Benjamin Kassel
"I Get Around" is early Beach Boys in a nutshell
It may not be their signature tune (if you can even narrow that down to one), but it's an indicative slice of their formative sound.
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Benjamin Kassel
Oct 14, 20214 min read
"You Keep Me Hangin' On," the pinnacle track from the pinnacle of girl groups
Motown meets wall of sound meets breakup angst meets— wait, this song has an actual ending? Sick!
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 8, 20215 min read
"Grazing in the Grass" has a heck of an origin story and a decade-defining sound
It doesn't get more 60s than how the Friends of Distinction spun an instrumental classic. And how do Zambia and Jim Brown each play a part?
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 26, 20214 min read
"She's Not There" combines various influences into a stirring pop rock hit
The title of the Zombies' jumpstart single is an answer, but it, along with the rest of the song, only breeds more questions.
Benjamin Kassel
Aug 28, 20214 min read
A California soul writes about "California Soul"
A perfect encapsulation of the Golden State for its era... and not a Californian in sight on the production.
Benjamin Kassel
Aug 27, 20213 min read
"Everyday People": diff'rent strokes for Berkeley's folks
The sights and sounds of Bancroft and Sproul inspire today's entry.
Benjamin Kassel
Aug 26, 20216 min read
"Gimme Shelter" from... a lot of things
A selection made in the wake of on-campus protests, as well as in tribute to a masterful drummer.
Benjamin Kassel
Aug 25, 20214 min read
And so it begins, with "Feeling Good"
Where else to start but the beginning?
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