Firstly, the box set is delivered in a sturdy box packed with thick bubble wrap to cushion the impacts that the Royal Mail will surely inflict upon it.
Each sleeve has an inner which lists the lyrics on one side and a picture which forms part of a large mosaic portrait on the reverse. Each 12” has a plain coloured label and an indication of which side is facing.
The merits of this release are not in the music it contains. Some people (all of whom did not order it) feel it is amusing that the 'exclusive' instrumentals on this release will inevitably be widely available on the Internet in the near future. I, like most people who ordered this box set, couldn't care less about the 'exclusivity' of the music. I welcome digital copies of the instrumental versions which will save me from having to play my records. £300 for records you are not going to play? That's insane!
Well, no it's not insane. Looking at this in purely financial terms it represents a sound investment. With only 300 available, the few box sets being advertised on eBay are already fetching considerably more than the £300 retail price. By not subjecting the vinyl to wear/dust/static/scratches the condition is maintained and thus the value enhanced. Not playing the records makes sound economic sense.
Aesthetically this box set is also very pleasing. The whole point of this set is that it is a luxury item that could almost be considered a piece of art. It is crafted from fine quality materials and pressed on a relatively small scale. It's high cost also ensures its elite nature.So on the whole I am very pleased I ordered it and that I am able to justify such a huge price tag to myself. I just hope they don't make any similar box sets for future albums as I still have to eat and pay the mortgage.
