I started Mental Jukebox nearly three years ago at the beginning of the pandemic. During this time, I’ve discovered new music, rediscovered old favorites and I’ve met passionate music fans around the world. And when things opened up, I kept on blogging. This month, the jukebox goes deeper. The term “deep cut” has multiple meanings. It can refer to lesser known album tracks from well-known artists. It can also refer to tracks from lesser known artists. This month, I’ll be featuring both types. #DeepCutsFeb
It seems appropriate to end this month’s look at my favorite deep cuts with a song from an unabashed album rock band. At least that’s the R.E.M. I knew and loved. The band that focused more on albums than singles, and made a living crafting some of the finest deep cuts any vinyl record or cassette has seen on either side of the pond. Document is one of my favorite R.E.M. records and its depth can’t be denied. The back half of the album, for the most part, exists in the band’s sweet spot: mid-tempo. That’s where we find the fan favorite, “Fireplace”.
Man, I love this song. There’s an intensity and urgency with its prodding pace and emotive minor chords. The lyrics and melodies are Stipe to the core. But the saxophone comes out of nowhere, doesn’t it? This isn’t a cheesy eighties’ sax solo though. It’s much more experimental. It wears its emotions on its sleeve. No apologies. Nothing contrived. “Fireplace” does what the best deep cuts do. It gives us something different, something a bit more daring.
“Crazy, crazy world. Crazy, crazy times.”