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
A friend introduced me to the music of Vienna Teng several years ago by way of the album Waking Hour and the piano-heavy song “Gravity” in particular. I didn’t need any convincing that there was talent here in her understated presence. With Vienna, it felt very much felt like a friend was writing and performing these songs. There was nothing hyped about her music, which points to the strength and pure talent embodied in her songwriting. My stance remained unchanged when Dreaming Through The Noise was released, which contains my deep cut pick for today, “Transcontinental, 1:30 a.m.”.
The best songs are the ones that invite us to be a part of their story. The great ones make us feel like we’ve transported to another place. “Transcontinental, 1:30 a.m.” accomplishes this. Vienna may have written it to be about trying to make a long-distance relationship work. But every single time I play it, without fail, I’m brought to a quiet and empty airport terminal that turns into a dark, smokey jazz club in the dead of night. And I don’t want to leave.
“I know we're transcontinental, 1:30 a.m. and there's not even a wire. Just a whispering in air. I know we're transcontinental, 1:30 a.m. but I'm here.”