"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.
Most of the lyrics refer to a man being haunted by the girl. Ironically, or perhaps intentionally, the song's last beat is on 4:20, a reference to marijuana.
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Album Description:
The MEGADETH - "Mary Jane" 12" Vinyl MAXI-SINGLE - 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", which is often associated with marijuana. Contrary to popular belief, the song delves into the dark tale of a girl who embraces witchcraft and ultimately faces a tragic fate. Megadeth, formed in 1983 by guitarist and vocalist Dave Mustaine, quickly rose to prominence within the thrash metal scene. Known for their aggressive sound, intricate guitar work, and thought-provoking lyrics, the band's discography has left an indelible mark on the heavy metal genre. "Mary Jane" stands as a prime example of Megadeth's ability to explore unconventional themes while maintaining their signature style. Although the title "Mary Jane" might initially evoke thoughts of marijuana, the song takes a different path. It tells the story of a girl who becomes entangled in the world of witchcraft, seeking solace and forgiveness from her father. However, her pursuit of dark magic ultimately leads to dire consequences. As a form of punishment, she is buried alive, trapped in a coffin with no escape. This narrative is a departure from the usual lyrical themes associated with Megadeth's music. Instead of focusing on political or social issues, the band delves into the realm of the occult, exploring the consequences of dabbling in forbidden practices. The song showcases Megadeth's versatility as songwriters, proving their ability to tackle a wide range of topics while maintaining their distinct musical identity. The maxi-single format of the release offers fans a comprehensive package, featuring not only the original studio version of "Mary Jane", but also additional tracks that complement the main song. These extra tracks can provide further insight into the band's musical evolution and creative experimentation during that period. In addition, the 12" vinyl format enhances the listening experience, allowing for a more immersive and dynamic sound. The USA release of the "Mary Jane" maxi-single is a testament to Megadeth's popularity and impact within the American music scene during the late 1980s. Thrash metal was reaching its peak, and Megadeth stood at the forefront of the movement, pushing boundaries and defying expectations. The release of this maxi-single demonstrates the band's commitment to delivering quality music and engaging their audience in a thought-provoking manner. |
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Music Genre: Heavy / Thrash Metal |
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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. 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 numerous prominent hard rock and heavy metal bands, particularly during the late 1980s, when he achieved considerable success and acclaim for his production contributions. Before his rise as a producer, Wagener had a musical career of his own. He was a guitarist and part of a German band called "Band X" in the pre-1970 era. Notably, Udo Dirkschneider, known for his involvement with the bands Accept and U.D.O., also performed alongside Wagener in Band X. This early collaboration between Wagener and Dirkschneider acted as a precursor to the formation of Accept, the influential German heavy metal band. While Michael Wagener began as a guitarist for Accept, he eventually transitioned into the realm of music production, where he found his true calling. His talent, expertise, and meticulous approach to producing and mixing led him to work with some of the biggest names in hard rock and heavy metal. Wagener became highly sought after for his ability to capture the energy and power of these genres in the studio. In addition to his work as a music producer, mixer, and engineer, Michael Wagener is also the president of Double Trouble Productions. This production company, headed by Wagener, focuses on providing high-quality production services to various artists and bands in the music industry. Over the years, Wagener's production credits have included collaborations with iconic bands such as Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Skid Row, Dokken, White Lion, and many others. His contributions to the sound and success of these bands have solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in the world of rock and metal production. Michael Wagener's work is characterized by his meticulous attention to detail, ability to capture powerful performances, and his knack for creating an impactful and polished sound. His contributions to the music industry, particularly in the hard rock and heavy metal genres, have left a lasting imprint and have helped shape the sonic landscape of numerous iconic albums. Paul Lani - Producer, Sound Engineer Randy Burns - Producer, Sound Engineer, Musician Randy Burns is an American Music producer , Sound Engineer , and sound mixer. Responsible for the recorded sound of many Heavy Metal bands during the 1980s. 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. |
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Record Label: Capitol Records 12CL 489 |
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Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Maxi-Single Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
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Year and Country 1988 Made in USA |
Track Listing of: "Mary Jane" |
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The Songs/tracks on "Mary Jane" are
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Album cover photos of : Megadeth Mary Jane 12" Maxi-Single |
| Front Cover Photo of "Mary Jane" Album |
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| Back Cover Photo of "Mary Jane" Album |
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Close-up Photo of "Mary Jane" Record Label
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ). |
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