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
Astral Weeks is a once-in-a-lifetime album praised by fans, critics and peers alike. Considered one of the most important records of any era, it has influenced everyone from Elvis Costello and Bruce Springsteen. It’s experimental. It’s daring. It’s, at times, outlandish. There are many moments when I asked myself, “Did I just hear that?” And maybe the best part of it is, it truly has earned the respect of the music community without the commercial success. There’s a crazy blend of rock, folk, jazz and blues running through veins of the album. By the final track “Slim Slow Slider”, it’s still pumping strong.
“Slim Slow Slider” is a serious song about a serious subject. So Van Morrison made every musical element – especially his vocals – a highly visceral affair. Every pluck of the double bass feels like it’s inside us. The dual musings of a flute and a soprano saxophone are the most signature aspects of the song. They are beautiful, but undeniably haunting. But the most arresting moment is in the last ten seconds of the song, when things sputter out of control like life slipping away.
“I know you're dying And I know you know it, too.”