the Queen 1970-1974'
Celebrate Aretha Franklin's music with 'A Portrait of the Queen'
Aretha Franklin, the 'Queen of Soul,' left an indelible mark on the music industry. While her 1960s output solidified her status, 'A Portrait of the Queen' focuses on her early 1970s albums.
Featuring albums like 'Spirit in the Dark' and 'Young Gifted and Black,' this box set showcases Franklin's versatility and powerful voice. Delve into the soulful sounds of Aretha Franklin and discover rare tracks from this period that further enhance her musical legacy.
Helen Love: 'Yeah Yeah We're Helen Love'
Experience the energetic and playful music of Helen Love
Helen Love is a band that combines the catchy pop hooks of the Archies with the punk energy of the Ramones. Their box set, 'Yeah Yeah We're Helen Love,' collects 33 of their best songs from their career spanning back to the 1990s.
With hyper tempos, buzzsaw guitars, and playful keyboards, Helen Love brings a unique blend of adult themes and humor to their music. Join the party and immerse yourself in the infectious sounds of Helen Love.
Howard Jones: 'Celebrate It Together – The Very Best of Howard Jones 1983-2023'
Celebrate the career of Howard Jones with this comprehensive collection
Howard Jones, a pioneering figure in synth-pop, has left an indelible mark on the music industry. 'Celebrate It Together' is a career-spanning collection that brings together the prime songs from his extensive discography.
From his breakthrough hits like 'What Is Love?' to his later works, this collection showcases Jones' evolution as an artist. Immerse yourself in the captivating sounds of Howard Jones and celebrate his musical journey.
Superchunk: 'Misfits and Mistakes – Singles, B-sides and Strays 2007-2023'
Discover the hidden gems of Superchunk's discography with this collection
Superchunk, one of alt-rock's best bands of the past three decades, has compiled a collection of 50 songs left off their albums. 'Misfits and Mistakes' features a mix of singles, B-sides, and internet-only cuts.
Explore their versatility as they cover songs and deliver top-notch music that didn't make it onto their main albums. Superchunk continues to impress with their musical prowess, and this collection is a testament to their creativity.
Lynyrd Skynyrd: 'Fyfty'
Experience the best of Lynyrd Skynyrd with 'Fyfty'
Lynyrd Skynyrd, the legendary Southern rock band, has captured the hearts of fans across generations. 'Fyfty' is a collection that features 25 songs from the original era of Lynyrd Skynyrd and 25 songs from the band's second edition that regrouped in the 1980s.
Experience the iconic hits like 'Sweet Home Alabama' and 'Free Bird,' along with the music from their second phase. Dive into the world of Lynyrd Skynyrd and immerse yourself in their timeless rock anthems.
Pet Shop Boys: 'SMASH: The Singles 1985-2020'
Embark on a journey through the Pet Shop Boys' discography with 'SMASH'
The Pet Shop Boys have been a force in the synth-pop genre for over three decades. 'SMASH: The Singles' is a comprehensive collection that compiles nearly all of their singles, showcasing their consistent quality and style.
From their iconic hits like 'West End Girls' to their orchestral arrangements, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe have kept audiences captivated with their music. Join the journey and explore the enduring success of the Pet Shop Boys.
