EMI has officially announced the details for the Big Thing and Notorious issues. The track listing can be found here. I think it’s great that EMI is putting these out, however, it would have been lovely to have a few demos included. There are interesting demos of pretty good quality from both of these albums. Also, there’s only one unreleased track out of all of this (Eurohouse version of All She Wants Is). Perhaps the most troubling question of all is why they are not issuing the classic Three to Get Ready on DVD.

Ok, time to put away my crankypants. I love both albums and will be fully stoked to have the new CDs and digital downloads, hopefully with excellent artwork and packaging. And hey… the Big Thing Live shows in Italy (Milan 12.12.88 will be included) are a riot, with a strange aggressive energy and delightfully festive wardrobe choices.

Let’s keep a focus on faith. Faith that the old songs are being treated with respect, and faith that the guys are hard at work on the new songs. Looking at these recent photos from the studio, I believe you can sense their determination.

I hope you enjoy some of my favorite demos from Big Thing. These are reportedly stolen… perhaps that has something to do with them not being included in the re-issue.

Do You Believe in Shame (alternate “faith” lyrics)

Pressure (piano chorus rough)

The Edge of America (acoustic)

All She Wants Is (alternate lyrics)