Box Set by Barenaked Ladies

Album: Gordon (1992)

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Songfacts®:

A song from the group's first album, Gordon, "Box Set" is about a washed-up musician who releases a box set. He explains how each disc corresponds to a different chapter in his life, from his hits (Disc 1) to his unreleased demos (Disc 4) to his dance remixes (Disc 6).

He explains that he never thought he would be reduced to issuing a box set, but he's fallen on hard times and understands that all fans want are his old favorites.
The name of The Barenaked Ladies singles 1991-2001 collection, Disc One: All Their Greatest Hits (1991-2001) refers to a line from this song: "Disc One, it's where we've begun, it's all of greatest hits. >>
Suggestion credit:
Kelly - Portland, OR
Steven Page wrote this song and sang lead.
The guy in this song complains that "some stupid #1 hit single has got me in this mess." Six years later, Barenaked Ladies had a #1 hit with "One Week," but they were careful about respecting the song and not falling into the trap of derogating their big hit. They kept the song in their setlists and treated it with respect.

Comments: 5

Tracy from MaineAdrian, where did Steven say this? I would like to reference this quote.
Tim from Springfield, MaChallenge accepted, Wilfred: Everybody Loves Me Baby, Sister Fatima, Winterwood, Vincent, Crossroads. To be fair, these are all from the album American Pie, and I've never heard of another Don McLean album, so there you have it.
Adrian from Crossville, TnThis song is actually a reference to Lindsay Buckingham. Steven said "he has an extensive library of work but everyone wants that same old fleetwood mac"
Wilfred from Melbourne, AustraliaInteresting comment, Samantha. I have not heard it before, but the scenario you describe is entirely true. I challenge anyone to name at least 5 other Don McLean songs of the top of their head. (I couldn't do it, could you?)
Samantha from Somewhere, CanadaMy mom once told me that this song was about Don MacLean when he wrote American Pie. Everyone wanted to hear it and no one really cared what his other songs sounded like. Anyone hear this also?

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