Galaxie 500
Documenting a band that helped define the sound and attitude of late-'80s and early-'90s independent guitar rock, this box is essential for old fans and new converts alike. Dean Wareham, Damon Krokowski, and Naomi Yang were part of a Northeastern music scene that distilled theVelvet Underground,Television, andJoy Divisioninto its own brand of post-art-school rock. Galaxie 500 took the Velvets as their blueprint for shimmery, glazed pop with a warmth and depth that set them apart from many of their louder, angrier contemporaries. The band's three records; a fourth disc of covers, outtakes, and rarities; and a gorgeous 48-page booklet are included, along with multimedia tracks of four of the band's videos.--Donovan Finn