2009 is the 40th Anniversary of Woodstock and Rhino’s release of Woodstock cds in a comprehensive 6-disc boxed set is the definitive collectible for anyone who loves music from the 60s. Although they didn’t realize it at the time, the people who descended on Max Yasgur’s farm for three days in 1969 were to become part of the popular culture music festival of the decade and this boxed set includes it all; not just the music, but also the famous announcements, stage banter, even the address by Max Yasgur to the crowd (for the first time, heard in its entirety).

With the most celebrated rock festival of all time reaching its 40th anniversary, Rhino rewards music fans with the most compelling boxed set of Woodstock cds released to date. Known for its release of classic acts from the rock music Parthenon like traveling wilburys cds, Rhino has surpassed all expectations with the definitive release for fans of Woodstock, sixties music, popular culture music events and rock in general.

Billed as “3 Days of Peace and Music,” the Woodstock Music Festival (not to be confused with the poorly regarded 1994 version) took place from August 15 to 18 on Max Yasgur’s farm, near Woodstock New York. The list of performers is a who’s who of rock royalty combined with leading folk artists and an eclectic mix of other musical entertainers. As a popular culture music event, Woodstock has yet to be surpassed. Notable acts appearing at the 1969 concert included: Joe Cocker, Joan Baez, Sly and the Family Stone, The Band, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Jefferson Airplane, Santana, Grateful Dead, Blood Sweat & Tears, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Janis Joplin. Among the performances that became an integral part of popular culture music history are those of Jimi Hendrix (whose Star Spangled Banner rendition is regarded as one of the era’s crowning concert performances) and The Who’s 4am, marathon 25 song set.

Given the importance of the source material and the reverence with which rock fans treat the subject of Woodstock, Andy Zax, co-producer of the woodstock cds, faced a monumental task in selecting the best sounding and most representative tracks from the 33 sets. The resulting 6-CD 40th Anniversary Boxed set includes 77 remastered songs arranged in chronological order, complemented by immersive touches like stage announcements, onstage banter, the sound of rain pelting the audience and (for the first time), Max Yasgur’s complete address to the crowd, that will take the listener back four decades and transport them to that muddy New York State farm.  Also included in the boxed set is a booklet listing the complete, accurate set list for the event.

Rhino’s treatment of popular culture music releases, including alt rock favorites like 10,000 Maniacs, iconic acts like The Doors and super groups like traveling wilburys cds ensures that this is the company that should be responsible for celebrating Woodstock’s’ 40th anniversary the right way, and I’m happy to report that these Woodstock cds exceeded all my expectations.

About The Author: Greg Wilson is a studio musician and music writer with a particular fondness for the music of the sixties. While his personal collection of everything from traveling wilburys cds to Beatles 45s includes thousands of CDs, vinyl records and tapes, he counts the performances at Woodstock as the ultimate in 1960s rock output. “In terms of popular culture music events, nothing tops Woodstock,” points out Wilson in a column written to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the concert, “and the Rhino boxed set is leaps and bounds above anything else that’s been released.”