Best Box Sets of 2010

Despite the rise of digital, the box set remains the Lamborghini of record releases, a musical keepsake far more cherished than your run-of-the-mill LP or flimsy CD. Typically packed with long-lost tracks and candid artist photos, these special collection are bestowed upon only those artists whose back catalogue stacks up. Whether poring over unearthed music trivia or rehashing classic tunes, music lovers hold these sonic treasure chests in the highest of esteem, which is why Spinner is counting down the top box sets of 2010.


5. Miles Davis, 'The Genius of Miles Davis' (Columbia/ Legacy)
This might very well be the definitive Miles Davis release -- of course, that's what people proclaimed when 'The Complete Columbia Album Collection' arrived last year. So until another offering even more comprehensive than this one (or one packaged in something even cooler than 'The Genius' trumpet case-inspired box) hits the market, Davis devotees will remain in awe of this epic play-by-play of the jazz legend's illustrious career. The 43 (!) disc homage to the Prince of Darkness is a must-have as far as box sets go, and even allows for those at home to "play" along thanks to the inclusion of an exact replica of Davis' "Gustav" Heim 2 model mouthpiece.

Read More About 'The Genius of Miles Davis' Box Set


4. Bruce Springsteen, 'The Promise: The Darkness on the Edge of Town Story' (Columbia)
The Boss already has a few box sets to his name but this one, dubbed 'The Promise: The Darkness on the Edge of Town Story,' is one of the more memorable from the list. Boasting newly-found original recordings of 'Because of the Night' and 'Fire,' the multi CD/DVD package is a special gem indeed. But don't worry, the staples are covered too, with quintessential tunes such as 'Badlands' now remastered. As for the cherry, the inclusion of acclaimed documentary 'The Promise: The Making of 'Darkness on the Edge of Town'' -- which combines never-before-seen footage of Springsteen and the E Street Band circa 1976-'78 with new interviews from Bruce, the E Streeters and various other insiders -- is a nice touch.

Read More About 'The Promise: The Darkness on the Edge of Town Story'



3. Richie Hawtin, 'Plastikman's Arkives' (m_nus)
If you fancy yourself a Richie Hawtin aficionado, then this is the ultimate 2010 release -- never mind wowing simply in the realm of box sets. (And yes, while it's not "officially" available until the New Year, orders are being taken now, which means it's fair game for our box set-loving list.) Culling material from his Plastikman persona, the esteemed Canadian DJ has put together an enticing mix with this made-to-order 11-disc set containing remastered versions of the six Plastikman albums to date, in addition to five CDs of rare and unreleased material, plus a shiny new Plastikman track called 'Slinky.' All this, coupled with a DVD featuring footage from DJ sets at destination festivals such as Glastonbury, and a book singing Hawtin's praise, will make a mega-fan out of anyone.

Watch Richie Hawtin Go Head-To-Head With Spinner


2.V/A, 'Matador at 21' (Matador)
To mark their 21st year as a record label, indie heavyweight Matador decided to do it up, releasing a box set that boasts everyone from Superchunk and Pavement to Guided By Voices and Yo La Tengo. While the New York-based label has obvious bragging rights for having assembled such an unbelievable roster over the years, this package wouldn't be nearly as awe-inducing without the fun extras -- and by extras we mean poker chips, and lots of them. Yes, apparently someone at the label thought it would be cute to throw in 36 custom poker chips to spice up the assortment of goodies, which also include an 85-page book documenting the company's history. Consider the fact that proceeds from 'Matador at 21' are going to charity (yup, the whole kit and caboodle!), and you'd be a fool not to snap this up.

Read More About 'Matador at 21'

Ninja Tune

1. V/A, 'Ninja Tune XX: 20 Years of Beats and Pieces' (Ninja Tune)
Across the pond, Ninja Tune held their own soiree in honour of 20 years strong, releasing their very own memory capsule via 'Ninja Tune XX.' Kid Koala, Toddla T, Prefuse 73 and Roots Manuva are just a few of the acts appearing on the slew of CDs and seven-inches included in the highly-collectible set. Not to be outdone by Matador, the London label behind genre-defining releases in the realm of hip-hop, electronic and beyond also offers up their own book (in hardcover, no less), along with exclusive Ninja Tune-specific artwork, including a cool 'Family Tree' poster. With only 3,500 box sets produced, you know that beat fiends were in a frenzy to get in on the pre-order. Forget Ninja Tune 101, this will earn you a Ph. D. in all things NT, and is more than worthy of Spinner's ultimate prize for 2010.

Read Our Oral History 'Ninja Tune XX: 20 Years of Beats and Pieces'



More Best Songs, Box Sets + Albums of 2010
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