By Alicia Deschênes, Author-Composer-Performer
Simple Plan and I have shared a love story that has lasted almost 20 years. On October 26th, we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their second album, Still Not Getting Any… — the very album that introduced me to the band. However, it was in 2002, after years of hard work, that the band was officially introduced to the public with their debut album No Pads, No Helmets… Just Balls. This year, Simple Plan celebrates 25 years of their career. To mark the occasion, the Montrealers are releasing an anniversary vinyl box set! This set includes not only all of their studio albums in colored vinyl versions but also a B-Sides album with rare tracks, along with a Christmas 7-inch.
“Few of their albums had previously been pressed on vinyl. This box set is fantastic news for die-hard fans!”
As an avid vinyl collector, I’m very excited about this release. Despite Simple Plan being an iconic pop-punk band, few of their albums were ever pressed on vinyl. Of those available, most had become so rare that they were almost impossible to find, making this box set a dream come true for fans!
A complete collection for vinyl enthusiasts
First, we get a brand-new edition of their debut album No Pads, No Helmets… Just Balls on marbled red vinyl. It was previously pressed in 2017 for the band’s 15th anniversary and again in 2023.
Where the box set really gets interesting, in my opinion, is with their second album, Still Not Getting Any…, which includes some of their greatest hits like “Shut Up!”, “Welcome to My Life”, and “Crazy.” This album had never been available on vinyl before. For pop-punk fans, this marbled blue pressing is amazing news because the album is truly a classic of the genre. Personally, I would even go as far as saying it’s my favorite Simple Plan album (tied with the self-titled album), making it an essential piece of my collection.
The Self-Titled album returns to vinyl
Another highlight of this box set is the long-awaited return of the self-titled album initially released in 2008. Indeed, this third album was pressed on vinyl when it first came out, but over the years, it became very rare. Despite collecting vinyl for almost a decade and considering this one of the most important albums in the band’s discography, I never managed to get a copy. I’ve hoped for years that it would be repressed. This pale pink copy is now my go-to medium for listening to one of my favorite Simple Plan albums.
Remember that this album received mixed reviews upon release, as the band deviated slightly from their pop-punk roots, offering an album with a different sound (notably with the first single “When I’m Gone”). I’ve always found this album to be excellent—the lyrics are even more mature compared to previous records. Kudos to the band for daring to step out of their comfort zone and bring a fresh breeze following the huge success of their second album.
Another great aspect of this set is the arrival of Get Your Heart On! on vinyl. Released in 2011, this album had never been pressed on vinyl before. Now, we get a marbled sky blue edition. It includes radio hits like “Jet Lag” and “Summer Paradise,” as well as fan favorites like “Astronaut” and “This Song Saved My Life” (which is also my favorite Simple Plan song).
The most recent albums included too
The set also features a marbled orange version of Taking One for the Team, their fifth album, released in 2016. I must admit, listening to all the records when I first got the box set was probably one of the first times I listened to this album in its entirety. The singles didn’t convince me back then, and I find it to be somewhat inconsistent. However, having it as part of this box set is amazing, since it completes the band’s discography. Who knows, maybe having it on vinyl will help me appreciate it more!
Finally, the set concludes with Harder Than It Looks, their latest studio album. This marbled gray pressing is a great addition, as the 2022 album marked a successful return to their roots!
A Box Set full of gifts
The biggest selling point for me was the addition of a B-Sides album on crystal clear vinyl. This record includes some hidden gems like tracks from the Scooby-Doo 2 and Freaky Friday soundtracks, bonus tracks from various albums, and songs that never officially made it to streaming platforms (although many fans discovered them through YouTube). It’s truly exciting for fans to finally access these rare tracks on vinyl, adding a unique touch to this anniversary box set. The Christmas 7-inch, featuring two original compositions, including the beloved “My Christmas List,” is also a lovely addition.
As a bonus, the four remaining band members—Pierre Bouvier (vocals), Chuck Comeau (drums), Jeff Stinco (guitar), and Sebastien Lefebvre (guitar)—have signed all 1,500 copies, adding even more value to this stunning box set. You can grab yours here!
“Kudos to the Simple Plan team and Vinylist in Quebec who produced these sets—top quality work!”
Only a few copies are still available
Please note that all the studio albums are also available individually on the band’s website and lenoise.ca. However, the B-Sides album and the Christmas EP are exclusive to the box set. If you’re a fan like me, I highly recommend getting it while it’s still available—only a few copies remain! While the box set isn’t cheap, it’s a beautiful piece to have in your collection. The packaging is sublime, and the albums sound fantastic! Hats off again to Simple Plan and Vinylist in Quebec for producing such quality.
To relisten to the band’s discography and convince yourself to get this box set, click here:
Not included in the box set but worth mentioning is Simple Plan’s cover of Can You Feel The Love Tonight from The Lion King, featured on the pop-punk Disney tribute album, A Whole New Sound, available here.
