VMP Anthology is the vinyl box set, reinvented. It aims to use music to tell a story, and gives space for lots of listening, learning, and conversation along the way.
VMP Anthology
The Story of Stax Records
A story told through 8 classic albums from the label's vault, curated by Stax & VMP.
$280
All boxes ship (for free in the U.S.) and the experience kicks off in early January.
Get a Sneak Peek
Join us as we celebrate the most legendary soul label.
“
Everybody I interviewed about Stax, who was at Stax, used the word, “oasis”, and I really thought that was true. Inside those walls, there was a freedom that didn’t exist outside those walls.”
Robert Gordon
Memphis Journalist at writer of Respect Yourself: Stax Records & The Soul Explosion
A great series unfolds in episodes
...and the best stories are told in chapters. We're reinventing the box set experience, as we spend four weeks exploring this storied label through the music of eight of the label’s world-changing artists. While the box will ship with all eight albums inside, each episode will be housed in secrecy sleeves that can be opened at specific points in our journey.
Booker T & The M.G.'s
Sam & Dave
Episode ONE
First two albums revealed
+ podcast drop
Otis Redding
Bar-Kays
EPISODE TWO
Albums 3 & 4 revealed
+ podcast drop
Eddie Floyd
Johnnie Taylor
EPISODE THREE
Albums 5 & 6 revealed
+ podcast drop
Albert King
William Bell
EPISODE FOUR
Albums 7 & 8 revealed
+ podcast drop
What’s included?
Exclusive Podcast Series
Hear the story of Stax Records from it’s beginning via interviews with the artists that made these eight albums — like David Porter, William Bell, Steve Cropper and Booker T. Jones — and the writer of the best resource on Stax, Robert Gordon.
8 LPs
Limited to 1000, on 180 gram audiophile black vinyl, pressed at QRP in Salina, KS. All eight albums were AAA cut from the original tapes by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound.
Live Unboxings and AMAs
You’ll receive an invite to connect and ask questions with VMP every week as we unbox each episode and answer any questions you have about the box, and the albums featured within.
8 Liner Note Prints
12” heavyweight prints featuring frame-worthy artist photos, packaged with each album and thoughtfully written by Robert Gordon, who wrote the bible on Stax records.
Premium Commemorative Box
Designed in house at VMP in the iconic Stax yellow, the heavyweight two-piece slip and slash box is hand-numbered and features the classic Stax finger snap logo and an archival photo of the instantly recognizable Stax marquee.
More Extras!
Gain access to exclusive content, bonus podcast episodes, and private Facebook community. You'll also receive a sweet pair of Stax holiday socks!
How was the audio sourced?
ONLY THE BEST FOR Stax Records
All eight albums in this VMP Anthology were remastered by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound, and pressed at QRP on high quality 180g black vinyl. All albums were remastered from their original analog tape, pulled out of the vaults by Stax Records.
Want to give Stax Anthology as a gift this holiday season?
The perfect experience gift
More than just a box set, the Stax Anthology is a perfect addition for that soul music lover in your life. Just include your gift recipient's shipping address at checkout.
FAQS
Got a question?
Because we’ve all bought box sets and never actually listened to all of the albums. We’re revealing the titles over time to make it easier to slow down and spend time with each record, and truly absorb why Stax and VMP selected these albums to tell the label’s story. And because we think surprises are fun.
VMP started as a record of the month club in 2013 and has expanded into an online record store and magazine. Click our logo in the footer to learn more.
Shipping is free in the U.S. and $30 internationally. Records will be sent in one shipment beginning in early January.
No. We built VMP Anthology as a way for all fans to experience music more deeply, and VMP membership is not required.
Yes, shipping is available in 16 countries in addition to the U.S. (view all FAQs for more details). For international customers, customs and duties will be pre-paid and nothing will be due upon receipt.