Best Box Sets of 2010

Ahhh the big epic collection of multi disc sets on LP/CD/Download. Holding the promise of great unreleased tracks, rare photos and well written essays on the importance of your favorite band, record label or style of music. Often they end up being disappointing but sometimes you find a bit of magic. Today I hope you may find some gems here.

1) Syl Johnson - Complete Mythology - Numero Group

I have heard a few tracks from this forgotten soul star before and enjoyed them. Here you have 6LP's and 4 CD's that are fantastic. 52 page booklet. 81 songs. Less than $80. A no brainer. This is amazing. If you like Al Green, Wilson Pickett or Marvin Gaye then this is for you



2) CTI Records - The Cool Revolution - Masterworks Jazz

4 CD's surveying Creed Taylor's wonderful jazz label. Gold by Freddie Hubbard, Stanley Turrentine and many more. Straight ahead at times, very funky at others. An outstanding collection. Check out this Esther Phillips version of Gil Scott-Heron's classic. Home is Where the Hatred Is. This is a great box set,



3) Africa - 50 Years of Music 1960-2010 - Sterns Africa - 18 CD's, 185 songs from 39 countries. Organized by six categories: north, south, east, west, central and Portuguese-speaking. 3 cd's for each category. Stars like Manu Dibango are sequenced with lesser known but equally great artists. This can be found for under $80 also an excellent value



4) Ponte Duro: The Fania All Stars Story - Codigo Music

Four CD set, 3 of them are live! With what has to be one of the best live acts of all time. 1970's Salsa in New York. This music grooves as well as anything you have ever heard. Sizzling set that burns! Essential



5) Akira Kurosawa's Movie Soundtracks - Doxy

a four LP set containing the full soundtracks to Rashomon (1950), Ikiru (1952), Seven Samurai (1954), A Living Being (1955), Throne of Blood (1957), The Hidden Fortress (1958). Full colour artwork depicting the poster to each movie. Features composers Fumio Hayasaka. and Masaru Satō. Sweeping music that will transport you to another realm. Did you like the Star Wars "Empire Theme" now hear the original!