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 big part of what made the 10,000 Maniacs sound work so well was the subtle, often rhythmic approaches to the guitar playing. The formula worked well because it put Natalie Merchant’s vocals and the song melodies in the spotlight. This is evident throughout their catalog, particularly on In My Tribe and Our Time In Eden, the album that allowed the band to break into the mainstream. But there was an anomaly on the album – a deep cut track and favorite of mine called “Tolerance.”
Our Time In Eden stretched deep: 13 tracks long. Even so, it showed no signs of letting up. The richness of the songwriting is evident. Track 10, “Tolerance”, didn’t follow the band’s traditional formula. The mix gives equal emphasis to Merchant’s vocals as it does to Robert Buck’s scorching guitar riff. “Tolerance” comes out out of the gate on a mission and rocks a little harder than what the band is used to. A delightful, unexpected facet to the band that seemed to work well – even as the band stepped out of their comfort zone.
“Hear it grow, hear it fade. The sound you're hearing, the sound you're fearing is the hate that parades up and down our streets, coming within bounds and within reach.”