Staff Writer

Every year, around the holidays, music buyers tend to experience a little déjà vu.

That’s because the music industry likes to use this time to repackage, remaster and reissue many of its best-sellers. But are they worth listening to again?

Here is a look at five of the biggest re-releases.

“The Song Remains the Same” by Led Zeppelin.

Original Release: 1976

Why? – This notorious but beloved concert film gets a second edition on DVD, this time with new, remixed 5.1 sound and 40 minutes of bonus concert footage.

Worth the Reissue? – No. It may seem sacrilegious to trash on one of the greatest rock bands of all time, but “The Song Remains the Same” was and still is an indulgent mess. Anybody who just wants to see Zeppelin live without “fantasy sequences” in between should go to their amazing 2003 self-titled DVD.

“MTV Unplugged in New York” by Nirvana

Original Release: 1994

Why? – 13 years after its original release on CD and VHS, Nirvana’s transcendent television performance finally comes to DVD.

Worth the Reissue? – Yes. It’s been too long of a wait. The bonuses are kind of sparse compared to the other big reissues, but the original is still just as worthy of being re-experienced by a new generation.

“FutureSex/LoveSounds” by Justin Timberlake

Original Release: 2006

Why? – In case there’s someone out there who hasn’t already bought this triple platinum album (it’s still hanging around the Billboard top 100), now they can buy it with a bonus DVD of music videos and a making-of documentary.

Worth the reissue? – No. This is major label greed at its finest, an attempt to milk the most money they can out of a popular artist. Why do record companies put out “Deluxe Edition” albums so soon after an initial release? What does this say to the fans who bought it the day it came out? That they have to buy it again to get the full package? For shame.

“The Joshua Tree” by U2

Original Release: 1987

Why? – It’s been 20 years since the release of their best selling, landmark album. In celebration, fans can pick between a newly remastered CD, a deluxe edition with a bonus CD full of B-sides and outtakes, or the box set edition, which comes with an added live concert DVD.

Worth the reissue? – Yes. Even though the Irish group is merely a shadow of what it once was, it’s nice to be reminded why they became one of the biggest groups of all time in the first place. Plus, the tiered packaging helps separate the super fans from the casual admirers.

“Frank” by Amy Winehouse

Original Release: 2003 [UK Only]

Why? – Now that the soulful and self-destructive Winehouse is a household name thanks to her hit, “Rehab,” it only makes sense that her lesser known, Mercury Prize nominated debut album should hit American shores.

Worth the Reissue? – Maybe. Seeing as how it had never been released in the U.S., this will probably be a great gift for the million or so Winehouse fans. However, for those who are already sick of her shallow attempts at deep soul, this record won’t change anyone’s mind.