Author's note: This was originally going to be the last entry in the series, but I've got so much to express regarding this subject that I don't really want to wait however long it's going to take me to get through the boxset as a whole. In the interests of full disclosure, I was not given nor have I purchased a physical copy of the boxset. I was provided a digital copy for review purposes. But having viewed the physical contents via several sources, I do have opinions and as a collector/die-hard fan I desire to state them herein. So this can be considered more op-ed than review in that respect. Caveat lector.
(Photos/images in this entry courtesy of Cee unless otherwise indicated.)
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I appreciate that there is bonus content included, but of course that's rather de rigueur for boxsets these days - you want to buy the deluxe thingie because you get cool stuff! And there is one very cool and rare thing included in Changes. Is it worth the entire price of the boxset to obtain it? For collectors, I believe it would be - and that is perhaps the saving grace of this whole thing.
I am a person who desires these types of things, and I will elaborate further on that point as we go along. So I am opining from the perspective of a collector who has lots of Trevor-related stuff already and wants more of it. Someone who is the exact demographic for this boxset. But I do want what's actually in it is the question. Maybe I already have some of it, or even more interesting things. And I would like to note that it's not generally the quality of the items I'm calling into question, but rather their desirability as collectibles.
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The booklets
I'm sorry, but these are not books as described in the storefront listing and press release. They're not actually bound with a hard cover. They're nice for what they are but they're each 16 pages (including front and back), so definitely not as stated in the original advertising. They're really more along the lines of a tourbook.
Images from the Trevor Rabin Archives
On the one hand, I am always in favor of photo book(let)s and I can appreciate having a historically-oriented type of photo collection, a sort of "Trevor through the years" thing. But I feel like if you're taking that route, then let's go all the way there - from childhood to now. Since there's even an ARW performance shot included I believe that's a fair request. Otherwise it would have been a better idea to strictly adhere to the years represented within the boxset itself. From a visual perspective, that quasi-collage layout is a bit too haphazard for my tastes. I appreciate the clippings being included but given their vintage scrapbook appearance they should have been placed together in a gatefold spread.
But those images and outtakes from Lisa Powers' photo sessions? Magnificent.
10/10 - would stare at these for hours again and again.
Here's a bonus from me to you...so about that J.L. Cooper Electronics endorsement ad on page 14 - it's a rare item for sure (because unless you read industry trade magazines back in the '80s you'd have no idea of its existence) and a great photo. The company is listed in the Thanks section of the original liner notes for Can't Look Away. I love endorsement ads, it's one of the things I collect and I have an entire "endorsements/promotional" wall in my Trevor room. But the way the ad is positioned and cropped in the booklet sort of ruins the effect of what a nice photo it is, so here's the whole enchilada, so to speak. You're welcome (unless you already actually have it, that is).
The making of Wolf
This is the true prize of the box, and I think everyone realizes this. So well-done to Trevor and to Rob Ayling for making this happen. Especially thanks to Trevor for still having these photos in his possession, especially after all this time. Because this is amazing, a window into a world I thought we might never see, as there is so little visual documentation extant of Trevor's years in London. This is the sort of thing I live for, especially as I particularly enjoy "making of" documentaries and the like. If you are a long-time die-hard fan who is still pondering whether or not you should buy the boxset, to have this is definitely worth it, in my opinion.
The poster
As Jon Kirkman noted in his unboxing video, this may have been a fan collectible item from the London era - it is a reproduction of the back cover of Trevor Rabin along with the album logo. However, I will assert that it is actually a reworking of the original promotional poster for the album (which was likely displayed in record stores) featuring my favorite promotional motto (which I use in my signature on the Yesfans forum). And the original is better, although it's possible it doesn't look as good when it's reduced in size.
The promotional photos
I commented on this in a previous entry, but now that we know the contents I'm going to elaborate in full. The advance photo of the box's contents displayed their original proof-of-concept: they wanted to include a reproduced promo photo for every solo album release, and to that end they created a mock-up of the photo on the back cover of Wolf, because (presumably) they couldn't locate the actual photo which was included in the Wolf press kit. And I came to this conclusion because I do own a copy of it, but because I've never seen it online, nor does it resemble a typical promo photo, I have to assume it's very rare indeed. So that's a nice verification of sorts (and perhaps a Weird flex, but okay? situation), but my larger issue has to do with concept versus reality.
The concept of including a photo from each solo album promotion is a great idea. But the way it should have been made reality was to attempt something which collectors would find interesting. Collectors are the target audience for boxsets. And these photos aren't particularly special, speaking as a collector and also someone who has collected all the press kits for the solo albums.
Which one of these is not like the others?
(my press kit collection minus a couple photos)
(my press kit collection minus a couple photos)
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| (courtesy of The Groovy Archives) |
Trevor Rabin: there were at least two promo photos used for the press kits, and the one from the outdoor photo session (which made him look like a tourist, standing by some railway tracks and also a lake) is not as flattering as the one from the photo session for the album cover. But that one is a bit more rare, I believe, as I haven't seen it offered for sale too often. You'd have to make an effort to track it down, but it is a better choice. I'm including an example of the image here for comparison's sake.
Face To Face: the promo image is from the photo session for the US album cover and to my knowledge it was the only one included in the press kit. It is harder to find these days so that gets a hat tip from me as far as both locating and including it.
Wolf: I'm speaking from a place of inherent bias here, but I would have been willing to provide a scan of the actual photo from the press kit to be reproduced for this box if only someone would have thought to contact me regarding collectibles. Which is not to imply I should have been in on the process from the outset but I will say that in the case of most retrospective projects which include collectibles and/or rare items, generally those involved will seek out known collectors to inquire after potential items for inclusion. I personally know several people who have participated in that very process for various publications and releases. I regret this didn't happen, for everyone's sake. I am sharing it now (after a fashion, see above) just so you all know I'm sincere.
So what is included instead is a reproduction of the most common promo photo of all - from the press kit for Big Generator. This derails the idea altogether, of course, and it's not special. It's a great photo, sure, but it's everywhere.
Can't Look Away: again, there were at least two promo photos available, one serious (the one included in this set) and one smiling. The latter is the rarer of the two, and again, the better choice in terms of its desirability as a collectible.
I say that simply because the other one is everywhere. I have multiple copies of it myself (I even had Trevor sign one of them in 2012 and sent it to a friend of mine). So when I say it's not special enough for a boxset, I believe I know whereof I speak.
The signature card
I understand the inclusion of this, similar to a signature sheet in a limited edition printing of a book. You could frame it potentially, but since it includes the numbering for the set it's really meant to be kept inside the box. Honestly, my idea would have been to put a separate card on the inside of the lid with the number and make the signature card something which could be presented as its own collectible, with a photo of Trevor printed on it instead of the logo.
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Nobody asked me, but I'll tell you anyway...why? Because I can!
So what do I think should have been included in this?
Again, I'm speaking as a collector. Collectors collect things and sometimes they collect everything, or perhaps only things from a particular era, or a certain type of thing which appeals to them. Generally you might buy up all you can find easily and then you spend years hunting for a certain special thing or waiting for a rare item to appear. I've discussed a few of the things which are my prized collectibles here on the blog and in fandom realms: a copy of the ZA release of A Croak and A Grunt in the Night signed (period-authentic in ballpoint pen) by all the members of Rabbitt, a signed and personally-inscribed by Trevor collage I created using shots from the photo session for Jacaranda, a pre-broadcast first generation copy of the STHOT video...I am committed to this endeavor, even as finances prevent me from being as avid as I once was. A long-time collector has a better idea of what would be an interesting and rare piece of memorabilia because they already know what is out there (and likely own at least some of it).
My first idea probably would have been too costly to consider: a reproduction of Trevor's favorite Sharkfin plectrum (the soft red Goldprint) printed with his signature on one side.
Guitarists could have used it, collectors could have displayed it. Some might just leave it in the box, as often happens with bonus content. But it's a true one-of-a-kind type of item. Trevor loves them so much he even has a necklace with a silver-minted Sharkfin pendant (which you can see him wearing in the Star Licks video). And I'm the kind of fan who would (and did) reproduce that very necklace as best I could. But this is what I mean regarding rare interesting Trevor-related items.@trevorrabin hey, Trevs— do you still use these? pic.twitter.com/Kx1SkcWw1V— Gary Wo (@gwrth) July 20, 2020
My second thought is that they should have stuck with the original concept to print a booklet with only the images and outtakes from Lisa Powers' photo sessions for Can't Look Away. Full-page, full-color reproductions in all their glossy Peak Trevor hair glory. Nothing cluttering up the margins or anything like that - just allow us to enjoy the sight of the man at his very best in those iconic photographs. Or, if that's not quite enough content...we do know there are behind-the-scenes photos from the making of the video for "Something To Hold On To," so how about a section with all of those which can be tracked down?
And finally - instead of offering merchandise with that logo which isn't particularly exciting and frankly I don't want any of it - why not come up with a vintage type of design instead? Like reproducing one of the two known solo tour shirts, or a shirt with one of those great Lisa Powers photos on the front and then have the boxset logo on the back (if you absolutely must). Now that I would want to buy! Trevor's image - from a historical perspective - is very visually-oriented. He has appeared on every cover of his solo albums (with the exception of Wolf where he's on the back cover and then 90124 which is a visual pun). So it's just not enough to have something with his name on it. His face is a very beloved face and one we'd be happy to display.
This entry wouldn't have been possible without the invaluable assistance of Cee...so with all my gratitude and fangirl love, thank you!
