Rolling Stones to Release two Remastered Box-sets
October 13th 2010 12:08
Ever keen, it seems, to milk their back catalogue for all it is worth the Rolling Stones will re-release almost all of their albums to date in two sizeable box-sets.
The first contains their work from 1964-69 and includes 13 records from "The Rolling Stones EP" through to "Metamorphosis" - probably The Stones' strongest period. The second covers 1971-2005 containing everything from the absolutely essential "Sticky Fingers" to their last studio album, "A Bigger Bang".
The records will be pressed on heavyweight 180gm vinyl, but it doesn't look like the sleeves will be authentic reproductions, will there be a zipper on "Sticky Fingers" or holes in the "Some Girls" sleeve? There will however be a download coupon, a thing should come as standard with all new vinyl releases and re-releases - and the downloads should be available in lossless formats such as FLAC, but again - no details of whether they will or not.
Whereas there is no doubt that some of the material in these box-sets is incredible, the value of re-releasing the albums again can be called into question. On first glance there is no incentive in terms of new tracks, unreleased demo versions or alternative takes. Not even any new exploratory sleeve notes, or retrospective writings on the band. They are limited and numbered though and so will find plenty of takers for their hefty (£175 for Vol. 1, £195 for Vol. 2) price tags.
It is a shame however, that these sets will not follow the lead of other artists in their re-issues. Look at the recent David Bowie reissue of "Station to Station" - extra discs, booklets, reproduction material from the period, a real collectors item that through its inclusion of material beyond the album itself becomes desirable. The Stones are more than capable of doing it too; their re-issue of "Exile on Main Street" was extensive.
With the news that each of these albums will be released individually too in early 2011, I can't see much reason to part with a huge wad of cash for the addition of a box to keep them in. Should you be interested, then the links to the pre-order page are below - they are due to be released in November.
Vinyl Remastered Collection Vol. 1
Vinyl Remastered Collection Vol. 2
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