TEN BEST & WORST BOX SETS (In my collection)

[@mellotronin54]

The Jethro Tull box sets are all very good I have about 8 the extras are all good and have live concerts and a great informative book in the set.

[@salters]

Dylan Biograph ..One of the earliest and best ❤️

[@davidlynds9483]

the book of lyrics that either came out around the same time or was a companion book is also a must have!

[@jeffbebe5085]

I agree. Great box and liner notes written by a young Cameron Crowe. Notice the photo. Its Bob and Bruce together. Great photo. One of my top 3 box sets.

[@StonefieldJim4]

Hear, hear!

[@bigbadbillb]

"Message in a Box" by The Police is superb! Contains pretty much every note of music they ever recorded.

[@basswars7060]

My first box set was The Byrds. Hearing Crosby, Hillman and McGuinn singing together again was pure magic.

[@luizoswaldoabreu2752]

The Byrds was one of my first box sets too. But my first one was The Monterrey Pop Festival 1967 bootleg version two double CDs, almost completely different from the official version which was released some years late.

[@Altres]

The two Tangerine Dream box sets recently released are pretty wonderful. In Search of Hades and Pilots of Purple Twilight both hold classic releases as well as outstanding unreleased tracks, complete concerts, the Oedipus Tyrannus work, unreleased soundtrack work etc Both essential

[@blatherskite3009]

I'm a little bit miffed that I missed getting the Purple set at a reasonable price, but I just couldn't justify it for what would've been, if I was honest, mainly for The Keep soundtrack ... which I already have 3 different unofficial CDs of.

[@DarkSideOfTheMoule]

I can vouch for that. I got the Pilots of Purple Twilight because it had The Keep soundtrack on it and the booklet is great.

[@RobGretsinger]

Absolutely! Great sets.

[@Titus9508]

Absolutely, worth every penny.

[@MrCherryJuice]

'Cash grab' and 'Jimi Hendrix' resonate loudly these days, thanks to his family administering (and asphyxiating) the Jimi Hendrix brand. Greed is the vampire of the music industry.

[@tatedavis2016]

The only thing I’ll say is that LA Forum live album recently released is absolutely killer.

[@MrCherryJuice]

@@marktait2371 I work in Music Industry marketing so have some sense of costs associated with short run products like box sets. Despite high prices I doubt if anyone is getting rich off of these, simply because the money goes in a hundred different directions. Indeed, those selling them secondhand or as 'collectors' items are the real profiteers.

[@MrCherryJuice]

@@tatedavis2016 So I hear. Still, the Hendrix estate, which last time I looked was fighting within its own family ranks, needs a kicking.

[@michaelivan9066]

One thing I will say is they have kept the prices on his actual studio recordings very affordable.

[@MrCherryJuice]

@@michaelivan9066 True. This is smart as there is the need to entice newcomers, which are typically curious kids, often those getting into playing guitar. The pricier items target the fans who already have the studio albums. I would like to see a proper box set of studio albums. And one of live albums.

[@BruceColon-BSides]

The new Revolver stereo remix under headphones is a revelation. Love it.

[@jeremyhayden2878]

What a terrific, thoughtful and well articulated segment of your show. ….very insightful. One of my personal favorites is the Faces box set Five Guys Walk Into A Bar.

[@parmavirsingha3465]

The Jam box set, is brilliant.

[@martins.7060]

My reaction was omg

[@klcheshire]

No arguments from me. I have most of your "best" and even a couple of your "worst". You summed it up quite well. Thanks for another great vid.

[@markharwood7573]

The Joni Mitchell set is tremendous. It's been put together with great care and attention to detail, combining thoroughness with a pleasing flow of songs and without excessive repetition. You do get to hear how some songs developed; what you don't hear is embryonic versions that nobody really wishes to hear twice. Any fan of early Joni will treasure this release.

[@SuperGrumpyDaddy]

The Kinks are The Village Green Preservation Society set is awesome. LP both mono and stereo versions, plus original Swedish 12-track LP (different song list), 5 CDs featuring mono, stereo, og sessions, bbc performances, out-takes, alt versions, etc, etc. 3 7-inch singles in picture bags, 52-page hardback book, posters, photos, sheet music, kitchen sink and trouser press! I might be lying about the last two! Anyway a fantastic boxset of a brilliant album.

[@jimbelton]

ELO's Afterglow is a great one. The original Led Zeppelin boxed set from 1990 was essential when time came to be rid of the all the vinyl.

[@chrisschrecker5497]

Great choices!!!!! Check out the Be Bop Deluxe boxes. (Sunburst Deluxe is my favorite).

[@leegriffin1584]

The first box set I bought was Nick Drake - Fruit Tree. Still listening to it now.

[@papalaz4444244]

bloody hell that must be a long album

[@boomer3150]

@@papalaz4444244 😄

[@cliffprice7860]

I had a copy of 'Fruit Tree', a wonderful collection of his music.

[@StonefieldJim4]

I love the Who's Next/Lifehouse box. A treasure trove.

[@PaulFormentos]

Who Sell Out box is great as well, lots of cool outtakes

[@rathert3]

@@PaulFormentos Yes, and plenty of the singles as well. Absolute killer, up there with 'Who's Next/Lifehouse' but not quite. Saw The Who tour Who's Next in August 1971 and they were absolutely amazing.

[@shanedalton3326]

My first box set was the CD version of the original David Bowie Sound + Vision from 1989. Magnificent box set.

[@richardgilyead7640]

John Martyn, "Ain't No Saint" - so many gems

[@theshowycaesarshow9257]

Revolver box set absolutely fantastic!😊

[@lorrainebennett7528]

Some brilliant stuff here! I was born in 1959 and so lucky to have heard this amazing music! 4 Way Street by CSNY is a favourite of mine.

[@johnlangdon4338]

I have 9 of your top 10. Missing only the Blondie set. Love them all. I agree with you on the Zappa set. I bought the Electric Ladyland for the 5.1 mix, but I agree that it's overpriced.

[@MadHatters-pv4xx]

Love the new opening graphics!! Gotta love a box set too!

[@kenfrederick6223]

Great video. Two of my favorite CD box sets are TASTE -"I'll REMEMBER" and MOTT THE HOOPLE - "MENTAL TRAIN". Both are highly recommended. Take care!

[@MosherBear]

Sabbath's box sets for both Sabotage and Technical Ecstasy are fantastic. Also worth giving a shout out is Def Leppard's early years set (79 - 81), Sabbat's Mad Gods and Englishmen and Therapy?'s Gemil set.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

Def Leppard suck

[@themadmattster9647]

The Def Lep is definitely cool, to me their early stuff was the best and it’s a cool package

[@MosherBear]

@@themadmattster9647 agreed. Hysteria was my entry and also exit, not that I mean that in a put down. I had moved on musically but those first four albums are fantastic, though I prefer their early work.

[@samuraix73]

I think Sabbat should have included the "Mourning Has Broken" album on the box set. Yes, I know that the band has disavowed that album, but it would have been nice to have all the remastered studio albums in one box.

[@MosherBear]

@@samuraix73 I can go along with that. Seeing that they broke up shortly after it's release and nothing had been recorded when they reunited, it would have been fitting to have that album included.

[@finch45lear]

I love the Stones SDE of’Goat’s Head Soup’ CD edition . The surround mix on the Blu Ray is outstanding. The photos and book are excellent. The Beatles in Mono Cd box, The SDE CD of the White Album is packed with studio outtakes and having the demos in stereo from George’s master tape is a joy.

[@mickb44]

stationary traveller is in my top 5 camel albums so yes i agree,will be getting the box set soon thanks barry

[@kieronkelly959]

I’m a massive Prog Fan and love Stationary Traveller. Camel is probably the most underrated Prog band, along with Caravan.

[@johnw706]

First off , you're not the only person who loves Stationary Traveller . I'm a big fan of it myself , It's a great album . For me , the Tull box sets are the gold standard , and if you buy them when they come out , they are reasonably priced . Cheers !!

[@grahampaulkendrick7845]

That Hendrix set has a nice cover.

[@63mckenzie]

Revolver would be top of my list.

[@larryzigler6812]

My favorite is TARJA'S newest - LIVING THE DREAM !!!!!!! Just packed full of great stuff !!!!!!!!!!!!! Excellent quality and attention to detail. She does so so much for us her adoring fans ☮☮💘💘☮☮💘💘

[@Jason.Brayshaw]

I have the original Pet Sounds box set from 1997. The revised edition looks fantastic!

[@threadsoflifebooks1878]

Not sure if you have it, but Pink Floyd's The Early Years is number one with a bullet, for me. The sheer wealth of material put into that set is amazing. There are several of the live albums I play regularly.

[@kevinbossick8374]

I love that one too. But was surprised there was not more to it. Can’t get enough of the early years live.

[@ewanm1326]

Zappa Roxy is a must have gem. What a band!

[@seed_drill7135]

I prefer Rhino’s various artist comp boxes to these deep dive focuses on a single album. Monterey Pop, Nuggets, UK Nuggets, Girl Group Sounds and the LA and SF boxes are probably the favorites in my collection.

[@christianclausen9969]

Love all the various Nuggets box sets, especially enjoying "Children of Nuggets," since I'm a child of the 80's

[@stevealvanos6592]

Stationary Traveler is in my top 4 Camel albums. There is something about - for me - that just grabs my attention. I can't start the album and not listen all the way through. I'll be definitely looking for their box set.

[@larrysmith5249]

One of my favorite Camel albums too. Very underrated imo.

[@alfietomkins7829]

Barry, I love Stationary Traveller too. It is definitely an overlooked album in the Camel catalogue, love it and I absolutely agree with your number 1

[@Nephilim-81]

I think the best boxset I currently have is “In Search of Hades” from Tangerine Dream. It is 18 discs with 2 blu-ray audio albums. Comes with a beautiful hardback book complete with quality artwork and terrific liner notes. ❤

[@daviddoran2734]

The Who’s 94 boxset also a winner!

[@dohanddonuts5716]

I got that when I just started listening to the Who after 1997 when I graduated from high school. Play it at 11. 🤘

[@williamhorner6080]

Only downside was that Substitute was the live version from Live At Leeds

[@NM-bp6dy]

Only recently discovered this channel. Loving it! I have been a Hendrix obsessive for over 40 years now and the Electric Ladyland box set is a massive rip off and a colossal disappointment in my opinion. Keep up the good work!

[@lionheartroar3104]

Love your channel and your style. Thank you dear sir.

[@nickpatten5263]

As usual I love your honest a detailed reviews and along with you I too love Camel’s ‘Stationary Traveller’. I find box sets very expensive sometimes but if you find a good one it is usually worth all the extras contained within such as the David Bowie set you showed us.

[@DavidCritchley-p9q]

13th floor elevators sign of the 3 eyed men is beyond amazing .The accompanying booklet even breaks down the meaning behind the lyrics of the stunning slip inside this house. Best cash i ever spent.

[@BobVond]

Yes it is!

[@jswissman702]

The Black Sabbath Super Deluxe box sets are in general really nicely done.

[@mccallosone4903]

both jethro tull 20th, and 25th anniversary box sets were fantastic. that led zeppelin box set from the early 90s was great too

[@williamlangan5902]

I will have to check out Stationary Traveler at your suggestion! So the Who’s Next box set is that good? I’ll have to check out its goodies! I must’ve been quite good the year the Revolver box set came out! Santa (Fr. Christmas in your neck of the woods) surprised me with it!

[@neal1256]

Unfortunately, there are a lot of 'cash grabs' not only with box sets...but, re-releases and the like....that being said...the Blondie box set is phenomenal !! ♥

[@edgarbaumann6002]

Pink Floyd "Early Years" and Tangerine Dream "In Search of Hades" are both amazing.

[@ClassThrash]

Top video as ever! A real gem in my collection is Fish's 13th Star deluxe edition (CD/blu-ray). The content on both the book & the discs is just dynamite!

[@kjeldpedersen666]

Sod the music. The Blondie set with pictures of Debbie must be the best😆 Agree about what Giles Martin does with The Beatles music. And that Revolver set is surely fantastic...

[@EchoesDaBear]

Good rundown of your collection! I'd love to have a few of those! (Revolver being one) My box sets (at least my vinyl ones) are reserved for Rush. I buy too much other vinyl (used & reissued new) to have much monetary flexibility on too many other bands' box sets. Of the several 40th anniversary releases I have, Moving Pictures is my top pick - the inclusion of a never released, complete concert of that tour, in YYZ (Toronto) was worth the hefty price alone! 4 LP's of our Holy Trinity from Toronto in their arguable prime playing to a home crowd is incredible! Runners up are the 2112 and Farewell To Kings sets! Perhaps the one disappointment is the recent Signals release. The inclusion of the 'singles' on 45 seemed a weak offering considering what 'vault' material likely existed! Cheers!

[@kirksmith4026]

I would definitely put Thin Lizzy legends boxset in a must have Great channel by the way

[@MEGAMIGA]

I agree with you on the Zappa boxes, they're way too expensive!

[@robswystun2766]

With how much barely listenable music Frank used to put on his albums, I can't even imagine the stuff that was left off.

[@MEGAMIGA]

@@robswystun2766 "Barely listenable"?

[@John-k6f9k]

@@robswystun2766 I actually enjoy Frank in interviews, he was intelligent and made some remarks I totally agree with. However I just cant stand his music, and I tried.

[@johnsmith7140]

Fortunately they're available for listening on his KZbin channel

[@michaelwilson2340]

I only own three box sets: Since I live in the U.S. I paid a lot of money for the Joy Division - Heart And Soul box set back in 1997, New Order- Retro, and the New Order - Movement box set. I wish I had picked up The Big Star box set several years ago.

[@staggerlee6794]

Purchasing box sets is the one part of my music collecting I am very strict with myself about. I have not the storage room nor the money to indulge myself in getting stuff I am either going to get around to playing only once or never at all.

[@mvjonsson]

Some of my fav boxsets are the two Tangerine Dream In Search of Hades and Pilots of Purple Twilight, the Hawkwind Space Ritual box, the Zappa 200 Motels box, the Black Sabbath deluxe box sets of Paranoid, Vol 4, Sabotage, Technical Ecstasy, and of course the Jethro Tull boxsets (I have some of them such as A, Broadsword and the Beast).

[@themadmattster9647]

First box set I ever saw was a Springsteen one my parents owned, it was the live one released in the 80’s(?), all vinyl

[@williamlangan5902]

Happy birthday next March, my friend! While I’ve only heard a few Joni Mitchell albums. Blue is a masterpiece. I liked what I remember from Hjira and the Mingus tribute. Hunky Dory is a classic. What I remember from The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds is fantastic. Favorites from that include the mix of God Only Knows with a saxophone and Trombone Dixie (really a brass arrangement of The Little Girl I Once Knew but still a nice instrumental). One library had The River box set. One mistake I made was not watching the video. I did listen to some of the rarities. Given the chance again, I’ll check it out and give myself 3 weeks to enjoy it! While I sometimes disagree with the Boss, I’m not ashamed to say I love him, especially his work from 1973 to 1985. Even the later stuff has some stuff I like. So nobody can say Bruce didn’t get any love from me. Besides, he blew my mind when I saw him in 2000! Songs From The Wood- wow, that’s an album you either love or don’t care about. And I’ve heard enough to find it intriguing!

[@guyaustin309]

The Hissing of Summer Lawns. Up there with Blue as my favourite Joni album. Amazing lyrics and great jazz musicians. Apparently Prince was a big fan of it.

[@ralphmarrone3130]

I don’t have many box sets but my favorite one is the massive Gentle Giant box set, Unburied Treasure.

[@Yarin4ever]

I wish they would reissue it

[@Quarnoz]

As much as I love the box set, you could make a case that there was too much stuff on it! Not every live recording is very good in quality, but the albums plus the booklets do wonders overall in covering Gentle Giant's career.

[@maryelms5948]

Enjoy Camel immensely. I really like Stationary Traveler too. I think their Nude album is excellent and often overlooked.

[@frankshailes3205]

Your T-shirt reminds me, great to see The Boss getting fellowship of the Ivors Academy. Even if Macca roasted him a bit :)

[@chriswoolfenden2631]

Great vid, thank you. I only own 3 box sets (all on vinyl): Springsteen & E Street Band Live 75-85; Eric Clapton Crossroads; The Original Fleetwood Mac the blues years.

[@pyrielrising4338]

Favorite box set in my collection is Pink Floyd's Shine On ....as a huge Floyd aficionado yourself, quite surprised it didn't get a mention.😮

[@chrismollett1012]

My favourites are the two 21st Century Guide to King Crimson. Some really great live stuff.

[@goliathsmall2911]

I'm still waiting for a Picketywitch box set. One can hope

[@martinCraig-vf7jg]

I’m waiting for a wombles box set

[@Roadie-1963]

My favorite has to be The Moody Blues "To Our Children's Children's Children" 50th Anniversary Edition. The new stereo mix sounds other worldly and their Royal Albert Hall show, which the band never really wanted to be released, jumps out of your speakers with a lot of presence, magnificent remaster and mix. The booklet is nice but mostly photographs I've seen on the internet or are already in my collection. This set is just as good the "In Search of the Lost Chord" box set but better. I really hope that "On The Threshold of A Dream" receives the same treatment. Why it was skipped over for this album instead doesn't make much sense as it was a number #1 album for The Moody Blues, even Justin Hayward has said it was the the band's signature album.

[@robertwiesler381]

Springsteen 'Tracks' is the best of all time (he could have made 3 or 4 million sellers out of it) AC/DC Bonfire Stones Totally Stripped But in my opinion it is better to spend your money for live shows (tickets, travelling, hotels), because nothing beats the live experience By the way: Great shirt Greetings from Austria, my friend

[@PJprog]

The JT A Passion Play is without doubt one of the best... Stationary Traveller ( Camel ) Barry is fantastic. Love it. So proud to own the Blondie box-set... one of the very best. 😍

[@jeniferallan6693]

Love that song. "The River"

[@jeffbebe5085]

Wow. Great shirt .... One of my fav Boss CD's and a great shirt.

[@stevedotson1263]

No. 1 in my collection is "Robert Johnson, The Complete Recordings". Unbelievable.

[@chrisbergmanniii59]

When it comes to the Jethro Tull box sets I think that a Passion Play really stands out because you get that entire chateau D'hourville album brilliantly remixed. I'm also a big fan of David Gilmour live in Gdansk. The box set has a lot of cool stuff Repro tickets, backstage passes, and a ton of bonus material there are five total disks .

[@greattunesking1]

I love CAMEL. I must own that CAMEL box set.

[@jasonsmith-bm1sv]

I would definitely include the "The Smile Sessions" Beach Boys box set! Also the Bob Dylan Basement Tapes 6 CD set is quite excellent. Then there is the Who Sell Out set that is almost the size of the Who's Next one. I have to agree that the Revolver set is remarkable. Although I was slightly disappointed that certain songs like Good Day Sunshine didn't get represented with studio session takes. Hearing John's demo of what became Yellow Submarine was rather earth shattering, wasn't it? ;-)

[@rushbravado1972]

Good list especially number one being Revolver. Completely agree. I have this box set and love it. So much detail and the remix is amazing. I'm not going to put my worst box sets on the list but here are my favorites. 1 All 6 Rush 40th anniversary box sets (2112 to Signals) 2 Beatles Revolver 3 Kiss Guitar Case Box Set 4 ELO Afterglow 5 Queen News Of The World 6 Elvis Presley From Memphis to Nashville 7 Alice Cooper The Life And Crimes of Alice Cooper 8 Dio Holy Diver 9 Black Sabbath Sabotage 10 Devo Art Devo 73-77 Also honorable mention for Led Zeppelin 4 CD box set, Yes The Studio Albums 69-87, Rod Stewart Storyteller

[@davidtoups4684]

I have the ELO Afterglow set. It's a great summary of their career, but the sound quality on some of the tracks leaves a little to be desired.

[@rushbravado1972]

@@davidtoups4684 I would agree with you. I was glad when they finally made Secret Messages into a double album. The sound was so much better.

[@drtopus]

Nice stuff! Too bad the video is so short, you could have said more about each boxset! Anyway, excellent topic! Keep on your good work!

[@Ajtas]

I love stationary traveller. Just acquired a vinyl copy of it to complete the collection

[@moodlefyful]

Been enjoyable the Mark Knopfler studio albums 1996 -2007 cd boxset...some fantastic songs and geetar playing.

[@FundamentalsUK]

I’ve always loved Stationary traveller , despite some 80’s production it is a haunting historical concept 👍🏻

[@Don-md6wn]

The 3 Tom Petty box sets released since by his estate are all great - An American Treasure, Wildflowers (expanded) and Live at the Fillmore. It is apparent that they put a great deal of thought and effort into them, led by his daughter Adria, his wife Dana, former producer Ryan Ulyate and Heartbreakers Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench.

[@leproghead]

Love the Camel and Tull boxset's. Like to have, Who's Next and Revolver.

[@gary6514]

My favourite set is the David Bowie Sound and Vision clear vinyl box set. Superb attractive design.

[@Jon-cf6qb]

Steve Hillage : Searching or the Spark is excellent

[@lawrence5368]

A few of my favorite box sets are Crosby, Still and Nash 4 CD box set. The Allman Brother Band Dreams box set and Neil Young's Harvest box set, that is packed with all sorts of goodies.

[@arto2533]

Neil Young's Archives Volume 2 is quite remarkable for the sheer quality of the music. The retail version is even good value for the money, for those that don't care about fancy books and such.

[@StarvedForTime]

I NEED that Camel box set!

[@grahamnunn8998]

I also love Stationery Traveller, I saw the tour in Worthing a few nights before the live film.

[@josephbennett4236]

Yes! I love Stationary Traveller, Barry. It has a very APP sound to it (Camel borrowed a number of the same session musicians and vocalists, such as David Patton and Chris Rainbow, for this album), and my school years were quite Alan Parsons-oriented. It also harks back to the mysteries and tensions inherent during the Cold War - Berlin, in particular. The title track is magnificent.

[@rcpsammy7186]

Stationary Traveller is a fantastic album. For me, I just have Revolver of all the one's you showed. Wish you could have shown the contents, but still a nice selection.

[@monkface]

I still love my Eric Clapton Crossroads set! And my Duke Ellington RCA set is incredible.

[@horrornovelreviews8358]

I'm another huge fan of Stationary Traveller. The title track and Long Goodbyes are such beautiful songs.

[@jersey65]

"Picture Book" The Kinks 6 CD Box Set is my Favorite Box, Dylan "Biograph", Rod Stewart "Storyteller", Elton John "To Be Continued..", The Allman Brothers Band "Dreams" are also amongst the best I own. In my humble opinion.

[@jackielangley5154]

Hank Williams the 10 or 11 CD Boxed Set is my favorite box set in my collection.

[@kbrewski1]

Great subject. I have a slew of Prog box sets, always interested in others opinions on the mega boxes.

[@Ferretbomber]

I think of my box sets, my fave is the Jethro Tull '20 Years of Jethro Tull' set, so many songs that hadn't really been heard, etc. Not just a greatest hits with 1 new bonus track sort of box set like the Elton John or David Bowie collections put out at the same time.

[@marktait2371]

mine is the 1988 hmv numbered deluxe boxset 3cds 68 songs 27 page booklet hmv price sticker 13.99 pounds listended to cd 1 first bought good sound moving sale 10 dollars no one wanted lady said 5 g.c. nice text ian photos need to pull out 2

[@davidtoups4684]

I bought the 5LP Tull 20th Anniversary set when it first came out. A good many tracks that would later appear on the single album boxes debuted there. I liked it so much I bought the 3CD version once I got a CD player. Still have both. I also have the 25th Anniversary "Cigar Box" set. It has some interesting stuff that's never shown up anywhere else.

[@Ferretbomber]

@@davidtoups4684 wish i had the vinyls, i have the 3 cd set. Awesome, but I'd rather have the LPs. I have the 25th Annv. Cigar Box Set as well, it has a lot of good stuff. It's like Ian had so much material he could have had almost all Tull albums be double albums. It's nice to at least hear it all down the road.

[@JosephFrancisBurton]

I believe this was the first box set I ever purchased. I still have it on LP. I liked that it was not just a chronological run down of their career, but songs broken up into different categories, and a lot of quality stuff that was not otherwise available in 1988.

[@Punttipate62]

The only box I have is the Rolling Stones - Tattoo You vinyl box from 2021. It's great! Also planning to get the Goat's Head Soup boxset some point.

[@JLGeese]

Excellent video…please keep up the great work! Cheers!

[@eggboy-uk]

I'd be interested to know how the stereo mix of Pet Sounds has been done. Back in the day, there was no proper stereo mix, the original stereo release was artificial duophon stereo. I'm also ever so cautious about remasters. There have been some truly ghastly digital remasters over the years, mostly done simply to sell the album again to people who already own it. I did some analysis of frequency content and dynamic range of some remasters versus orginal masters a few years ago. Surprise, surprise, most of them had been through the same "sausage machine". The top end is usually lifted at around 6kHz, the bottom boosted below around 200 Hz and the ever so important lower mid range scooped around 240 - 500Hz. And of course, compression added to increase the "loudness". Added to this, a number of remasters didn't even use the orginal master tape, which in some cases is either lost or irretreivably damaged by sticky tape shed syndrome. Not all remasters are bad though - the Beatles mono analogue remasters on vinyl are better than the originals, as is the recently released Little Feat Dixie Chicken set that includes a recut of the orginal album from the original master tape. Worth getting that one if you don't have it Barry.

[@RobGretsinger]

I think both King Crimson and Genesis have done excellent jobs of curating their history. I am disappointed that YES have missed the boat in this regard. I will give a special shout out to The Beatles White Album deluxe box . . . Incredible!

[@fitzelectricbar]

Some worthy selections, subjectively speaking. Surprised that no Dylan Bootleg Series appeared on your list but perhaps you aren’t a big Zimmerman fan. I think most of these releases are excellent both in terms of musical content and packaging, including photobooks and comprehensive liner notes. In particular, Trouble No More (Vol. 13) is a fantastic examination of Dylan’s much maligned gospel period.