The Top Five Music Box Sets Of 2017

Okay, deep breaths everyone. We're about to dive into the sparkly, often dusty, world of music box sets. 2017 was a year, wasn't it? Full of surprises, questionable fashion choices (mine, mostly), and some seriously impressive musical packages. Now, I know what you're thinking. "Box sets? Are we talking about those things that play 'Für Elise' when you open them?" And bless your innocent heart, we are not. We're talking about the grown-up, super-fan versions. The ones that cost more than your rent but are totally worth it if you're really into a certain artist. This is my totally unbiased, probably unpopular, but definitely entertaining list of the top five music box sets from 2017. Prepare to be mildly amused, and maybe a little bit jealous.

First up, let's talk about Tom Petty. Ah, Tom Petty. The man was a national treasure, and his passing in 2017 was a gut punch. But before the heavens called him home, he blessed us with the American Treasure box set. Now, this wasn't just some quick cash grab. This was a meticulously curated journey through his entire career. We’re talking deep cuts, live tracks you’d never heard before, and enough sheer, unadulterated rock and roll to power a small city. Did I buy it? Of course not. My wallet still cries when I look at it. But I admired it. From afar. Like a majestic, vinyl-filled eagle. It was like getting a hug from a friendly, guitar-wielding bear. And who doesn't love that?

Next on our slightly-less-dusty-than-initially-expected list is David Bowie. Naturally. Bowie could probably release a box set of his grocery lists and it would be considered a masterpiece. And in 2017, we got the A New Career in a New Town (1977-1982) box set. This covered his Berlin trilogy and the subsequent Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps). Think of it as Bowie going through his experimental phase, like a mad scientist with really good eyeliner. The sound quality on these reissues was, as expected, chef’s kiss. It was like rediscovering an old friend, but this friend had dramatically changed their hairstyle and was now speaking in riddles about aliens. Pure brilliance. I might have shed a tear or two when listening. A very artistic, Bowie-esque tear, of course.

Moving on, we have a band that’s basically synonymous with the word "epic": Led Zeppelin. In 2017, they continued their vinyl reissue campaign with The Complete Studio Recordings. Now, this might seem like a repeat offender, but each release was a chance to re-experience their magic. The sheer power of those riffs, the soaring vocals, the… well, everything. It’s like a musical avalanche that just keeps on coming, but in the best possible way. Holding these heavy vinyls, with their pristine re-mastering, felt like holding a piece of history. A loud, glorious piece of history. I’m pretty sure my neighbors still haven't forgiven me for playing "Whole Lotta Love" at full blast after I borrowed a friend’s copy.

Now, for something a little more… niche. But hear me out. The Velvet Underground. In 2017, they dropped the 45th-anniversary edition of The Velvet Underground & Nico. Yes, that iconic banana album. This wasn't just a shiny new record; it was a deep dive into the making of an album that changed the world. We got alternate mixes, live recordings that sound like they were recorded in a particularly echoey garage, and enough liner notes to write your own thesis. It’s the kind of box set that makes you feel incredibly cultured, even if you’re just listening to it while eating cereal. It’s the sound of rebellion, of art, of Lou Reed’s effortlessly cool sneer. You can almost smell the cigarettes and artistic angst.

And finally, a dark horse, a curveball, a… well, let's just say it surprised a lot of people. Joni Mitchell. In 2017, we got the Love, Joni box set. This was a beautiful, intimate collection of her early recordings. Think demos, unreleased tracks, and a glimpse into the mind of a lyrical genius before she became the Joni Mitchell. It felt like stumbling upon a secret diary, filled with incredible poetry set to music. It’s the kind of thing that makes you want to curl up with a cup of tea and contemplate the meaning of life. Or at least ponder why you haven't written any songs as good as "Both Sides, Now." It was a gentle reminder of her incredible talent, a whisper of genius that still resonates. So there you have it. My completely unscientific, highly subjective, and undeniably entertaining list of the top music box sets of 2017. Did I miss your favorite? Probably. But hey, that's the fun of it, right? We all have our musical obsessions. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go check my bank account to see if I can afford next year's releases.