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Music Box Sets for Christmas 2011

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Box Sets That Make Great Presents for Music Lovers

Every Fall and Winter, record companies roll out lavish box sets that are sure to be near the top of every music lover's Christmas Wishlist. From career-spanning collections to deluxe celebrations of individual albums, these box sets are both highly enjoyable and highly collectible! Often featuring remastered sound quality, previously unreleased material, detailed text commentary and other memorabilia, they make for great gifts for any serious audiophile.

Here are some of the most anticipated and hottest music box sets for the 2011 holiday season. Whether you're shopping for someone you love, or to build your own music library, be sure to check out these titles which are now available or soon to be released!

Photo: The Who in concert. Photograph by sockii.

Table of Contents - Music Box Sets for Christmas 2011

Skip Ahead to the Box Set You're Interested In...

...Or browse the full list of titles below:
  1. Pink Floyd: The Discovery Studio Album Box Set
  2. Pink Floyd: "The Dark Side of the Moon" Immersion Box Set
  3. Pink Floyd: "Wish You Were Here" Immersion Box Set
  4. Pink Floyd: "The Wall" Immersion Box Set
  5. Pink Floyd Box Sets on eBay
  6. The Who: "Quadrophenia - The Director's Cut" Super Deluxe Edition
  7. Jethro Tull: "Aqualung 40h Anniversary Edition"
  8. U2: "Achtung Baby" (Super Deluxe Edition)
  9. Nirvana: "Nevermind" 20th Anniversary Box Set
  10. Sting "25 Years" 3 CD + DVD Box Set
  11. The Smiths "Complete: Super Deluxe Collector's Box"
  12. Jimi Hendrix: "Winterland" Box Set
  13. Leonard Cohen: The Complete Studio Album Collection
  14. The Beach Boys: "The Smile Sessions Box Set"
  15. Phil Spector Presents The Phillies Album Collection
  16. Collectible Music Box Sets on eBay

Pink Floyd: The Discovery Studio Album Box Set

A Remastered Overview of Pink Floyd's Work

In 2011, EMI records launched their Why Pink Floyd? campaign, celebrating the legacy and music of one of rock's greatest bands, Pink Floyd. The new Discovery Studio Album Box Set features all 14 original studio albums by Pink Floyd, carefully remastered by James Guthrie, who has worked with the Floyd since their album "The Wall". New art packaging and booklets come with this set, along with an exclusive 60-page book created by the band's longtime artistic collaborator Storm Thorgerson.
Discovery Box Set

Discovery Box Set

Amazon Price: $128.75 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $219.99

While most Floyd fans surely have most if not all of these albums already, the new remasters promise surprises and revelations even to the most dedicated Floydian. Classic albums from "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn", "Meddle", "Dark Side of the Moon" through "The Division Bell" are all included here.

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Why Pink Floyd?

Learn More About the New Floyd Sets in This Promotional Video

Pink Floyd redefine their EMI Legacy
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Pink Floyd: "The Dark Side of the Moon" Immersion Box Set

The Ultimate Dark Side Experience

For the hardcore Pink Floyd fans, the new Immersion Box Sets are certain to be what they are most dreaming about this Christmas season. These extensive sets feature the newly remastered versions by James Guthrie along with alternative mixes, live performances, studio outtakes and video - as well as unique and collectible memorabilia. "The Dark Side of the Moon" is perhaps Pink Floyd's most famous work, containing such classic songs as "Money", "Us and Them", "Time" and "The Great Gig in the Sky". Here fans will be able to experience the album as never before, in this set of 6 discs: 3 CDs, 2 audio DVDs and one Blu-Ray disc.
The Dark Side Of The Moon - Immersion Box Set

The Dark Side Of The Moon - Immersion Box Set

Amazon Price: $99.27 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $149.99

Some of the features in the Dark Side Immersion box are a 1972 Early Album Mix engineered by Alan Parsons (previously unreleased) and The Hard Way, from the never-released 'Household Objects' project. There is also a documentary film about the album, live video footage from 1972, and collectibles such as a photo book edited by Jill Furmanovsky, artwork by Storm Thorgerson, marbles, coasters, replica concert ticket, and a scarf.

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Pink Floyd: "Wish You Were Here" Immersion Box Set

Second in the New Immersion Series by EMI

Pink Floyd's follow-up to "The Dark Side of the Moon" also gets the deluxe treatment with this new box set. This fan favorite to many includes the classic songs "Shine On You Crazy Diamond", "Wish You Were Here", "Have a Cigar" and "Welcome to the Machine". Once again remastered by James Guthrie, this set of 5 discs (2 CDs, 2 audio DVDs, one Blu-Ray) will surely delight listeners with alternative versions of the songs, different mixes, a performance from Wembley November 1974, video footage and unique memorabilia.
Wish You Were Here - Immersion Box Set

Wish You Were Here - Immersion Box Set

Amazon Price: $116.32 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $149.99

Some of the special features in this box set include a 40 page booklet designed by Storm Thorgerson, a photo book edited by Jill Furmanovsky, original concert screen films used by the Floyd for Wish You Were Here songs, coasters, marbles, a scarf and collectible card set.

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Pink Floyd: "The Wall" Immersion Box Set

Third in the Series of Ultimate Pink Floyd Album Experiences

With Pink Floyd's Roger Waters touring his new production of The Wall well into 2012, this box set is sure to be a hot item for Pink Floyd fans. This 7 disc box (6 cds and one DVD) includes the original album remastered by James Guthrie, The Wall unreleased album demos, and a remastered version of "Is There Anybody Out There: The Wall Live" along with documentary and other video content.
The Wall - Immersion Box Set

The Wall - Immersion Box Set

Amazon Price: $99.27 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $149.99

As with the other Immersion box sets, this one includes a booklet designed by Storm Thorgerson, exclusive photobook, collectible memorabilia including coasters, marbles, scarf and art prints, and a reproduction ticket and backstage pass.

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Pink Floyd Box Sets on eBay

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Roger Waters and The Wall Return to North America in 2012

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The Who: "Quadrophenia - The Director's Cut" Super Deluxe Edition

Celebrating the Classic Rock Masterpiece

Although labeled "The Director's Cut", this box set is for the 1973 album by The Who, not the later movie version. The 5 included audio discs feature the original double-album remastered, Pete Townshend's original demos for the album (including songs which were eventually cut from the final release), and an 8-track audio DVD featuring songs including "I Am The Sea", "The Real Me", "Quadrophenia" and "I've Had Enough" in 5.1 sound. Other goodies in the box set are memorabilia, photographs, notes and a 100-page hardbound book celebrating the album and its legacy. For fans of The Who, this lavish production is sure to be a real treat.
Quadrophenia- The Director's Cut (Super Deluxe Edition)

Quadrophenia- The Director's Cut (Super Deluxe Edition)

Amazon Price: $124.89 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $161.49

Pete Townshend personally supervised the production of this box set, to be released in November. In a release statement, Townshend said of the project: "The time has come for me and my team to honor Quadrophenia with a carefully presented package that features examples of the impact surround sound (quadrophonic) would have on the music, to remaster the vinyl mixes, and to collect and restore my demos. I am also going to try to shed some light on the way Quadrophenia came about, and how it was inspired by events in my life in 1970 and 1971 when I scribbled or typed the very first notes and lyrics for some of the songs that made it onto the final record."

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UK Promo for Quadrophenia - The Director's Cut

Get a better look inside this new box set from The Who!

Quadrophenia Directors Cut box set - promo
by ClassicPopIcons | video info

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Jethro Tull: "Aqualung 40h Anniversary Edition"

Another Classic Rock Favorite Gets the Royal Treatment

Another classic album in rock history gets the lavish box treatment with the "Commemorative Collector's Edition" of Jethro Tull's "Aqualung". This release features brand new stereo and 5.1 surround sound editions and is complete with one LP, 2 CDs, 1 DVD, 1 Blue-ray and a 48-page hard back book. The "Aqualung" LP is from a new stereo mix, and is presented on 180 gm heavyweight vinyl, reproducing the original gatefold sleeve. The first cd is "Aqualung" again in the new stereo mix, and the second cd contains additional recordings from 1971 and 1972 by Tull. The DVD features the album in 5.1 surround sound with four additional recordings in DTS Surround and Dolby Digital Surround for true audiophiles. The Blu-Ray similarly features the album mixed in 5.1 surround sound with additional recordings.
Aqualung - 40th Anniversary Collector's Edition

Aqualung - 40th Anniversary Collector's Edition

Amazon Price: $125.00 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $158.98

"Aqualung" was Juthro Tull's fourth studio album and commercially their most successful. Songs such as "Locomotive Breath", "Aqualung" and "Cross-Eyed Mary" would become classics of rock radio play and it has often ended up on many lists of the best and most important classic rock albums of all time for its musicianship, themes and songwriting.

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U2: "Achtung Baby" (Super Deluxe Edition)

A Special Re-Issue from One of the Biggest Bands in Rock

20 years since the release of U2's album "Achtung Baby", the band will celebrate with this impressive box set to be released in November 2011. Included in this 6CD/4DVD set are remastered editions of "Achtung Baby" and its 1993 follow-up "Zooropa", so-called "re-workings of previously unheard material," the "ZOO TV: Live From Sydney" concert film, and an entirely new documentary. Also part of the set will be a 92-page hardback book and 16 art prints. Among the hit tracks from this popular U2 album are "One", "Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses", "Mysterious Ways" and "Even Better Than The Real Thing".
Achtung Baby (Super Deluxe Edition)

Achtung Baby (Super Deluxe Edition)

Amazon Price: $134.97 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $169.98

U2 is actually releasing several different versions of this box set, depending on a fan's interest - and wallet! The "Uber Deluxe Edition" will be limited and numbered and released in a magnetic tiled puzzle box. It will include vinyl editions of the albums, 7" singles, and memorabilia including a pair of Bono's "The Fly" sunglasses.

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A Video Tour of the U2 Achtung Baby Über Deluxe Box Set

Discover the visual delights of this new box set release

U2 Achtung Baby Über Deluxe box opening unpacking
by ampvisual | video info

107 ratings | 25,553 views
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Nirvana: "Nevermind" 20th Anniversary Box Set

One of the Most Important Rock Albums of the 90s Remastered in 2011

2011 also marks the 20th Anniversary of the release of Nirvana's "Nevermind" - the album that rocketed the Seattle band to super-stardom and made "grunge" one of the trademark sounds of the 1990s. This "Super Deluxe Edition" box set will be limited to 10,000 copies in North America, and 30,000 for the rest of the world. Along with a remaster of the original album, the set features studio and live B-sides, album demos, recordings of album rehearsals. and alternative mixes. All four music videos from the album are included along with a 1991 concert in CD and DVD, and a 90-page book of photographs and other mementos celebrating the album.
Nevermind [4CD/DVD Super Deluxe]

Nevermind [4CD/DVD Super Deluxe]

Amazon Price: $107.91 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $169.98

Songs such as "Smells Like Teen Spirit", "Lithium", "On a Plain", "Come As You Are" and "In Bloom" have become anthems and such a part of our rock music consciousness today, it can be hard to remember how shockingly new their sound was to music listeners in the early 90s. Now is a great opportunity to rediscover the songs of Nirvana in an entirely new way.

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Sting "25 Years" 3 CD + DVD Box Set

Celebrating Sting's 25 Years of Solo Work

After The Police, Sting has gone on to a prolific and commercially successful solo career, marked in this new box set, "25 Years". It features 3 CDs of newly remastered tracks spanning his solo releases, including such popular hit songs as "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free", "Fragile", "All This Time", "Sacred Love" and much more (45 tracks in total). Also included is a DVD of previously unreleased live footage, and a hardcover book with lyrics, photos and an introduction by Sting himself. There's no doubt that most diehard Sting fans will want to add this box set to their collection.
25 Years [3CD + DVD]

25 Years [3CD + DVD]

Amazon Price: $97.71 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $149.98

Sting will also be marking the release of this boxed set with a Fall/Winter Back to Bass tour of North America.

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Sting Promotes "25 Years"

Television advertisement for this collectible box set release

Sting: 25 Years OUT NOW. Watch the TV ad!
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The Smiths "Complete: Super Deluxe Collector's Box"

The Ultimate Gift for Smiths and Morrissey Fans!

Talk about a box set that pulls out all of the stops! You can't get much more comprehensive or impressive than this amazing overview of The Smith's musical output. Included are all of The Smith's albums, digitally remastered on both CD and vinyl LP; 25 seven-inch singles; rare artwork; a DVD of music videos by The Smiths and eight 12" prints of their album covers as well as a full-sized poster. This amazing box set is sure to be at the top of every Smiths or Morrissey fan's wishlist for 2011.
Complete: Super Deluxe Collector's Box

Complete: Super Deluxe Collector's Box

Amazon Price: $1,288.52 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $412.99

The Smiths were easily one of the most important and influential rock bands of the 1980s. Featuring Morrissey, Andy Rourke, Johnny Marr and Mike Joyce they created a sound all of their own on such memorable songs as "How Soon Is Now?", "This Charming Man", "Panic", "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now" and "Hand in Glove".

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Jimi Hendrix: "Winterland" Box Set

Legendary Concert Performances by the Guitar Legend

Jimi Hendrix is one of rock music's most celebrated and influential guitarists. Here, his work is celebrated in a new box set capturing a series of 6 concerts recorded over three days at San Francisco's Winterland Ballroom in October 1968. Previously unreleased music from each of these six shows is included in the set and rare live performances of songs such as "Manic Depression," "Are You Experienced?," "Tax Free" and "Little Wing". A 36-page booklet includes photographs and an essay by Rolling Stone contributor David Fricke, and a bonus disc is included of an audience stereo recording of a February 4, 1968 performance at Winterland.
Winterland (5 CD Box Set) (Amazon.com Exclusive)

Winterland (5 CD Box Set) (Amazon.com Exclusive)

Amazon Price: $37.00 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $49.98

Another feature of this box set is a rare interview with Jimi Hendrix, recorded backstage at the Boston Garden a few weeks after these concert performances. All told this box set captures an important time in Hendrix's creative output and should surely delight many of his greatest fans.

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Leonard Cohen: The Complete Studio Album Collection

A Wonderful Career Overview of a Brilliant Artist

October 2011 sees the release of this career-spanning box set for Leonard Cohen, legendary singer-songwriter and inspiration to many. Included in this set are remastered editions of: Songs Of (1968); Songs From A Room (1969); Songs Of Love & Hate (1971); New Skin For The Old Ceremony (1974); Death Of A Ladies Man (1977); Recent Songs (1979); Various Positions (1984); I'm Your Man (1988); The Future (1992); Ten New Songs (2001); Dear Heather (2004). The box will also include a new 36-page booklet of recording information and an essay by Pico Iyer.
Complete Studio Albums Collection

Complete Studio Albums Collection

Amazon Price: $37.92 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $66.49

Cohen's songs have been interpreted and performed by thousands of musicians worldwide: "Hallelujah", "I'm Your Man", "Bird on a Wire", "If It Be Your Will", and countless others. Explore the original recordings here for yourself in this wonderful retrospective set.

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The Beach Boys: "The Smile Sessions Box Set"

The Never-Released Legendary Album Finally Sees the Light of Day

For fans of the Beach Boys, Christmas certainly comes early in 2011 with the November release of "The Smile Sessions Box Set". Called by Rolling Stone magazine "the most famous unfinished album in rock & roll history", "Smile" was to be the follow-up to the band's groundbreaking album "Pet Sounds" but the 1966-1967 album sessions were not completed and released. This box set came about with the participation and work of original Beach Boys Al Jardine, Mike Love and Brian Wilson and contains five CDs, two LPs and two 7" singles along with many more goodies: a three-dimensional shadow box lid featuring the original artwork of Frank Holmes, a 60-page hardbound book, a 12" x 12" booklet created for original release features, a poster and much more.
The Smile Sessions Box Set

The Smile Sessions Box Set

Amazon Price: $120.68 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $165.99

The five cds in this box set will take the listener deep into the studio sessions and recording process featuring early song drafts, alternate takes, instrumental and vocals-only mixes, and studio chatter. These are all taken from the original master tapes which have been shelved until this day.

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"Unbox" The Beach Boys' "Smile Sessions"

Discover what's inside in this clever animated promotion

Beach Boys "SMiLE" Animated Unboxing
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Phil Spector Presents The Phillies Album Collection

Celebrate the Sound that Shaped 60s Pop Music

Legendary producers changed the world of pop-rock music in the 60s on his work with such artists as Darlene Love, The Crystals and The Ronettes. Lush, dramatic and rich with the sound of strings and orchestration to enhance the rock instrumentation, his approach became known as "The Wall of Sound". His work is celebrated in this new box set, celebrating 6 of his most groundbreaking albums presented for the first time in their entirety on remastered, mono CD. A bonus disc of b-sides rounds out the collection, including many songs never available since their original release on vinyl 45.
Phil Spector Presents The Philles Album Collection

Phil Spector Presents The Philles Album Collection

Amazon Price: $24.32 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $79.98

The six albums included in this box set are THE CRYSTALS TWIST UPTOWN by The Crystals; HE'S A REBEL by The Crystals; ZIP-A DEE-DOO-DAH by Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans; THE CRYSTALS SING THE GREATEST HITS, VOLUME 1; PHILLES RECORDS PRESENTS TODAY'S HITS by Various Artists; PRESENTING THE FABULOUS RONETTES FEATURING VERONICA by The Ronettes. This is a limited edition box set, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the launch of the Phillies record label in 1962.

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Collectible Music Box Sets on eBay

Rare, deluxe, or out of print - find them today on eBay!

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Do You Love Music Box Sets?

Are Any of These Sets on Your Christmas Wishlist?

Please feel free to leave any comments below - including your thoughts on music box sets in general (great idea, or overkill) and which ones in particular you might be looking forward to this release season.

  • LisaAuch Nov 27, 2011 @ 3:50 pm | delete
    love them seen 1 or 2 I dont have yet, great selection!
  • pawpaw911 Nov 21, 2011 @ 10:19 am | delete
    You have some good ones here.
  • JoeCinocca Nov 15, 2011 @ 10:07 am | delete
    My favorite thing about box sets are the liner notes and the artwork. The music is great to, but I'm a sucker for the "behind-the-scenes" nuggets of info. Roger Waters is still touring with his version of the Wall. I wish he would stop. Love Pink Floyd but feel sad for Roger. Best live show I ever saw was The Division Bell tour. This was a fun lens!
  • sockii Nov 15, 2011 @ 5:20 pm | delete
    The Dave vs. Rog wars will never end in Floyd fandom, that's for sure! I'll admit I fall pretty strongly on the Rog side...saw the Division Bell tour (and Momentary Lapse) plus many solo gigs thru the years from Rog and Dave. And honestly nothing ever came close for me to Rog's current Wall tour. I found it truly mindblowing and everything I ever wanted from a Floyd concert.
  • Lifeboost Nov 1, 2011 @ 3:28 pm | delete
    Great idea for Christmas - I have my eye on the Jethro Tull one! :)
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