The 10 Best Boxsets of 2021!

[@Michael45RPM]

If you want to see more fantastic Boxsets look here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJLHkoKqlt9rlbs&t

[@humphreygokart2135]

The best thing about box sets is that no one ever bothers to play what's inside them, so when you find them second hand, they are usually in mint condition.

[@Michael45RPM]

true :-) great point Humphrey

[@markusberzborn6346]

For classical music ones this seems to be true. I bought a lot of them over the last decades, and they were all mint more or less. But anyway there is no significant wear if one handles LPs correctly, and classical music LPs were mostly not mistreated at parties etc. I guess.

[@humphreygokart2135]

@@markusberzborn6346 I agree, though some classical records seem to have been played a lot by a blind person who couldn't quite find the spindle.

[@panaceiasuberes6464]

I can attest to that. In my collection there's so many box sets that I never opened for a very simple reason: someone got one first, made a hi-res digital copy of it and sent it to me. I do a lot of that with mine towards other collectors that also have said box set so yes... that happens a lot. And as I know more and more people that starts to happen more so in the past the ratio of played/non-played would be 5/1 and now its 1/5.

[@TheRollingStoness]

For that specific reason, I take the LPs out and store them separately and put the box and all the other gizmos away just to look at them..u r right, 99% who bought that wooden box set of George Harrison would not open those wooden box and play those records and then put them back in the same box..it's a hazzle to majority , including me ..but the feeling of owning them is remarkable to us...I always have the fear of getting them scratched , thus depreciating the value.

[@35mmview18]

My top 8 box sets of 2021 (in no particular order) 8 - Laura Nyro (american dreamer) 7 - Sade (this far) 6 - Isao Suzuki Trio / Quartet* / Tsuyoshi Yamamoto Trio (three blind mice box set) 5 - Jennifer Warnes (the well) 4 - Almost Famous (Music From The Motion Picture) 3 - Tom Petty (Wildflowers & All the Rest) 2 - Melody Gardot (live in europe) 1 - War (The Vinyl: 1971-1975)

[@Michael45RPM]

Great List 35 thx for sharing

[@fts81]

Great list!

[@35mmview18]

@@fts81 Thanks.

[@jimyager9041]

I loved the War box set!

[@northernsoundsswe]

The Tom Petty box set is stunning. In fact it’s so good although it was released last year it earns a spot on this 2021 summary.

[@jamesellis8456]

Interesting list Michael we only share 3 of the same titles. 10 NYoung Way Down in the Rustbucket 9 War Gimme 5 8 Faust 71/74 7 Melody Gardot / Live in Europe 6 Beatles / Let It Be 5 Lee Morgan / Live at the Lighthouse 4 CSN & Young / deja vu 3 Gillian Welch / Boots 2 Kind of Blue UHQR 1 Joni / Reprise albums

[@Michael45RPM]

maybe you see some of them in later best of videos :-)

[@TooBuz]

Glad something from VMP made your list! They’re far from perfect, but I’m rooting for them. I like their transparency. I might not like 85% of the music they put out, but I have great respect for what they are doing.

[@thetrentmeister]

I picked up The Mars Volta box, which is pretty sweet.

[@vinyllondoner]

Fantastic box sets. I have a few on your list but for the price and value for money, Black Sabbath have done an amazing job on their 2021 box sets ( Vol 4, Sabotage, Technical Ecstasy).

[@MJEvermore853]

Agree!! 👍

[@jesserussell7242]

I absolutely love avant-garde music I love avant-garde jazz because it’s like roller coaster riding you have to really get into it I will always love avant-garde music, if people ask me what my favorite avant-garde song is it would have to be the Beatles revolution nine from the white album. I do have a couple of vinyl box sets but mainly all the boxes that I have OCD.

[@brkly99]

I have four of the ones you listed, a couple of which (Nick Cave and Faust) I found out about from your channel. I especially liked the Faust, getting deeper and deeper into Krautrock. A couple of others that I really liked (Record Store day releases)were War, and Grateful Dead Olympia Theatre. I especially liked the War box set.

[@TheDeuceG]

I was curious to see if The Story of Herbie Hancock would make it!

[@lauher21]

I love the Sade box and I think the Black Sabbath boxes are done very well. I also like the Police box even though it’s not your fav lol

[@harleylee6003]

Black album was amazing

[@ladytron4220]

Fascinating list Michael

[@tonyharrison2542]

Very nice Michael. Generally, I avoid box sets because I tend not to listen to them because there is so much. However, I could not resist and immediately purchased the Lee Morgan "The Complete Live At The Lighthouse" and I'm so glad that I did! It was nice to see that it made your end of year Box Set List.

[@R3TR0R4V3]

I don't usually buy boxsets that often, but I did go for The Mars Volta - La Realidad De Los Sueños boxset and I'm glad it did, even though I own all the OG pressings from back in the day. 😎

[@georgeholoubek6600]

Awesome list, Michael. My favorite of 2021 was George Harrison's, All Things Must Pass. The recording is still the best solo record by a Beatle, in my humble opinion, and I liked the new mix with its toned-down reverb.

[@TheChromeTree]

Hi Michael, I know its a few years old but did you ever pick up a copy of the Tubby Hayes - The Fontana Albums (1961 - 1969) 11 LP Boxset? 180g pressed at Optimal and mastered from the analogue tapes "Mastering Notes: The recordings have been lovingly remastered at Gearbox Records’ Studios, London, directly from the original tapes, using a Studer C37 ¼-inch stereo tape machine. They were then equalised through an all-valve mastering desk built bespoke for Decca studios in the late 1950s, Vintage Lang Pultec EQ, Prism Maselec EQ and Telefunken U73b valve limiters from 1959. The LP lacquers were cut on a beautifully restored Haeco Scully Lathe from 1967 with Westrex (Western Electric) head and cutting amps: the same go-to lathe that Rudy Van Gelder used.". Very nice set if you are into 60s British Jazz kzbin.info/www/bejne/eauWpnp4d9eCars

[@mikewinburn]

My favorite box set I purchased this year : “ count Basie - the complete roulette live recordings” (mosaic) Not only did the recordings throw a unusually deep, wide, and precise sound sage, but the 8 disc limited, numbered edition set also included a fabulous historical book on the recording sessions as well as the players and band during that time.

[@guntherconvens1665]

Great list, Michael. Thank you.

[@bronzewound]

Hi Michael, I own half of those you mentioned and agree but the Liberation in Swing Centennial Collection / Erroll Garner is a beautiful box set both sonically and visually.

[@petermorris5540]

Hi Michael-First, thank you for this excellent video. Based on your recommendations, I bought the Nick Cave and Faust boxes. I watch all your videos and have a suggestion. It seems that the vast majority of your current collection is made up of high-end reissues. That’s great, but original/early pressings are very important, especially when doing shoot-outs. I’m convinced that some early pressings cannot be topped by any reissue. For example, I have the famous third pressing of Dark Side of the Moon. It’s holographic and fantastic. I’ve done shoot-outs with MoFi and other pressings and they are not nearly as good. Another example is the original Bob Ludwig “hot” pressing of Led Zeppelin II. An amazing sonic assault. I realize that your channel is about audiophile reissues. However, I think you should make some effort to acknowledge that original/early pressings can sometimes be the best. Please let me know your thoughts. Cheers, Peter from LA.

[@mikemjm8705]

Lee Morgan Live at the Lighthouse. My favourite

[@Michael45RPM]

Its a fantastic one Rick

[@mikemjm8705]

@@Michael45RPM I agree. I also picked up Pink Floyd Pulse live box set and sounds very good for a EU pressing

[@fts81]

Thought I was going to see the Red Garland box in the list ;)

[@jonlevinson3000]

I picked up the 2nd, 3rd, & 4th Bowie Box Sets this year and I'm really looking forward to ordering the 5th (just released) in the New Year. Scratching my head how the Faust box set went from Pre-order to Backordered in an eye blink... 'Let it Be' has moved up in priority as I'm watching the 'Get Back' documentary (in starts and fits - it's very long.) Passed on the Nick Cave box set, but did buy the 2x LP.

[@TheHSIHP]

Just picked up the Jerry Garcia Band box set. Contender for sure!

[@AudioExplorer]

I’m new to your channel and really enjoying it. So many great recommendations. I just ordered LAFM box set, it is a departure for me as I seldom know where to find this type of music. Looking forward to this set!

[@ClausHensingDenmark]

A very good idea to make a mediated discussion - thanks Chad. Otherwise the difference/disagreement in M and M's opinions and the discussion in the online "Vinyl Community" might have become barren and maybe even hostile. Looking forward to watch :)

Nice box sets. But I keep staring at your dog. 😁

[@audiotomb]

My top 2021 boxes Joni MItchell George Harrison - All thing Must Pass 8 lp - the main album was a botched job but the sessions are flat transfers and are spectacular (I have a German 1st pressing which is killer) Impulse Jazz Thelonious Monk - the complete Prestige 10” collection Gillian Welch / Davd rawlings - The Lost Songs Let It Be Sade Grateful Dead RSD Lyceum Paris 1972 Laura Nyro would have been an instant purchase but they did not add the 3 never on vinyl Walk The Dog, Light the Light - Looms Desire - Angel in the Dark stellar album. Have the albums - the Analog Spark audiophile pressings are worth getting as is her VMP release

[@Michael45RPM]

Thx for sharing audiotomb

[@rainbowheart2728]

Morricone/ Nicolai Dimensioni Sonore 10 LP boxset did not make this list!? Wow.

[@Michael45RPM]

Not this List :-)

[@martinjn2920]

Top 10 box sets, now there’s an issue, I only have 3 vinyl box sets if a box set is a compilation of different albums from an artist or group of artists. 3rd - Impulse Records - Music, Message and the Moment 2nd - Melody Gardot - Live in Europe 1st - Billy Joel - The Vinyl Collection Vol 1

[@pericabenic4413]

My favorite box set for 2021 is Neil Young Way Down in the Rust Bucket.

[@petejp1]

The box sets I have from 2021 are 1. Beatles let it be 2. John Lennon plastic ono band 3. Almost famous soundtrack 4. CSNY deja vu What kind of music is Faust. I never heard of them. I like Frumpy very much from the early 70's too. Are they similar?

[@yatestom4845]

neil young way down in a rust bucket,csny deja vu,fleetwood mac live 80

[@martinbroekhoven]

Great list, as always. Did you order the Ornette Coleman Tone Poet box set?

[@Michael45RPM]

Not yet can you please link it Martin

[@martinbroekhoven]

@@Michael45RPM I pre ordered it through a local shop here, release is somewhere in december…hopefully. 6 records Tone Poet style boxset by Joe Harley, pressed at RTI

[@Weisnet1995]

Great list, very informative! Won't you get the new Fela Kuti Box Set that will come out in a few days? :)

[@Michael45RPM]

you cant get them all and i really got most of them Tobias :-)

[@Weisnet1995]

@@Michael45RPM So true, was just interested in your opinion on this one ;) Best wishes from Augsburg

[@egotrpn420]

Can you share the link to the electric recording company?

[@Michael45RPM]

links are in the making gimme 5 :-)

[@SliderLe]

I don't know how any top 10 boxset list can exclude the Beatles Let It Be deluxe edition from slotting at number 1. I see the War boxset is also excluded, despite the incredible library of music included and beautiful colored vinyl, BUT I would NOT include it on any top 10 list because the sonic quality isn't up to par with any of these same albums you can grab from used record stores. I had both versions and ended up selling the War box set as a result of extended comparison listening.

[@MrMurcutio]

Can I ask where you ordered your RTI Joni from please Michael? I’m in the UK so a bit worried about shipping and import duty.

[@Michael45RPM]

I got it from Acoustic Sounds Mr.

[@gr328]

Now we know why the pressing plants are so far behind ;-)

[@Chadturner21]

Only box set I bought this year was Feel Flows by The Beach Boys, which is a very nice set

[@dmichaelelkins1]

Michael, I would have to include “Feel Flows” by The Beach Boys and “The Vinyl Collection, Vol. 1” by Billy Joel.

[@whatevahz531]

2022 > Waiting on your reviews from your secret Dolby Atmos cave room! LOL!

[@mkintaiwan]

For me it’s between Complete Lighthouse by Lee Morgan and Dimensioni sonore: Musiche per l'immagine e l'immaginazione Album by Bruno Nicolai and Ennio Morricone

[@Michael45RPM]

Bruno Nicolai and Ennio Morricone is fantastic .....

[@StuntrockConfusion]

Faust, german? Hmmm... Only partly, Jean Hervé would object to that ^^ My top 3 would be the Vanity Records Boxed Set vol.1, the Ariel Kalma Archives vol. 2, and the Autechre /Hafler Trio one. You'll tell me in a year if you still listen to the bonus LPs of the Faust box, or if you really listen to the LAFMS. I'm curious about it, still, but felt it was too much and too scattered. I have to catch up with your video of it

[@TheNorliss]

Thanks for this list, Michael. Would love that Faust set! As for the ERC: given what they charge for a single LP, I'd imagine you could buy a bloody good turntable for what that set cost you?

[@WolfKreide]

You could give Popol Vuh a chance...an interesting side of the German music scene >69...

[@Michael45RPM]

i will for sure Wolf

[@markusberzborn6346]

I know that it is not from this year, but do you also have the ERC box "Mozart in Paris"? If yes, how does it sound? It seems impossible to get one, nobody sells it.

[@Michael45RPM]

Its also Great but not as good as this one Markus

[@ricardorick5287]

Parabéns pelo vídeo, infelizmente aqui no Brasil é inviável comprar essas caixas, nossa moeda está muito desvalorizada, mas irei comprar essa caixa do Bowie… grande abraço amigo

[@terrywho22]

Is a "10+ best albums of 2021" coming out? Would love to see that.

[@Michael45RPM]

i plan 5 other best of versions best album is included

[@terrywho22]

@@Michael45RPM Can't wait. BTW, great video as always!

[@mercuryscat2703]

Or a best sounding album of 2021 ? (Here’s a spoiler , it won’t feature Miles at Abbey Road 😂)

[@512bb]

Michael, Michael, Michael, these ERC records aren't realistic in anyones wildest imagination, sorry, no record is that good.

[@seamuscolgan7654]

Impressive 👍 Q: Aren't you getting the 2nd Popol Vuh boxset?

[@Michael45RPM]

i will get it Seamus

[@seamuscolgan7654]

@@Michael45RPM I bought Volume 1 a few months ago and it's beautiful 💚 I'll likely get the second boxset in spring!

[@markusberzborn6346]

Is there anything in these boxsets that was not on the original LPs? I just ask because I have all the LPs.

[@seamuscolgan7654]

@@markusberzborn6346 each record has one additional track. Both boxsets have replica film posters, prints and a booklet.

[@bradleykay]

How do you define “archival”?

[@TheOriginalDrastic]

Mozart will always be number one.

[@albertguffanti8414]

Are you going to do an RSD video? I always live those

[@Michael45RPM]

No Albert not this time sorry :-)

[@jeffbeamer9882]

You ... You must drive your wife crazy! But we love you!

[@Michael45RPM]

:-) she is ok with it :-)

[@willdobson7351]

dear lord, I want that Faust set...300 pounds now :(((

[@cm071678]

Queen Boxset, Engineered by Bod Ludwig and pressed at Abbey Road Records

[@martinbench3657]

How great is your dog in the background ?

[@Michael45RPM]

He is a whippet.. a strong one though :-)

[@martinbench3657]

@@Michael45RPM beautiful though , just beautiful

[@martinbench3657]

@@Michael45RPM Sorry , my family wants to know his name please

[@JardinagemOrg]

The 10 best… I didn't buy 10, so my total is also my best :) .And none from your list!

[@josemorenorahn]

Take a look at that Nirvana UK Boxset, I'm sure it would have made it to the top 3!

[@robertmitchell6015]

WHAT NO U2 🙀you speak so highly of their sound quality 🤣🤣🤣

[@raymclaughlin2739]

Today is my bday, send me the Bowie!! Hahaha.

[@Warnerchild]

Boxset party time

[@Michael45RPM]

Let´s Dance :-)

[@panaceiasuberes6464]

Just subscribed after unsubbing Analog Planet.. Seems like nice company to be with.

[@Michael45RPM]

:-) Welcome Panaceias

[@Ampersand00]

The only one of those boxes I own on vinyl is Lee Morgan's (limited to only 2,000 copies, I believe). I was certainly tempted by the Metallica box. I could only justify buying the Joni Mitchell box on CD, purely to get the fully remixed Song To A Seagull album. I shudder to think what an ERC *box set* must cost... 😱

[@bronzewound]

This is the only ERC I didn't buy in the last couple of years. $4,000+ US was more than I could justify to my wife :)

[@greenebear2267]

i disagree with you when it comes to The Electric Recording Co releases ,they are the worse of the worse,see mike s videos the in groove,

[@tjnorrisofficial]

The Story Of Tribe Records not released on CD or on streaming, biggest disappointment of 2021.

[@counterpointify]

Nice heavy german accent.

[@sararibeiro4034]

Great choice. Great video. Thanks Michael

[@Michael45RPM]

Thx Sara :-)