Megadeth - Mary Jane / Hook In Mouth Picture Disc
"Mary Jane" is not about marijuana, as is commonly thought; it is actually about a girl who takes up witchcraft, and seeks forgiveness from her father only to be buried alive as punishment.
"Mary Jane" is not about marijuana, as is commonly thought; it is actually about a girl who takes up witchcraft, and seeks forgiveness from her father only to be buried alive as punishment.
Megadeth's "Mary Jane" / "Hook in Mouth" picture disc is a fascinating slice of thrash metal history. While often sought for its collectible artwork, the songs themselves pack a powerful thematic punch.
"Mary Jane": Misconceptions and Dark Realities
The enduring misperception that "Mary Jane" is a song about marijuana speaks to rock music's tendency to associate that name with the drug. However, Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine has always been clear on the song's true inspiration: witchcraft. The lyrics paint a harrowing picture of a young woman drawn into the occult, desperately seeking forgiveness from her father, and ultimately facing a horrifying punishment of being buried alive.
The song's driving riffs and Mustaine's raw vocals mirror the intensity and desperation of the narrative. "Mary Jane" becomes an exploration of the dangers of unchecked belief systems and the potential for cruelty lurking behind blind faith.
"Hook in Mouth": Power, Corruption, and Censorship
The B-side of the picture disc, "Hook in Mouth," was lifted from Megadeth's seminal album 'So Far, So Good... So What!'. This track dives into the themes of power, societal control, and censorship. The title is a reference to the Parental Music Resource Center (PMRC), an organization in the 1980s that campaigned to censor music it deemed offensive.
Mustaine's lyrics rage against attempts to stifle artistic expression, the dangers of unchecked authority, and the hypocrisy of those wielding power corruptly. "Hook in Mouth" resonates with Megadeth's rebellious spirit and is a defiant stand for the freedom of speech and creativity.
The Picture Disc Legacy
The "Mary Jane" / "Hook in Mouth" picture disc is more than a visual novelty. It houses two tracks that showcase Megadeth's depth and willingness to explore challenging subject matter. These songs are snapshots of a band constantly evolving, refusing to compromise their artistic vision, and always ready to confront social and political issues head-on.
Album Production Information: The album: "Mary Jane" was produced by: Dave Mustaine and Randy Burns Dave Mustaine is the scarred saint of thrash, a man forged in the fire he lit himself. From being ousted by Metallica to leading Megadeth into metal's iron throne room, he snarls, shreds, and spits truth. Read his full bio.
Michael Wagener - Producer, Mix Engineer Michael Wagener is a legendary music producer and sound engineer, known for crafting the signature sounds of hard rock and heavy metal. He co-founded Accept before shifting to production, working with top bands like Metallica, Skid Row, and Dokken. His powerful, polished mixes defined an era of rock. Learn more
Paul Lani - Producer, Sound Engineer Randy Burns - Producer, Sound Engineer, Musician Randy Burns is a renowned record producer and sound engineer who played a pivotal role in shaping heavy metal’s evolution. His work with bands like Megadeth, Death, and Kreator helped define the raw, aggressive sound of thrash and death metal. With a legacy spanning decades, his productions remain legendary. Learn more about his career here.
Tim Carr - Executive Producer Mark Wilkinson - Cover Art Pete Cronin - Photography Pete Cronin has been a photographer for over 30 years and has photographed rock bands like: Demon Pact, Avenger, Metallica, Exciter, English Dogs, Plasmatics, Briar, Bow Wow, Thin Lizzy, Alice in Chains, Megadeth and others. |
| Music Genre: Speed / Thrash Metal |
Collector's Information: 7" Picture Disc |
| Tracks side 1: Mary Jane |
| Tracks side 2: Hook in Mouth |
| Record Label: Capitol |
Vinyl Format: 7" Record, Picture DiscAlbum weight: xxx gram |
Year & Country: 1988 |
Photos of Megadeth Mary Jane / Hook In Mouth Picture Disc on the Single Picture Sleeve
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Photo of picture back
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"Anarchy in the U.K." is originally a song by the English punk rock band "The Sex Pistols" . It was released as the band's debut single on 26 November 1976 and was featured on their only album, Never Mind the Bollocks, This is Megadeth's cover of it, originally released on the album: "So far, so good, so what?"
Anarchy in the UK 12" Laser Etched Vinyl LP
Countdown to Extinction was a critical and commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States and selling over 10 million copies worldwide. The album was certified double platinum
Countdown to Extinction 12" Vinyl LP
"Death in the Fire" 180g White Label Transparent Vinyl 12" Vinyl LP Album offers a thrilling glimpse into the raw intensity of Megadeth's live performances during their early years. While an unofficial release, this limited edition LP
Death in the Fire 12" Transparent Vinyl LP <
This is the Picture Disc version "Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!" the debut album by American thrash metal band Megadeth. It was originally released in 1985 on Combat Records.
Killing is my Business and Business is Good 12" Vinyl Picture Disc
"Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!" is the debut album by American thrash metal band Megadeth. It was originally released in 1985 on Combat Records. Mustaine wanted a picture of Megadeth mascot Vic Rattlehead
- Killing is my Business and Business is Good (1985, Canada) - Killing is my Business and Business is Good (1985, Holland)
"Mary Jane" USA Release is an iconic musical piece that showcases the talent and creativity of the American thrash metal band, Megadeth. Released in 1988, this maxi-single offers a unique perspective on the concept of "Mary Jane"
Mary Jane 12" Vinyl Maxi Single
Megadeth's "Mary Jane" / "Hook in Mouth" picture disc is a fascinating slice of thrash metal history. While often sought for its collectible artwork, the songs themselves pack a powerful thematic punch.
Mary Jane b/w Hook in Mouth 7" Picture Disc
"No More Mr. Nice Guy" was originally a song by Alice Cooper, released in 1973. It became a popular hit and was covered by various artists over the years. In 1989, Megadeth decided to cover the song and release it as a single.
- No More Mr Nice Guy (1989, EEC Europe) - No More Mr Nice Guy (1989, USA)
Formed in 1983 by former Metallica guitarist Dave Mustaine, Megadeth quickly gained recognition for aggressive sound, complex guitar work, and conscious lyrics. "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" became their second studio album
- Peace Sells But Who's Buying (1986, Canada) - Peace Sells But Who's Buying (1986, Germany) - Peace Sells But Who's Buying (1986, USA)
Megadeth's "So Far, So Good, So What" 12" vinyl LP album was released on 19 January 1988, on Combat Records. The Canadian release of the album features a slightly different track listing than the US version
- So Far So Good So What (1988, Canada) - So Far So Good So What (1988, Germany) - So Far So Good So What (1988, USA)