Bon Jovi special editions collector's box set (Japan import)

When I got the e-mail about this box set earlier today, two things immediately came to mind:

1. I miss Japan (I spent most of last December and a bit of January in Tokyo). Japan has the coolest stuff. (Tower Records in Shibuya, folks... as close to heaven on earth as you'll get if you love music.)
2. Freaking hell Bon Jovi, how much more money do you freaking need?!

The box set itself is actually pretty sweet:

This fantastic Global Exclusive Bon Jovi Special Editions Collector’s Box Set features Japanese Paper Sleeve versions of all eleven 2010 Special Editions plus an exclusive documentary DVD, Access All Areas: A Rock & Roll Odyssey, all packaged in a superb road case style box.

Each Special Edition includes a re-mastered version of the original album plus bonus live tracks. Each Special Edition also comes with a laminate “Backstage Tour Pass” reproduction and every CD unlocks the "virtual tour experience" consisting of exclusive bonus content, extra tracks, and access to exclusive Bon Jovi tour memorabilia.

Not at US $299 though. I haven't got any of the special editions as yet and would really love Access All Areas but honestly, I would find $300 in Australian dollars on the excessive side, let alone the financial hemmorrhaging that is this price in American currency.

Hath has done a great/amusing cost-benefit analysis of this box set on her blog. And her analysis of the O2 residency with reference to Jon's 70-song promise is worth checking out too.

Confused about Bon Jovi special editions?

Since the announcement of the Bon Jovi special edition album re-releases, there has been a lot of confusion about the promised live bonus tracks and the exclusive "Bon Jovi Vault" that purchasing the albums is supposed to unlock.

Anyway the special editions came out in the US a couple of days ago and The Goddess Hathor has posted this blog which might help clear a few things up. Apparently:

• There are a few different packages available from different places;
• The Vault is only available in the United States, from May 18, 2010 to November 11, 2011.

Head to Hath's blog for the details, including a confirmed list of all the live bonus tracks on each album.

I don't know yet if international fans will get something different in the Vault or nothing at all.

milomom has also posted about the albums in the Special Editions thread on JoviTalk:

Each CD unlocked only that portion of the vault that corresponds to that CD. An additional live track from each CD was available for streaming, but I can't buy the tracks until May 18. Silent Night is the track from Fahrenheit, and Raise Your Hands is the SWW track. Validating each CD also loaded photos from that timeframe into a gallery in the vault.

She also mentioned that Walmart was selling the CDs in normal jewel cases but cheaper, while Best Buy had the digipacks.

Obie O'Brien interview and "Only Lonely" special edition bonus track

Obie O'Brien's interview with radio station 93.3 WMMR is now up on the Bon Jovi site. It includes a soundcheck recording of "Only Lonely" from the 80s, which will be released on the upcoming special edition of 7800° Fahrenheit.

Listen to the interview here.

Bon Jovi special edition albums to be released

According to this media release, Bon Jovi's first 10 albums are set to be re-released next month with live bonus tracks:

On May 11, Bon Jovi will re-release their classic studio albums as Special Editions. Each of the band's first 10 albums – Bon Jovi, 7800 Fahrenheit, Slippery When Wet, New Jersey, Keep The Faith, These Days, Crush, Bounce, Have A Nice Day and Lost Highway – will feature the original studio album tracks plus era-specific live recordings included as bonus tracks.

The bonus live tracks include songs taken from sound checks and concerts held in venues from all over the world, ranging from 500 seat theatres to massive football stadiums. Many of the live versions are extended, including "Get Ready" (Bon Jovi), "In and Out Of Love" (7800 Fahrenheit), "Blood on Blood" (New Jersey), "Keep The Faith" (Keep The Faith), and a duet featuring Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland performing "Who Says You Can't Go Home" (Have A Nice Day) with the band.

This "Special Edition" collection will feature new packaging. Each CD will feature new artwork, including images from each period, and new liner notes documenting the band's success through each stage of their twenty-five year career. Exclusive soft-pack versions will also contain reproductions of laminated tour credentials.

Additionally, each "Special Edition" will provide fans with the ability to gain "backstage access" to The Bon Jovi Vaults — a website being created to offer exclusive virtual content, including photos, tour memorabilia and additional live audio tracks.

Cha-ching! goes the Jovi cash register. :P Damn, I think I can feel my wallet getting lighter already.