Amon Tobin

This box set release, simply titled Amon Tobin, is truly a mixed media affair: sandwiched between two subtly embossed matt slabs of MDF, held together by an industrial bolt and washer at each corner, the "box" contains six ten-inches, seven CDs and two DVDs, together with four art prints, including a piece by British installation artist Tessa Farmer, whom Tobin collaborated with in the run-up to ISAM, as well as a code for further downloads, including MP3s of the vinyl. The CDs start with live recordings from Tobin's current next-level ISAM tour, two CDs of rarities, including tracks from Ninja Tune's Monthly Joints series, and even some experiments Tobin recorded as a teenager, a disc of selected scores and two CDs of remixes and reinterpretations, including a Colin Stetson reworking of "Lost & Found" and a cover of "Surge" by cellist Julia Kent. Lastly, there's a live recording of the London Metropolitan Orchestra performing arrangements of his work at the Royal Albert Hall in London, UK. The DVDs in the package are crammed full of music videos, interviews and some great footage of ISAM live, shot in several locations, including the premiere at Montreal's MUTEK festival, and some enlightening "making of" footage. A beautiful package, limited to only 4,000 worldwide, it's a great insight into the work of an important musician returning to his creative peak and an absolute must-have for fans.