The Joshua Tree - 30th Anniversary (Super Deluxe 7LP Box Set) [VINYL]

When it comes to anniversary deluxe editions I believe that artists and record companies owe it to the fans to provide the maximum amount of material that is available including any bells and whistles that might be lying about. This should be the case especially when it comes to re-releasing ground-breaking, era-defining albums. It goes without saying that U2's "The Joshua Tree" is one of those albums. This was the one that made them the biggest band in the world and most artists have tended to struggle to keep this level of quality after they've conquered Mt Everest. Fortunately, U2 were able to produce one other must-own classic album in the left-turning Achtung Baby. There have been very good albums since then of course, but it's hard to look past TJT and AB as the two definitive U2 albums.With respect to this 30th anniversary box set of The Joshua Tree, I don't think it could have been done any better. This is a brilliantly packaged set that ticks all the boxes for vinyl junkies like myself. It looks and feels like a proper super deluxe edition. If you were being picky you'd probably argue that a 5.1 mix of the album should be mandatory for an album this important. Truth be told the inclusion of a high-res mix would have been nice - but this is a vinyl release and I can understand why they stuck with the 7 slabs of 180g wax. As a point of comparison, Fleetwood Mac have done this for all but one of their super deluxe releases and it's definitely an audio treat to be able to choose between the vinyl or 5.1 mix. But this is about what this release includes and for me, this is a worthy super deluxe edition and comes highly recommended if you're a fan of U2 and this gem of an album then it's simply a must-buy.

"The Joshua tree itself may be a symbol of hope and deliverance, but its twisted shape and the barrenness of its environment suggest the sort of forces that must be confronted before redemption comes". Such an accurate observation, as stated in a 1987 Rolling Stone article about the band, that I read just recently. The album itself, an American folk and blues-influenced record that romanticized America's past, and thumbed its nose at all of America's shortcomings, remains to date perhaps U2's most serious, substantial, and substantive set.As soon as I saw the design of the outer box of this, I just had to have it, regardless of how much it cost or what was included. For some reason, the textured embossed gold-foiled Joshua tree icon against the black background mesmerized me. And so, I preordered without second thoughts. In the weeks that followed, I realized that the contents of the box were not really worth the asking price. Now that I actually have the box, I can safely say to those who want this to wait until the price drops before buying. U2 appear less generous than they were back in 2007, when they had presented a great 3-disc mini box to celebrate the 20 years since the album's original release. This time around, other than the alternate, coloured cover artwork, which is admittedly cool, the 1987 Madison Square Garden gig featured is incomplete, the remixes rather plain, many of the outtakes were previously released, the 84-page hardback book of never-before-seen photography is beautiful but not essential (who really needs a book with photos of deserts, mountains, and trees?), and the folio of prints seems like an addition to justify an overall ludicrously overpriced super deluxe box set. Of course, the 3,5 hours of audio content on here is much more appealing than the plain 2CD set of this, but nothing new and exciting is presented ie. an extra disc of new bonus material, a DVD, or a 5.1 mix. The box is super elegant inside-out, the disc packaging is neat, all very detailed and nicely assembled. But, as much as I love the album itself, asking fans to pay extra in order to indulge on bonus material, feels like U2 ripping fans off. Especially when the complete audio from the set is available on iTunes for $25. It is a pity that this new anniversary release misses the opportunity to fittingly celebrate such a timeless classic.***** for the album*** for this edition

An iconic album but not much more to add music wise in this package.Yes, you get a live album but it's not their finest. The b-sides are also widely available. The remixes are interesting, the Flood remix of Streets is weird but strangely enjoyable.Why score it 4/5? Firstly, the remastering is top drawer. The vinyl pressing is of a very high quality and add to that WAV file downloads which on studio quality headphones brings a new depth to the tracks.The additional photographs (book and prints) are also a nice keepsake but a bit samey.Overall a good, not great, reissue in terms of issuing rare tracks, demos, session or live versions. -2 * for that. +1 * for the quality of the vinyl and download.

This is a fantastic box set. The ultimate indulgence for a great album. I doubt there's anymore you could want in connection with the Joshua Tree music and history. Worth the standard price, but I'm particularly happy I got this during an Amazon sale with added special bonus discount promotion (BIG THANKS) for a remarkable £59.

Not cheap but if this album means as much to you as it does to me, it's an amazing package. True it's a real luxury item but occasionally you just have to treat yourself if you love great box sets. The vinyl sounds amazing on my Project deck.

The records invested in terms of presentation and investment of packaging record also sounds great with loads of bonus versions and additions who really love the band owe it to himself

A must have for any Fan of U2 !!

Wonderful high quality pressing, fantastic presentation and brilliant selection, but the remixes record stand out for me. It's definitely worth the price for any fan!