NewsThe Vinyl Countdown: Best LP box sets for Autumn 2013
With vinyl sales up 78% in 2013, according to Official Record Store Chart data, it’s no surprise that the big labels are all pushing out vinyl box sets this autumn.
Here is our pick of the best of the releases:
The Eagles: The Studio Albums 1972-1979 – 6LP box set
Limited to 5,000 sets, this Eagles box collects the six classic studio albums from the 1970s. Foil-blocked logo and artwork upgrades add a touch of class to this attractive looking collection. 
Suede: The Vinyl Collection – 11 LP box set
This Suede vinyl box set is a desirable set thanks to the inclusion of B-Side collection Sci-Fi Lullabies (appearing on vinyl for the first time). You can’t really go wrong with the first three albums and their masterpiece, Dog Man Star, is a double LP. Downside is that you’re forced to buy Head Music and A New Morning all over again (not something most would choose to do).
The Jam: The Studio Recordings – 8 LP box
This is effectively a 180g vinyl version of The Jam CD box Classic Album Collection from 2012. The big difference is that two extra records are added here which gather up non-album singles and B-sides. With the six studio albums that makes this an 8LP set. Also comes with a book and download code for MP3s.
Dire Straits: The Complete Studio Albums 1978-1991
CD owners have for nearly 30 years enjoyed a ‘better’ version of Dire Straits‘ Brothers In Arms than vinyl owners. Eight minutes was chopped off the running time of side one of the record, via edits to So Far Away, Money For Nothing, Your Latest Trick and Why Worry. For the first time in this vinyl box the 30 million selling record has the full CD running time across a 2LP vinyl set. Hooray! On Every Street is also pressed on 2LPs. All the albums are here of course, including the sublime debut.
Fleetwood Mac: 1969-1972 – 4LP set + 7″ record
This Fleetwood Mac box has been out for a few months, but is a highly recommended purchase, thanks to very high quality thick card sleeves, a competitive price and a bonus seven-inch single.
Nirvana: In Utero – 3LP set
Okay, not a box per se, but this 3LP set is probably the pick of the recent Nirvana In Utero reissue formats, thanks to an amazing vinyl remaster, the album being pressed on 45 RPM vinyl and the inclusion of bonus tracks on the third LP.
SDE helps fans around the world discover physical music and discuss releases. To keep the site free, SDE participates in various affiliate programs, including Amazon and earns from qualifying purchases.
SDEtv
[…] released on 25 November 2013 (for more vinyl box set releases this autumn, check out our ‘vinyl countdown‘ […]
Thanks Mike F.
Picked up the red vinyl of Flaming Lips “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots” the other day, brand new for $15. Score! Felt like I was back in the mid-80s again.
Can’t help hearing in my head… Europe’s Final countdown melody with “The Vinyl Countdown” followed by the keyboard part.
Great stuff on the way , though i’m surprised you’ve not mentioned the forthcoming Jesus & Mary Chain vinyl box , looks fantastic !
These are nice sets but I really wish the labels would start issuing the LPs individually as well. As much as I would like The Jam, Eagles and Dire Straits sets, I don’t have that kind of money to shell out in one go as i’m sure a lot of potential buyers also don’t.
Nice one Justin!
I’m probably in the minority but I actually rate Suede’s ‘Positivity’ very highly. Not compared with their earlier (Butler) phase but as an intelligent pop album I don’t think there is a duff track on it.
Head Music, on the other hand, seems to get worse with age…
I’ve only recently (last 6 months) bought a turntable and am enjoying the vinyl experience again. There’s some wonderful albums to be discovered/rediscovered if you keep your eyes open. Thanks Paul, for helping us with that journey. Of all these, the Dire Straits set looks the pick of the bunch for me.