No matter who the music lover is in your life, you can find a box set to gift them for the upcoming holidays. In fact, you may be able to find a box set for literally every loved one -- these box sets run the gamut of rare delights for music fans. The Associated Press recently compiled reviews of the best box sets on the market (and to come).
1. The Velvet Underground, White Light/White Heat 45th Anniversary edition
In the wake of Lou Reed's passing, fans can await the December 10th release of studio cuts, live tracks and outtakes from the rock band The Velvet Underground. Founding member John Cale and Lou Reed helped develop the reissue. They even drew from Cale's personal archives to unearth some foot from the Gymnasium in New York 1967, never before seen. (Polydor/Universal)
2. The Beatles, On Air - Live At the BBC, Vol. 2
We reported on the buzz that the Beatles may be releasing BBC radio tapings from the 1960s. "On Air - Live at the BBC, Vol. 2" has been officially released. There are outtakes, such as the band playing multiple takes of "I Feel Fine" to get the technical sound right. It also has live covers of Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins and the king, Elvis Presley. (Universal)
A separate purchase is The BBC Archives 1962-70. The "BBC Archives Book" by Kevin Howlett includes gems like BBC documents. Of note is the he rare audition forms for the group in which the evaluator wrote "John Lennon: Yes. Paul McCartney. No." (HarperCollins)
3. Herbie Hancock, Herbie Hancock: The Complete Columbia Album Collection 1972-1988
In just 16 years of this jazz musician's career, Hancock produced enough to show for a 34-disc box set. Eight albums were only released in Japan prior, so consider yourself special. (And sexy! Just listening makes you so.) (Columbia/Legacy)
4. Grateful Dead, Sunshine Daydream
These benefit show recordings from 1972 came out this fall. The deluxe edition of the concert is only accessed through the Grateful Dead's website. This comes with a half-hour long documentary about the show. (Rhino)
5. The Beach Boys, Made in California
Out in August, this box set has the favorites from Brian Wilson, Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine and David Marks. Expect newer hits and live performances from their 50 years. There are new arrangements of the classics, accompanied by interviews and photographs you can page through. (Capitol Records)
6. The Ramones, The Sire Years 1976-1981
The songs themselves come in the original order and arrangements, accompanied by cover art. Diehard fans may crave something "newer," but this is an excellent gift to give to a music lover who needs an all-encompassing introduction. (Rhino)
7. Various artists, Released!: The Human Rights Concerts 1986-1998
The Amnesty International box is actually 6 DVDs, covering benefit shows, tours and videos from 1979 and 2012. It features Bryan Adams, Peter Gabriel's' reimagined "In Your Eyes" with Youssou N'Dour. Also Tracy Chapman, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Marley's compositions and more.
8. Duane Allman Skydog: The Duane Allman Retrospective (Rounder)
The seven CDs cover his best with the Allman Brothers Band and Derek & the Dominos. In addition, Allman's work with Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett. You'll hear jazz, blues, soul country and rock. Thirty-three of the 129 songs are either unreleased or never-before-issued on CD.
9. Woody Guthrie, Woody Guthrie: Radical American Patriot (Rounder)
From 1940 sessions by the Library of Congress to intimate details of Guthrie's life, you'll hear it. "America's greatest folk singer" was also an outspoken one. In so many words, he was "a populist militant [who] loved his country," AP writer Steven Wine writes.
10. Nirvana, In Utero 20th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition
You get three CDs and one DVD, so you can see Cobain come to life again. This includes his spitting on the camera lens and trashin the stage after "Live 'n' Loud" in Seattle. You're almost transported to the 1990 grunge era with that single performance. (Geffen)
11. Sly and the Family Stone, Higher
You'll get four CDS with 17 unreleased tracks. Critics say these 17 are hit or miss, you may want to stick with the greatest hits. (Epic/Legacy)
12. Fleetwood Mac, Fleetwood Mac: 1969 to 1972 (Reprise)
This is a standout in that it's a four-album, vinyl set. AP writer Ron Harris says guitarist Peter Green rivals Eric Clapton at moments.
13. Eric Clapton, Give Me Strength: The 1974/1975 Recordings
Speaking of Clapton, these recordings showcase a time when he returned from a long break after being inactive in the studio and struggling with heroine addiction. It's a remastering (and repackaging) of 461 Ocean Boulevard, There's One in Every Crowd (both studio albums) and the live E.C. Was Here! Oh, definitely those unreleased tracks and outtakes, too.
Expect the usual guitar rocking, but also the gospel, blues and reggae sounds he was influenced by in this period. (Polydor/Universal)
14. Van Morrison, Moondance Deluxe Edition
No iffy audio quality, so rejoice, audio snobs. We already told you about the controversy behind this one. If you haven't surprised your parents with it yet, get on that. (Rhino)
15. Tears for Fears, The Hurting 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition (Mercury/Universal)
Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith of Tears for Fears formed the new wave English group in the 1980s. The collection is diverse, from live sessions and B-sides to remixes. There are three CDs and one DVD packed with bonus material.
16. Chick Webb and Ella Fitzgerald, The Complete Chick Webb & Ella Fitzgerald Decca Sessions (1934-1941)
Eight CDs, 187 tracks, and three of those have never been released previously unreleased. Chick Webb was a swing and jazz drummer (and band leader) also known as William Henry Webb. Ella Fitzgerald needs no introduction. (Mosaic)
