Oh great, it’s MR. BIG’s 30th anniversary, and you know what that means — another cash grab disguised as a “landmark release.” This time, they’re finally gracing us with “Hey Man” on vinyl for Record Store Day, because apparently, waiting three decades to press it onto wax is the ultimate flex. And if that wasn’t enough, they’re also dropping a “new remaster” on SACD Hybrid Multi-channel and Double MQA-CD on May 8. Because nothing screams “we care about the fans” like making them buy the same album in five different formats.
Of course, this album “famously dominated the Japan Oricon chart for 16 weeks,” which is code for “it sold well in Japan, and nowhere else.” But hey, who needs global domination when you can have a cult following that will buy anything you put out? The album features classics like “Take Cover” and “Goin’ Where The Wind Blows,” which are basically just excuses for the band to show off their technical prowess. Because nothing says “soulful songwriting” like a 10-minute guitar solo.
And let’s talk about the Double MQA-CD format, shall we? It’s packed with bonus content, including the “I Love You Japan” demo (because of course they do), the final mixes of “Friend Of The Working Girl” and “Livin’ Like A Dog” (finally, the world needed those), and a selection of tracks that probably should’ve stayed in the vault. Oh, and don’t forget the live versions of “Take Cover” and “Goin’ Where The Wind Blows,” because who doesn’t want to hear the same songs twice? Plus, there’s a drum-only mix of “Take Cover,” which is perfect for anyone who’s ever thought, “You know what this song needs? Less guitar, more drums.”
The SACD Hybrid Multi-channel format is even better, featuring a “brand-new remaster in high-resolution audio” and a “new 5.1 mix.” Because if there’s one thing MR. BIG fans have been clamoring for, it’s a 5.1 mix of “Mama D.” And let’s not forget the 180g One-Step Pressing Deep Cyan Vinyl LP, limited to 3,000 copies worldwide. Because nothing says “exclusive” like pressing an album that’s 30 years old onto colored vinyl and calling it a day.
Oh, and did I mention that this is the “first time the album is available on vinyl for Record Store Day U.K. and Japan”? Groundbreaking. Truly. It’s almost as if they’re trying to squeeze every last drop of nostalgia out of their fanbase before they finally call it quits. Speaking of which, MR. BIG played their “final show” of “The BIG Finale!” tour on February 25, 2025, at Nippon Budokan in Tokyo. Because of course, they had to end it in Japan, where they’re still relevant.
But wait, there’s more! They also played three other shows in India and Osaka earlier that month, because why not? And let’s not forget their previous “final show” on August 23, 2024, at the Way Too Far Rock Festival in Romania. Because apparently, MR. BIG has a lot of “final shows,” and they’re not afraid to use them.
Their tenth studio album, “Ten,” was released on July 12, 2024, featuring 11 new original tracks written by Eric Martin and Paul Gilbert. Because nothing says “fresh material” like a band that’s been around for 30 years. And let’s not forget that they announced “The BIG Finish” tour in 2023, marking the end of an era after drummer Pat Torpey lost his battle with Parkinson’s disease in 2018. Because nothing says “respecting a fallen bandmate” like milking their legacy for all it’s worth.
And finally, their last-ever live album release, “The BIG Finish Live,” came out on September 6, 2024, featuring a concert film of their farewell tour where they played their million-selling “Lean Into It” album in its entirety. Because if there’s one thing fans love, it’s hearing the same songs they’ve heard a million times before. Bravo, MR. BIG. Bravo. 🎸💿🎶
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
