The best classic rock box sets don't just revisit history — they bring it to life

Published November 3, 2026 9:00AM (EST)

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (Adrian Boot)

Two great box sets being released for the holiday season from Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers and The Who showcase different approaches to exploring an artist’s back catalog with strong results on both sides. “ Origins 1971-1978 ” chronicles not just the Heartbreakers’ first two albums but also documents the journey that brought them there, while “ The Who By Numbers 50th Anniversary Edition ” documents the band’s seventh album in a more traditional box set presentation. Both of the releases successfully accomplish their goals and deliver a worthwhile experience for interested listeners, but follow different paths to reach their respective sonic destinations.

“It’s not Tom Petty good.” That’s how Adria Petty described the standards against which decisions were made about what to include and not to include in the outtakes record.…