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.

 

High Resolution Photo Megadeth Mary Jane / Hook In Mouth Picture Disc  Vinyl Record

"Mary Jane" / "Hook in Mouth" Album Description:

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  ( full-name: David Scott Mustaine ) born 1961 in La Mesa, California. He is the co-founder, lead vocalist, and lead guitarist of the heavy metal band Megadeth, which was formed in 1983. Mustaine is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians in the thrash metal genre and is considered a pioneer of the American thrash metal scene.

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Mustaine was originally a member of the band Metallica , but he was eventually fired from the band due to personal and musical differences. He went on to form Megadeth , which became one of the "big four" of the thrash metal genre along with Metallica , Slayer , and Anthrax .

Throughout his career, Mustaine has been recognized for his musical abilities and innovative style, and he has been awarded numerous accolades and awards, including several Grammy nominations. He is known for his fast and complex guitar playing, as well as his powerful vocals and distinctive songwriting.

In addition to his work with Megadeth, Mustaine has been involved in various other musical projects and has collaborated with a number of other musicians. He is also a published author and has been involved in various business ventures and charitable causes throughout his career.

Michael Wagener - Producer, Mix Engineer

Michael Wagener is a renowned music producer, mixer, and engineer hailing from Hamburg, Germany. He is highly recognized for his work with countless prominent hard rock and heavy metal bands, particularly during the late 1980s. Read Wagener's Story

Paul Lani - Producer, Sound Engineer

Randy Burns - Producer, Sound Engineer, Musician

Randy Burns is an American record producer and sound engineer who played a crucial role in shaping the sound of heavy metal music in the 1980s and 1990s. His collaborations with bands like Megadeth, Death, Kreator, and Possessed have left an indelible mark on the genre, and his contributions continue to be recognized and appreciated by metal fans worldwide.

Early Career and Breakthrough

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Burns' career began in the late 1970s when he started working as a sound engineer in various studios in Los Angeles. His big break came in 1986 when he produced Megadeth's iconic album "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" . The album's raw energy, aggressive sound, and socially conscious lyrics resonated with audiences, and it became a landmark release in thrash metal history.

Shaping the Sound of Death Metal

In 1987, Burns produced Death's debut album "Scream Bloody Gore," which is widely regarded as one of the most influential albums in death metal. The album's combination of speed, technicality, and brutality set a new standard for the genre, and it inspired countless bands to follow in Death's footsteps. Burns' work on "Scream Bloody Gore" solidified his reputation as a producer who could capture the raw intensity of extreme metal.

Further Successes and Legacy

Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Burns continued to work with a wide range of metal bands, including Kreator, Possessed, Dark Angel, and Nuclear Assault. His productions were known for their powerful sound, which often emphasized the aggression and energy of the music. Burns' contributions to the metal scene helped to define the sound of an era, and his work continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans.

Later Career and Continued Influence

In recent years, Burns has continued to work as a producer and sound engineer, contributing to projects in various genres. He has also been involved in remastering and reissuing classic albums from his catalog, ensuring that his legacy is preserved for future generations. Burns' influence on the metal scene remains undeniable, and his work continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike.

Conclusion

Randy Burns' career as a record producer and sound engineer is a testament to his passion for music and his dedication to capturing the raw power of heavy metal. His collaborations with some of the most iconic bands in the genre have helped to shape the sound of metal music, and his contributions continue to be appreciated by fans around the world. As a pioneer of American metal, Randy Burns' legacy is secure, and his work will continue to inspire and influence musicians for years to come.

Bands he has worked with include: 3rd Stage Alert , Agent Steel , Aversion , Bitter End , Chris Poland (Band) , Crumbsuckers , Dark Age , Dark Angel , DBC , Dead End , Death , Excel , Helstar , Kreator , Leatherwolf , Lizzy Borden , Ludichrist , Megadeth , Morgoth , Mortal Sin , Nuclear Assault , Possessed , Suicidal Tendencies , Uncle Sam , Zoetrope.

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 Disc
Album weight: xxx gram 

Year & Country:

1988 
Photos of Megadeth Mary Jane / Hook In Mouth Picture Disc on the Single Picture Sleeve
High Resolution Photo Megadeth Mary Jane / Hook In Mouth Picture Disc  Vinyl Record  
Photo of picture back
High Resolution Photo Megadeth Mary Jane / Hook In Mouth Picture Disc  Vinyl Record  

Index of MEGADETH Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

MEGADETH - Anarchy in the UK Laser Etched Vinyl
MEGADETH - Anarchy in the UK  album front cover vinyl record

"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
MEGADETH - Countdown to Extinction
MEGADETH - Countdown to Extinction album front cover vinyl record

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
MEGADETH - Death in the Fire
MEGADETH - Death in the Fire album front cover vinyl record

"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 <
MEGADETH - Killing is my Business and Business is Good
MEGADETH - Killing is my Business and Business is Good  album front cover vinyl record

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
MEGADETH - Killing is my Business and Business is Good (Canada & Holland)
MEGADETH - Killing is my Business and Business is Good (Canada & Holland)  album front cover vinyl record

"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)
MEGADETH - Mary Jane
MEGADETH - Mary Jane album front cover vinyl record

"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 - Mary Jane b/w Hook in Mouth
MEGADETH - Mary Jane b/w Hook in Mouth  album front cover vinyl record

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
MEGADETH - No More Mr Nice Guy (European and USA Releases) 12" Vinyl LP
MEGADETH - No More Mr Nice Guy (European and USA Releases)  album front cover vinyl record

"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)
MEGADETH - Peace Sells But Who's Buying (International Releases)  
MEGADETH - Peace Sells But Who's Buying (International Releases)  album front cover vinyl record

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 - So Far So Good So What (International Releases)
MEGADETH - So Far So Good So What (International Releases) album front cover vinyl record

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)