For October, the Mental Jukebox is dialing it way back to the eighties and going deep. Deep cuts have always been an important element of music listening to me because they’re often the songs that resonate with me most. Deep cuts are usually the ones that the true fans appreciate most. I like my singles and hits, but I love my deep cuts.
When The B-52’s came to visit my college, I snapped up the opportunity and got myself to the concert. That said, I’m not a big fan. Their songs are certainly etched into my life, especially my teenage years. But their niche in carefree, party rock always felt a little too cooky for my tastes. But on their breakthrough album Cosmic Thing, they flashed a different side to their music that I would describe more as euphoric and ethereal. This sound was represented in the last two tracks: “Topaz” and “Follow Your Bliss”.
On Cosmic Thing, everyone will remember “Love Shack”. Many will fondly remember “Roam”. Alt rock fans won’t forget “Channel Z”. But I’ll always remember “Topaz”. The second-to-last track. The almost forgotten song. The easily overshadowed one. But it was The B-52’s finally stepping outside of their party mentality. Still kids at heart, but this was a band that was growing up before our ears. With its swirly, dreamy, euphoric state, “Topaz” gave us a more mature perspective and sound that I appreciated back in high school. And still do.
“New cities by the sea. Skyscrapers are winking. Some hills are never seen. The universe expanding.”