Box Sets – Just Fancy Dust Collectors?

There’s something undeniably seductive about a box set. That sturdy box. The thick booklet of sleevenotes. The promise of “never-before-heard” demos featuring a band member who clearly hadn’t had their “Weetabix” yet. You see one in a record shop or online—priced somewhere between “I probably shouldn’t” and “Well, it is a limited edition”—and just like that, you’ve justified the purchase.

But let’s ask the awkward question: are box sets really all that… or are they just very expensive dust collectors?

Yesterday was Record Store Day, and fans were able to queue up outside their local record shops for the chance to buy RSD exclusives and firsts. But all this thought of vinyl had my mind wandering to the subject of box sets, those often ludicrously priced but luxuriously packaged containers of rare and previously unknown cuts…and more.

THE CASE FOR THE BOX SET (Pun Intended)

When done correctly, a box set can be a glorious thing. A musical time capsule. An in-depth look into the world behind the music. For the dedicated fan, it’s not just an album—it’s context, process, and personality. Hearing the evolution of a track over several demo versions can feel like peeking into the artist’s diary and daily life. And let’s be honest: it’s fun to hear a chaotic rehearsal take with shouted cues and the odd bit of studio swearing – or, god forbid an inadvertent but extended “sniff”.

Then there’s the physicality. The smell of freshly printed cardboard, the glossy photos, the satisfying thunk of the magnetic clasp (if it has one)… it’s all rather luxurious – and who doesn’t like a bit of luxury? In a world where everything streams instantly, the box set gives you an excuse to slow down, sit back, and soak it all in – it’s kind of like the whole vinyl experience but on steroids.

And let’s not ignore the display value. A decent box set looks great on a shelf. It says “I love music,” “I support the artist,” and—if we’re being brutally honest—“I have enough disposable income to indulge in deluxe editions.” They have bragging rights!

And they can appreciate in value. I remember watching a documentary some time ago about a record collector who bought loads of records each day, catalogued them, and stored them (I don’t think he ever played them). I recall him mentioning that the ones that gained in value most were the boxed sets… I confess to having a handful of box sets that I’ve not yet broken the cellophane wrapping on – as evidenced below.

THE CASE AGAINST THE CLUTTER

Now, for the more cynical amongst us. Hands up—how many of us have a box set we’ve never actually listened to in full? How many sit unopened, still in shrink wrap, taking up shelf space and slowly attracting dust like some kind of magnetic dust trap? As you’ve seen, guilty as charged…

Often, the extras in these sets fall into the category of “one and done.” The rough mix of Track 5? Interesting once. The 12-minute alternate take with nose flute solo? A novelty. The 40-page essay by a rock journalist waxing lyrical about the symbolism of the album cover? Ambitious. Jazz remixes of Abba classics? Nice.

And don’t get me started on the multi-format madness: CD, vinyl, cassette, download code, Blu-ray, T-shirt, jigsaw puzzle, cuddly toy… is this a music release or a lifestyle subscription box?

Plus, there’s the very real risk of overkill. Too much of a good thing, as they say. Sometimes it’s best to let the album be what it is—rather than dissecting it into a forensic pile of bonus material and outtakes the artist never intended us to hear.

SO….ARE THEY WORTH IT?

As with most things in HiFi, the answer depends on the listener. If you love box sets and actively explore them, they’re treasure chests – meticulously curated love letters to music and the artist. If they bring you joy and a deeper connection to an artist’s work, they’re doing their job so carry on.

But if they’re sitting in your collection like oversized coasters, untouched and unopened, then yes – maybe they are just fancy dust collectors. At this point I took myself out and had a serious chat with myself.

Or maybe, just maybe… they’re waiting for the perfect rainy Sunday…but not this Sunday.

Or maybe, just maybe, maybe not, but possibly maybe…your family are waiting for you to pop off this mortal coil so they can cash them in and fritter the proceeds on whatever it is that family members fritter inheritances on. 

What are your thoughts? Oversized coasters or valuable insights into the artist’s world? 

Stuart Smith