Benjamin Kassel
"Never Gonna Give You Up": the perfect song for a worldwide day of pranks
Does it count as a rickroll if you’re told right away?
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Benjamin Kassel
Mar 20, 20223 min read
"Tainted Love": a cover that defined the 80s sound
Soft Cell weren't the originators of this song, new wave, or synth-pop, but their take on Gloria Jones set the stage for a decade of music.
Benjamin Kassel
Feb 26, 20223 min read
"I'm So Excited" has a lot going on under its surface
The Pointer Sisters' eternally catchy hit is more than meets the ear.
Benjamin Kassel
Feb 17, 20223 min read
"I've Been Waitin' for Tomorrow" (All of My Life)... the title speaks for itself
It's a somewhat confusing song by a band with a somewhat confusing name: The The. How fitting.
Benjamin Kassel
Feb 10, 20223 min read
"Cruel Summer" fits the mood during a heatwave
...which, through yesterday's post, I may have caused. Sorry, folks. But enjoy Bananarama regardless.
Benjamin Kassel
Jan 28, 20223 min read
"I Want to Know What Love Is," a power ballad that's more than a cut above
Foreigner put lyrics first en route to creating one of the greatest love anthems in all of popular music.
Benjamin Kassel
Jan 22, 20224 min read
An examination of 'art pop' through "Running Up That Hill"
I examine why Kate Bush's work stands out from that of her contemporaries through one of her most successful songs in the mainstream.
Benjamin Kassel
Jan 16, 20224 min read
"That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore" is uniquely structured in its depressive dealings
I was first drawn to this Smiths track by its odd form, but with every listen, I feel a deeper connection to the lyrics and their setting.
Benjamin Kassel
Jan 10, 20223 min read
The broad political frustration of "Talkin' Out the Side of Your Neck"
Cameo unload a widespread critique of those in power over the lies they tell with their signature, hard-hitting funk.
Benjamin Kassel
Jan 6, 20223 min read
"Call Me" and the timeless sound of 1980
Blondie's Moroder-produced movie soundtrack anthem presents the state of pop at a sonic inflection point — a sound people still love today.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 25, 20213 min read
Ever-danceable hit "Roll With It" bridges the 60s, 70s, and 80s
Steve Winwood struck a balance between older R&B and soul and his own era's pop rock on one of his biggest songs.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 18, 20214 min read
Heart elevate "Alone" with their cover by understanding its message
Yes, it's a cover, and yes, they made a couple small changes that really make their version superior to its predecessors.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 12, 20213 min read
"Here Comes the Rain Again" and a lesson on the second scale degree
Bear with me, because this is actually pretty cool in the context of this song.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 5, 20213 min read
"Everybody Wants to Rule the World": Happy? Sad? Both?
It's Dead Week, and my existential dread is peaking once more.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 25, 20214 min read
"In Your Eyes" reflects Peter Gabriel's deep understanding of his lyrics
Gabriel's vocal and instrumental arc work in lock step to form a marvelously complete, love-centered narrative.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 21, 20213 min read
"Celebration" and the comfort in revelry
Even with its title and sporting usage, Kool & the Gang's signature song embodies a more laidback form of celebrating.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 18, 20213 min read
Nothing gets me fired up quite like "Seek & Destroy"
It's a song I consider a sports anthem, and just a track that gets you in the mood for a thrashing.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 15, 20215 min read
This is a "Land of Confusion," but we have the power to change that
Genesis capture the strife which penetrates our world on all levels, while also leaving the door open for humanity to still work things out.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 3, 20214 min read
A funky tribute to the "Outstanding" Ronnie Wilson
His accomplishments are visible throughout one of the Gap Band's signature and most evergreen songs.
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 28, 20214 min read
Yes, I wrote a serious article about "The Safety Dance"
Given both the song's origins and its more modern use, it honestly makes a good amount of sense to approach the topic in this way.
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