I shouldn’t be surprised, but I am.  February 2015 will mark the 30th anniversary of SONGS FROM THE BIG CHAIR by Tears for Fears.

30 years.

My debate colleague and great friend (then and now), Ron, and I listened to that album over and over and over again.  Our local Godfather’s Pizza even had the b-side, “Pharaohs,” and we played that song over and over and over again.  This, of course, was pre-internet, and it was difficult to obtain rarities in the middle of central Kansas.  Godfathers, strangely enough, provided the best place to hear that song.  So, to Godfathers we went.

When I saw that Tears for Fears would be releasing not just the Deluxe Edition of the album but the Super Deluxe Edition, I was pretty pumped.  The Super Deluxe Edition has now been released, it costs a fortune, and I’ve decided not to purchase it.

Granted, it’s pretty fun to listen to sixteen different versions of “Shout,” but, in the end, it seems to negate the integrity of the original album.  And, it’s great that Steven Wilson remixed the Super Deluxe Edition . . . but, the original was amazing in 1985, and it remains so, thirty years later.

I still listen to the album at least once a month.  A quick calculation tells me I’ve listened toSONGS FROM THE BIG CHAIR at least 360 times since 1985.

I’m sure, however, I’ve listened to it many, many more times than this.

And, P.S.: Thanks, Ron.  Incredible memories.