Fatboy Slim is set to reissue his seminal debut album Better Living Through Chemistry, marking a significant milestone in electronic music history. The upcoming release promises to be a comprehensive package, featuring a wealth of B-sides, rarities, and fresh reinterpretations of the classic tracks that helped define the big beat movement of the late 1990s.
The re-release arrives to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the breakthrough record. Originally released in 1996, Better Living Through Chemistry served as the first full-length project from Norman Cook under his iconic Fatboy Slim moniker. The album followed his tenure in various influential groups, including Freak Power, Pizzaman, Mighty Dub Katz, Beats International, and The Housemartins.
A Legacy of Innovation
Drawing deep inspiration from the vibrant electronic scene in London at the time, Cook masterfully blended elements of hip-hop, funk, house, reggae, and indie. The album was born out of his legendary Big Beat Boutique club nights at Brighton’s Concorde and featured defining singles such as 'Everybody Needs A 303', 'Punk To Funk', and 'Going Out Of My Head'.
To celebrate three decades since its inception, the new anniversary edition features all original songs remastered at half speed. The collection will be available digitally on September 25, with CD and vinyl formats following on October 2. The reissue includes a variety of rare material and a brand-new remix from Dutch producer Sem Jacobs, while the digital edition adds further remixes from Peruvian artist Chinonegro and Ammo Avenue.
“‘Better Living Through Chemistry’ was basically me figuring out what I was doing,” Fatboy Slim said. “I was making music for the dancefloor, the bedroom, the afterparty and anyone who’d listen. Looking back, it’s got all the mistakes, experiments and madness of that time in it, but that’s probably what I love about it most.”
Reflecting on the Journey
The physical editions of the reissue will include new liner notes penned by journalist Alexis Petridis, offering fresh insight into the album’s enduring influence and legacy. Reflecting on the project, Cook noted, “It was the beginning of the Fatboy Slim adventure, and I’m amazed that, all these years later, people are still discovering it, dancing to it and asking me about it. It feels pretty bloody good to give it another lease of life.”
Despite his recent comments regarding a loss of passion for creating new studio material, Cook remains deeply connected to his past work and his ongoing career as a DJ. “I prefer not to waste mine or other people’s time with that,” he explained regarding the prospect of a new album. “I feel like I’ve made enough records and there’s a body of work there that’s good enough. Mashing-up tracks, DJing, I still have 100 per cent passion for that.”