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
Funny how music albums turn into time machines. You press “play” and then, just like that, you’re back in time. Somewhere great. Somewhere awful. I play The Smashing Pumpkin's’ Siamese Dream and I’m right back inside my dorm in my sophomore year of college. My roommate – who went on to become one of my groomsmen – and I lived and breathed music together. Going to shows. Picking up new CDs at Boston’s Newbury Comics. Writing record reviews for the school paper. And, best of all, blasting tunes like “Mayonaise” on our speakers.
“Mayonaise” is essential Pumpkins. Not an obscure track by any stretch. In fact, it’s considered one of the band’s best songs by some of their biggest fans. But it wasn’t one of Siamese Dream’s singles – and it is Track 9 on the album. A revered deep cut from the mid 90’s, it is languid and sleepy one moment, then the pressure valve releases and musical catharsis happens. “Mayonaise” – a playful spelling of the song’s theme “my own eys” was co-written by Billy Corgan and James Iha, which endears the song to me even more. It cannot be traced back to just the frontman, it’s the band’s song. And in 1993, it was our song.
“Pick your pockets full of sorrow. Run away with me tomorrow.”