Sir Elton John has done a little crate digging into his own vaults and sweeping catalogue of material, and resurfaced with “Jewel Box” (UMC), a sprawling 148-track, eight-CD boxed set that is just two minutes shy of 10 hours of music. This treasure trove contains a virtual cornucopia of rarities, unreleased track and deep cuts, the latter his personal less-familiar choices. Clearly, John is keen on his Leon Russell collaborations, and select tracks from his “Captain Fantastic” album are featured here, including “(Gotta Get A) Meal Ticket” and “We All Fall In Love Sometimes.” Rarities, ranging from 1965-71, encompasses material from the early beginnings of John and lyricist Bernie Taupin’s careers, when the twosome was still getting their feet wet as musicians and songwriters. Included here is the first composition from the songwriting partnership, “Scarecrow,” as well as material from John’s early band, Bluesology.”

One track, the psychedelic “Regimental Sgt. Zippo” reeks of St. Pepper and is a relic from a prospective 1969 debut album that has never seen the light of day. The B-sides are a bit fascinating; ranging from 1976-2005, they’re a intriguing glimpse at what was paired with what. Nothing earth-shattering but worth a listen. Finally, “Jewel Box” concludes with “And This Is Me …” which stands out as a sort of companion piece to John’s bio, “Me.” It features 16 songs that have strong significance to the book. Add it all up and it’s simply enthralling, from liner notes to that last rare cut. This is John’s legacy, not through the hits but through the misses.

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Derby glam-rockers the Struts deliver “Strange Days” (Interscope), a stadium anthem-filled CD that characterizes Coldplay at their most tolerable. “Strange” amounts to an instant rock-down classic, authentic and air-punchy. The stomper “Hate How Much I Want You” lingers while “Another Hit of Showmanship” is a new wave surfer. Written and recorded with the band couch crashing at producer Jon Levine’s home studio during the pandemic, this record follows their strong 2018 sophomore record, “Young & Dangerous.” Guest appearances on “Strange” include Albert Hammond, Jr., (The Strokes), Joe Elliot and Phil Collen (Def Leppard) and Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave) and British pop star Robbie Williams on the waning title cut. Hints of the Rolling Stones ring true on “All Dressed Up (With Nowhere To Go) and “Do You Love Me,” a decent KISS cover. Despite being signed to a major label, the Struts still have a vibe about them. And there is something to be said about the veneer of success that the band enjoys here through association. The only caveat to the album is the number of times “lockdown” is mentioned, which instantly dates the record. The last song, “Am I Talking To The Champagne” may be a preview into where this band might go next. More atmospheric than anything else on the album, it offers up some tasty saxophone layered over a “city at night” groove. A redeemer for a record that is near great.

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Australia’s the Avalanche’s “We Will Always Love You” (EMI), makes for one great mixtape. Overflowing with samples, guest artists and sheer stimuli, every sound feels like a treasured memory. In a year that’s been sort of a dystopian hellscape normally reserved for a Morrissey interview, the Avalanches have smuggled 25 pure tracks of audio sunrise. Self-reflecting, this record features the lyrical redemption arc of “Gold Sky,” the seize-the-day mentality of “Take Care In Your Dreaming” and has an already-in-your-head vibe going on “Music Makes Me High.” The tracks roll slickly into each other like a snake eating its own tail. It’s dreamy, ethereal and poppy, and the plays out like there’s a DJ hiding in your iPod. The band’s trademark sampledelic sound provides a tasteful glimpse into the familiar, while still sidestepping overt pastiche, remaining fresh throughout. You feel transported on this quarantine album without feeling cooped-up. “We were thinking a lot about signal transmission and how every radio broadcast from the last hundred years is still floating out there in space,” Avalanches founding member Robbie Chater said. “It’s beautiful to me that these broadcasts are still out there.” Add this delightful CD to those airwaves.

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