Universal Music Enterprises is celebrating 70 years of Bob Marley with the release of two new box sets, The Complete Island Recordings and The Complete Island Recordings: Collector’s Edition. Each set contains the reggae legend and The Wailers’ songs pressed onto 180g vinyl, recorded during their stint with Island Records. All told, there are 11 albums, which include the band’s 1973 label debut “Catch a Fire,” the 1976 breakthrough album in the U.S., “Rastaman Vibration,” and two live albums “Live!” and “Babylon by Bus.”
Each LP from the collection will replicate the original album pressings, right down to the extras the original poster that comes with the “Live!” album, the original gold metallic jacket with embossed lettering of “Exodus,” and die-cut cover with color printed inner sleeves of the “Babylon by Bus” album. Both collection contains the same number of LPs and albums, with the packaging sporting Bob Marley’s 70th Birthday logo.
Differentiating the two are the packaging and the extras. The Complete Island Recordings comes in a hinged lighter-shaped box made from rigid card board, complete with lift top lid and silver paper wrap. The Complete Island Recordings: Collector’s Edition, on the other hand, comes in a metal box set, numbered and lined with velvet and has real hinged top to mimic a real lighter. The Collector’s Edition also comes with a couple of bonus items, including a 70th anniversary slip mat, perfect for decorating your treasure turntable, along with two photos in glassine envelopes.
Bob Marley official website is already taking pre-orders, but be warn that these are probably not for thrifty-minded fans cos’ The Complete Island Recordings itself cost $235.98, while the The Complete Island Recordings: Collector’s Edition will run you back at a cool $648.98.
