Deluxe CD sets: Inside and out

0 Comments | USA TODAY, November, 2007 | by Edna Gundersen

Deluxe editions of CDs are nearly indistinguishable from the plain-Jane versions. They usually bear identical or similar covers, prices may not be radically different, and titles may be available in several configurations to give discount retailers exclusive content. "It makes the consumer nuts," says Billboard's Geoff Mayfield.

"You no longer know which is the definitive version." USA TODAY's Edna Gundersen offers a sampling:

*Across the Universe. The one-disc soundtrack of Beatles covers released Sept. 14 pales against the two-disc version issued Oct. 23 with 13 additional tracks and a 16-page poster of the emblematic strawberry image.

*Akon, Konvicted. August's deluxe edition pumped up the 2006 hit album with Sorry, Blame It on Me and two other...