Oasis to Drop Limited Edition Singles Box Set Tomorrow
Limited to 4,000 Copies, Get Ready for a Collectible Treasure
This is the type of merch that gets vinyl collectors foaming at the mouth – a limited edition Definitely Maybe seven-inch singles box set. This is a replica of the highly collectible original 1996 CD cigarette-style box and is set to drop tomorrow.
What’s in the Box?
Released to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the classic single Cigarettes & Alcohol, it includes four marbled seven-inch singles, including the 2014 remastered versions of Supersonic, Shakermaker, Live Forever, and Cigarettes & Alcohol with their B-sides.
A Collector’s Item, but Not for Audiophiles
But here’s the bad news: strictly limited to just 4,000 copies, they were snapped up within hours of going on sale on the Oasis website. However, do expect flippers to re-post within hours of the release date with a much higher asking price than the original US$63 (RM271).
Definitely Maybe 30th Anniversary Edition
Oasis’s debut album Definitely Maybe recently celebrated its 30th anniversary and returned to the top of the UK Official Albums Chart. The fastest-ever selling debut in the UK on release and having sold over 6.9 million copies globally, this seminal album marked the point when Oasis became a cultural phenomenon.
More Vinyl Collectibles in Town
That remastered double vinyl anniversary reissue has been spotted in local stores retailing upwards of RM209. However, the earlier edition can be had for slightly lower asking price of RM165. It depends on whether the listener is willing to fork out a bit more for a supposed superior remastered version. Based on feedback on vinyl collector forums, it would appear so. Many had the original pressings as well as CDs to compare with and there was a consensus that the 30th anniversary edition is well worth the extra dough, sonically speaking.
The Frugal Collector’s Option
Given that this was a massive seller, the more frugal collector can head to Amcorp Mall in Petaling Jaya and search through the used CDs vendors’ stash, who will usually have a copy or three from as low as RM25.
Display Piece or Keepersake?
As for the singles box set, nobody is really going to be buying it for its audiophile qualities, remastered or not. It will be a keepsake and a nice display piece. Just how much you are willing to pay for that privilege is entirely dependent on how badly that itch needs to be scratched.
Oasis-Mania in Full Swing
With interest on all things related to the Brothers Gallagher at an all-time high, it is no surprise to see vinyl reissues of classic Oasis albums surfacing in local stores’ inventories.
(What’s the Story) Morning Glory Reissue
The original pressing from 1995 was on the Creation Records label with the barcode CRE LP189, with examples listed on Discogs starting from US$200 (RM861). There have been numerous reissues from 2008 till 2022 on Creation and Big Brother Labels, with some fans grumbling of less-than-satisfactory pressings of some of these reissues.
A Fab Sonic Experience
This edition of (What’s the Story) Morning Glory is from the Big Brother imprint from 2014. This pressing is remastered from original tapes by Ian Cooper at London’s Metropolis Studios, supervised by album producer Owen Morris. And it sounds just fab, capturing the pure swagger of those anthemic tracks that made the 90s such a wonderful time for music fans. This was Britpop at its finest – Blur fans might beg to differ – but there is just no denying the sheer attitude spilling out from the speakers.
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the limited edition singles box set about?
The limited edition singles box set is a replica of the original 1996 CD cigarette-style box and includes four marbled seven-inch singles, including the 2014 remastered versions of Supersonic, Shakermaker, Live Forever, and Cigarettes & Alcohol with their B-sides. - How many copies are available?
The limited edition singles box set is strictly limited to 4,000 copies. - Can I afford it?
The box set was sold out quickly, but keep an eye out for re-posts from flippers on the market, which may come at a higher price. - Are the reissues worth it?
Vinyl collectors swear by the superior sound quality of the 30th anniversary edition, but prices may vary depending on the release date.