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
Music For The Masses isn’t just my favorite Depeche Mode album, it’s the record in which the band took a giant leap forward – not just commercially, but artistically. The dark, ominous electro pop of Black Celebration was followed up by an album brimming with exceptional cohesion and confidence. Alt hit singles aside, every song was perfectly sequenced within the track order to serve the greater purpose of the album. It’s why I consider every track so vital, including bonus tracks like “Agent Orange”.
Some of the greatest deep cuts in music history are instrumentals. “Agent Orange” lacks nothing, even with no vocals. It’s a mood piece that capitalizes on the dark soundscapes that the band is known for. Without uttering a single word, it tells a story and paints a picture. The musicality isn’t incredibly complex, but it’s perfectly orchestrated, an underrated gem from the Alan Wilder years that proves synthesizers are far from souless.