One of the cool things about box sets is the typically elaborate packaging. Even if it doesn't always work, or you never actually read those extended liner notes, it's at least kind of neat, right? Well, nuts to that, old-timer: The box set is going the way of the CD, with the help of an unexpected patron: the noted Luddites in Metallica.
Warner Brothers, the band's label, announced today that beginning March 31, it will offer "digital box set" The Complete Metallica via iTunes exclusively. The collection will include the band's entire official discography: 163 tracks, nine studio albums, a double live album, a double covers album (yikes), and bonus live tracks. There's no word yet on how much it will cost.
The Complete Metallica will follow a mere two days after Activision releases Guitar Hero Metallica, which features 28 career-spanning songs. Just a few days later, on April 4, the band will be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Suggestion for the induction ceremony: Keep the mic away from Lars.