Fatboy Slim Unveils 30-Year Anniversary Reissue of *Better Living Through Chemistry*

Norman Cook, known as Fatboy Slim, announced a commemorative edition of his debut album *Better Living Through Chemistry* to mark three decades since its 1996 release. The reissue will be available digitally on September 25 and in physical formats—CD and vinyl—on October 2. The package adds remastered tracks, a collection of B-sides and rarities, and new remixes by Dutch DJ Sem Jacobs, Peruvian electronic artist Chinonegro, and Ammo Avenue.

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*Better Living Through Chemistry* was Cook’s first album under the Fatboy Slim moniker after work with groups such as Freak Power, Pizzaman, Mighty Dub Katz, Beats International and The Housemartins. Drawing on London’s late-1990s electronic scene, the record blended hip-hop, funk, house, reggae and indie influences and helped launch the big-beat movement that defined much of the era’s dance music. Singles like “Everybody Needs a 303,” “Punk to Funk,” and “Going Out of My Head” received extensive club play and radio rotation.

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The reissue’s audio has been remastered at half-speed to enhance fidelity. Physical copies include fresh liner notes authored by journalist Alexis Petridis, offering analysis of the album’s lasting impact. In addition to the original tracklist, the edition features previously unreleased B-sides and a brand-new remix from Sem Jacobs, while the digital version also contains remixes from Chinonegro and Ammo Avenue.

NME | New Musical Express

He also discussed his current creative outlook, stating that his passion for producing new records has waned, though he remains fully committed to DJing and remix work. After performing 115 shows in the past year, Cook emphasized that he prefers to focus on live performances and curating existing material rather than pursuing a “seventh album,” which he believes would likely be “very average.”

NME | New Musical Express