Lene Lovich: Toy Box - The Stiff Years 4cd Collection (1978-1983) Review

Lene Lovich’s “Toy Box - The Stiff Years 1978-1983”: A Comprehensive 4CD Box Set
In the late 70s and early 80s, Lene Lovich emerged as a distinctive voice on the music scene, blending punk’s raw energy with an art-pop eccentricity that was all her own. Her partnership with Stiff Records, a label known for its eclectic roster, produced some of the most memorable tracks of the era. Now, Cherry Red Records has encapsulated this golden period in a meticulously curated 4CD box set titled “Toy Box - The Stiff Years 1978-1983,” offering a deep dive into Lovich’s innovative work during these formative years.
“Toy Box” is a collection and historical document that captures the essence of Lovich’s creativity and her significant contribution to the music landscape. With 81 tracks, including over 20 making their CD debut, this set is fabulous for fans and newcomers alike. From the iconic “Lucky Number” to the slightly weird “Bird Song,” every piece of Lovich’s Stiff Records legacy has been freshly mastered for this release.
The box set’s presentation is as thoughtful as its content. Housed in a luxurious, smooth-feeling box, the CDs are presented in sleeves, replicating the original album artwork. A detailed booklet, featuring contributions from Lovich herself, provides a rich backstory to the music, offering insights into the creation of each album and single. The essay, penned in August 2023, delves into Lovich’s journey with Stiff Records, from her initial breakthrough to her eventual departure from the label amidst pressures to replicate her early success.
The inclusion of B-sides, early versions, and extended 12-inch mixes ensures that even the most dedicated fans will discover something new within this collection.
Lene Lovich’s time with Stiff Records was a period of prolific creativity and experimentation. As one of the label’s most iconic artists, her work has left an indelible mark on the music world. “Toy Box - The Stiff Years 1978-1983” is a fitting tribute to her legacy, offering a comprehensive overview of her contributions to the punk and new wave movements. Whether you’re a long-time fan or exploring Lovich’s music for the first time, this box set will make an excellent addition to your collection, celebrating the enduring appeal of an artist who refused to be pigeonholed.
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[@ian.t]

I bought that same single at the same time, and love "Home" too. "Bird Song" is lost treasure. I saw Lene Lovich and her band at The Astor Theatre here in Melbourne - fabulous show. Saw Joe Jackson on the same weekend - great days. This looks essential!

[@templocal]

Huge, tremendous fan here, who is out of money, and I was pretty curious about the booklet. The remastering here is superb, I do own another official box set from 1993, featuring the Stateless remix, Flex and No Man's Land placed in jewel cases, I do play it a lot in my car. Being able to read all this information from the booklet through this video made my day and I owe you a huge thank you. Hopefully I will collect some money to purchase this box set as well. I also own her albums March and Shadows & Dust on CD and she is such a superb artist, unique in her own way.

[@isaiascarvalho8451]

Hello Phill I was teen at the 80's and a box like this is treasure to us. Thank you Cherry Red for giving us our happiest days back. Something which is only possible listening to the music back at the time. Oh yeah! And after the Rupert Hine 3CDs box released in 2022 I've been waiting for the Thinkman box. Fingers crossed to feature all the B-side, 7" and 12" remixes. Who knows in 2024 it happens !!! It would be fantastic !!!!

[@rolandpritchard1731]

That's a thing, I had that single and was thinking about in my mind going back in time. I was playing some stiff , new wave, punk alongside deep purple and black sabbath. So thanks for that, I will be looking into buying to sping in my collection. Will think i will go and start spinning some X.T.C. and see watch way I go or end up. Can be anything that's what makes music a great gift, you can go trip in sound, music and healing of mind and soul.

[@normanmacfarlane6724]

I remember Lene I bought the album Bloody wonderful Bought two clamshell box sets this week Atomic Rooster , the first 4 albums andTen Years After , a 10 cd set Two sets, 14 discs for $140 Australian What a bargain

[@Af1st1]

Love this box set also!

[@gothstaruk]

Fantastic review cheers Phil - loving this box set

[@jerrygeorgopolis8015]

Thank you Phil for the review !!

[@ianemery4355]

I am tempted to buy this like you Phil got the single years ago! It's pending shall we say!

[@SJHUE]

Hi Phil, nice review! Like your wife I also have `Bird Song` on 12" single. If I ever get round to making a playlist of all the great pop singles that slipped through the net `Bird Song` will certainly feature. Powerful and atmospheric I was very disappointed and surprised when it didn`t become a big hit.

[@kevinkivlin7137]

Just ordered this last night !

[@jegarajramoo3873]

Late one evening in December 1978, I was listening to a musical program on Radio Australia. My siblings were with me. The DJ played LUCKY NUMBER ! We were stunned by it. None of us have heard anything like it. The sheer quirkiness and frenetic spontaneous energy. I thought it was a novelty record like Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep. The DJ said THAT'S PUNK ROCK FOR YOU! Whatever it was, it certainly was different from the usual Sabbath or Purple heavy rock that I loved. It certainly was not the MOR or disco that ruled the airways then. Of course the DJ was not accurate. This is New Wave, a term I discovered in early 1979. PS. No offense to Sally Carr and Middle of the Road. I loved Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep when I was 8 ! A pop classic.

[@anthonywilson508]

Cherry Red have Toy Box back in stock! I've ordered mine via Amazon for delivery to Tenerife!

[@Nic-gm5lk]

Fantastico

[@positiveimageltd]

I think her name is pronounced 'Layna'. 😂 An underrated artiste still going strong.

[@johansoderberg6546]

Patti Smith not as eclectic in her music as Kate and Lene, but an important forerunner to them.

[@cuckoofan]

True but Patti Smith has nothing to be ashamed about. I always loved Lene Lovich for her quirkiness and joyful energetic spirit, "Stateless" is one of my favourite albums. But for me, Kate Bush must be considered in a much higher artistic level. Who could compete with her?🤔 She's still unrivaled for me.🙂