Yes box set: the verdict

Well, the Pet Shop Boys ‘Yes’ box set has been out for a few days and here is an inside look at what you get for your £300.

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.

Inside the bubble wrap, a clear plastic bag holds your investment and protects it from scratches.

Once out of its cocoon, the box set consists of a very shiny, opaque, black Perspex box with a gold coloured metallic ‘tick’ to the front. One detail I did not notice until opening the box was a door to the side of the box which is held in place by two magnetic catches. This door simply lifts off to reveal the records themselves.

Within the box there are 12 LP sleeves, each of a different colour. 11 sleeves contain 12” singles. Each disc plays one album track and the instrumental version on the b-side.

The twelfth sleeve is white and has the coloured tick from the ‘Yes’ artwork to the front. Inside there is a glossy card which lists the album credits and states this is a limited release. Also in the white sleeve is an art print which is signed and numbered (very clear full signatures in black pen).

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.