All Things Vinyl, August 28, 2008

By Oliver Amnuayphol

This week, "All Things Vinyl" is All Things Box Sets. And boy oh boy, there be some doozies. Even major labels seem to be quite smitten with the vinyl box set as of late, as evinced by the plethora of set releases within the past year. With everything from legacy catalog titles to highly-anticipated/landmark new releases getting the box set treatment, there's sure to be something for everyone. And on that note, here's a few new-ish set releases worthy of your attention:

Miles Davis--Kind of Blue 50th-anniversary box set (due Sept. 30): Though technically not a vinyl-only box set, it's still one for the ages. One look at what's included and you'll surely agree: An oh-so-cool blue vinyl pressing of KOB; a CD of the original album w/ bonus tracks; another CD that includes the first live performance of KOB tunes, the Den Haag concert and the Zurich concert; a DVD which includes the TV special The Sound Of Miles Davis and a Kind of Blue documentary; and an exclusive, hardcover book. A must have for Kind of Blue lovers of every stripe.

Portishead--Third box set: Thing is, I'm a huge Portishead fan. And yeah, I already own the regular edition of this LP. And it's good. But 10 years since their last release was absolutely Darwinian, and I wasn't about to wait any longer than necessary to own new Portishead music (I had just enough coin in my pocket for the standard LP). I kinda wish I had waited though; I didn't get all the cool goodies that come in this box set: Double LP set; "P" shaped, 1 GB USB drive that includes the full MP3 album and films/music videos; 12" LP single of "Machine Gun;" and limited edition art cell.

Antal Dorati--Stravinsky Ballets: If you're a classical music fan, chances are these three seminal Stravinsky ballets--The Firebird, Petroushka, Le Sacre du printemps--are already in your CD collection. But if you're a vinyl junkie, you'll definitely want these on LP: Just having the chance to own and listen to a freshly-remastered, new LP copy of Dorati's Firebird makes purchasing this set worth it. Of course, a special slipcase and booklet are included as well, but you'll definitely be buying these for the sound: the fact these three musical gems have been lovingly remastered by Speakers Corner means these records will be sonic wonders indeed. 

Andre Cluytens--Ravel: Complete Orchestral Works: Maurice Ravel was an absolute orchestral genius, and this collection does justice to his fine talent for musical color, texture, and supremely creative sonorities. Classical buffs are keenly aware of this recording set's Franco-centric sensibilities (Paris Conservatoire Orchestra, playing Ravel, conducted by Cluytens!) and for good reason: these sessions really brought together the best of of everything to produce one of EMI-Testaments finest series of recordings.