Great Music… But A Missed Opportunity?
In this feature, I want to talk about a series of CD box sets from one of the most important and, I think, sometimes overlooked bands in the world of soul, funk and rock fusion – War.
Now, many of you will know them from the classic “Low Rider”, but there is so much more to this band than just that one track. Over the years, as my own listening habits have expanded in every direction imaginable, I’ve really grown to appreciate just how special WAR are – blending soul, jazz, funk, rock and extended improvisation into something completely unique.
And that’s why I picked up these recent CD box sets from Rhino Records – not sent to me, I bought them myself – because I wanted to explore the catalogue in more depth and see how these releases stack up for collectors like us.
The Music – Absolutely Timeless
Before we get into packaging and presentation, let’s talk about the most important thing: the music.
WAR are a band that could stretch out musically in ways that very few could. Some of the extended versions and work-in-progress tracks included in these sets are fascinating. Songs evolve, breathe, and often run far longer than their original album versions – giving you a real sense of musicians interacting in the moment.
This is proper musicianship.
If you enjoy:
- Soul grooves
- Funk rhythms
- Jazz-influenced improvisation
- Rock energy
…then WAR deliver all of that in one place. They are, quite simply, a timeless band.
The Box Sets – A Mixed Experience
Let’s take a look at the sets themselves, because this is where things get a bit more complicated.
The World Is a Ghetto – Complete Sessions (4CD)
This was the first one I picked up, and honestly, I thought it was very well done.
You get:
- Original album
- Bonus material
- Additional discs exploring the sessions
- A proper booklet with background and context
This is what I expect from something labelled as a collector’s edition. It gives you a reason to sit down, listen, and understand the music.
Why Can’t We Be Friends – 50th Anniversary (4CD)
Now here’s where things start to fall down.
Same format. Same number of discs.
But… no booklet at all.
No context.
No history.
No insight into the band or the recording.
And that, for me, is a real missed opportunity.
Eric Burdon & War – Complete Collection
This one brings together the early material with Eric Burdon and again includes a small but worthwhile booklet.
So we’re back to having context again… but only on some releases.
1977–1994 Box Set
This covers the later albums and follows Rhino’s familiar approach:
- Mini LP sleeves
- Inner sleeves replicated with credits
There is some effort here, but again, the supporting material is minimal. You get the music, but not much of the story.
5 Classic Albums Set
This is the most recent release and, on the surface, offers great value – five albums in one package.
But:
- It duplicates albums already available in other sets
- Minimal additional content
- A poster included (nice touch, but not essential)
This one feels more like a budget repackaging exercise than a true celebration.
The Real Issue – Inconsistency
And this is my main takeaway.
There is a lack of consistency across these releases.
- One set has a booklet
- Another has nothing
- Some include context
- Others completely ignore it
If you’re going to call something a deluxe or super deluxe edition, there are certain expectations:
👉 Background information
👉 Archival insight
👉 Band involvement
👉 A sense of history
And that just isn’t consistent here.
And CD as a format gives you the space to do that brilliantly. These sets could have delivered that experience… but often don’t.
The music alone makes these worthwhile.
But as a collector, I can’t help feeling these could – and should – have been so much better.
Because WAR deserve that level of care.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
