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
There might not be a more important album from 1994 for me than Throwing Copper. It was a saving grace in many ways. The recognition that rock could survive – and even thrive – past this grunge era. Leave the plaid shirts and thrashing guitar feedback at home, but bring the bangers out in full force. It’s like Live took the Pixies blueprint of quiet-loud-quiet dynamics, skipped over the grunge sound, and landed somewhere different. I played the album to death from beginning to end. It’s deep, for sure. Just have a listen to this under-the-radar track, “White, Discussion”.
It seems ironic that a band that intentionally veered the grunge template has a song whose structure is reminiscent of Pearl Jam. But that’s the way Live goes. Those minor chords cascade down as Kowalczyk’s vocals evoke a Vedder-esque rant. The quiet parts erupt like molten lava into the loud parts. Or maybe more like an exorcism of the establishment. So many bands have tried to do that in an authentic way. Live actually pulled it off.