Green Day Release Remix EP ‘Otis Big Guitar Mix’
Green Day are keeping their heads above ground during the lockdown by releasing a remix EP featuring three songs from their 2012 three album series Uno, Dos, Tre. The songs that were released on the EP, titled Otis Big Guitar Mix, include Lazy Bones, Wild One and Oh Love. They have been remixed to feature a more ‘in your face’ guitar sound.
Photo Credit: Green Day web site
The release of the EP came as a complete surprise to fans as there were no advance announcements made. The name of the EP is a tribute to lead singer Billy Joe Armstrong’s home studio, also called Otis. The remixes are available on YouTube and most streaming platforms.
Although the new release may be a surprise to some fans, Armstrong has expressed being dissatisfied with the mix of the Uno, Dos, Tre albums for some time. Here is a quote he gave to Rolling Stone earlier this year. “I always wanted ¡Uno!, ¡Dos! and ¡Tré! to be our power-pop Exile On Main St. [by The Rolling Stones], and I understand it sounds a bit stiff and the production isn’t great. I love those songs, but a lot of it feels half-baked…”
Early reactions to the songs prove that the remixes were successful in making the tracks sound more vibrant.
Lazy Bones starts out with a laid back verse that explodes into a signature Green Day pop punk chorus that is definitely amplified by the more pronounced guitar tones. Wild One has a sixties vintage inspired feel featuring guitar melodies you could barely hear on the original release.
Most fans will be eager to hear the remix of ‘Oh Love, one of Uno, Dos, Tre’s bigger hits. Here the punctuated guitar rhythm is much more pronounced due to the remix and the solo really hits you in the gut.
The remix EP is not the only way Green Day have been staying active during the lockdown. Billy Joe has been doing live from his home studio sessions called No Fun Mondays. In the last session he covered Johnny Thunders’ You Can’t Put Your Arms Around a Memory. He covered Tommy James and the Shondells I Think We’re Alone Now on a previous episode.
Armstrong also appeared on Elton John’s iHeart Radio Living Room Concert for America where he performed an acoustic version of Boulevard of Broken Dreams.
Green Day plan to resume their tour in support of their latest LP, Father of All Motherfuckers this summer. They will be heading out with Fall Out Boy and Weezer. They have also announced some 2021 dates in Asia. The band previously canceled Asia dates due to the coronavirus.
Green Day has certainly been doing their best to stay visible during the lockdown. If you’re staying at home, the Otis Big Guitar Mix will definitely brighten your day. Check it out!
