From Deseret News archives:
Boxes and bows: The Deseret News' recommended box-set and greatest-hit CDs
The holiday season is upon us once again, and music is always a welcome gift.
Here are reviews of some of the latest, greatest hits and multi-CD box sets that are now on store shelves.
Box sets range from AC/DC to Hank Williams Sr., and they feature rare tracks and outtakes.
The greatest-hits discs, including everything from a new Bee Gees package to a "Weird Al" Yankovic collection, are a nice, convenient way to have many of the artists' popular songs in one place.
Take a look. There's sure to be something for family or friends on your holiday gift list.
e-mail: scott@desnews.com
Box sets
AC/DC; "Backtracks" (Columbia) ★★★
"Backtracks" is a treasure trove for AC/DC fans. Packaged in a guitar-amp box, this three-disc set — two CDs and one DVD — is rife with rarities that were scattered here, there and everywhere. Not only do the CDs feature the Australian-only release of "Stick Around," "R.I.P. (Rock in Peac)" and "Love Song," but also "Big Gun" from the "Last Action Hero" soundtrack and the song "Cold Hearted Man" from the B-side of "Rock 'N' Roll Damnation." The set also contains the live versions of "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap," "Dog Eat Dog" and "Live Wire," which were recorded in the late '70s. The DVD is the latest installment of the "Family Jewels" series, featuring "Big Gun" and other bonus vids of "Jailbreak," "Highway to Hell" and the making of "Hard as a Rock" and "Rock 'N' Roll Train." — Scott Iwasaki
BIG STAR; "Keep an Eye on the Day" (Rhino) ★★★★
This four-disc boxed set contains almost all of the quartet's proper recorded work, as well as demos and alternate versions of songs. "In the Street" (better known as the theme song for TV's "That '70s Show"), "September Gurls"and "Way Out West" are some of the highlights. The collection also boasts some of the pre-band and later solo efforts by singer/songwriters Chris Bell and Alex Chilton. And of special note to fans is the fourth disc, which consists of songs culled from a rarely heard, 1973 concert recorded the band's stomping grounds (in Memphis). — Jeff Vice
ERASURE; "Total Pop! Deluxe Box: The First 40 Hits" (Mute/Sire/Rhino) ★★★½
