The Four Seasons Get Their Monster Box

Those original “Jersey Boys”—Rock’n’Roll Hall of Famers Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons—have sold a staggering 175 million records since 1960 after being named after a bowling alley in Union. Working Our Way Back To You (Madfish/Snapper Music), due June 2, is a monster boxed set containing 44 CDs and one vinyl LP with 195 singles, 31 newly remastered studio albums, alternate versions of well-known songs, demos, in-concert moments, even a failed Motown audition tape, over 800 tracks in all. The LP is a collector’s item, The Genuine Imitation Life Gazette, never-before-available on mono vinyl. The packaging is pristine, and comes complete with plenty of reading. The 144-page lavish hardcover coffee-table book history is by British rock critic Paul Sexton. There’s New York Times critic Ken Sharp’s interviews with Valli, Bob Gaudio, Bob Crewe, Charles Calello and others. A photograph book has picture-sleeves from around the world, and Ken Charmer of The Four Seasons Appreciation Society contributes an essay. Valli, born Francesco Stephen Castelluccio 88 years ago in Newark, has given his blessing to the project. Testimonials on just how important and culturally significant this band is are from Brian Wilson, Barry Gibb, the late Maurice Gibb, Billy Joel and Stevie Van Zandt.