Benjamin Kassel
"Evil Ways": the birth of Latin cool
Okay, how has it taken me this long to talk about Santana on here? That's borderline criminal — and I'm remedying that ASAP.
top of page
Benjamin Kassel
Mar 8, 20224 min read
Revolutionary commentary from the early 70s (2/2)
Gil Scott-Heron took on a decidedly different perspective from the Last Poets in his response to "When the Revolution Comes."
Benjamin Kassel
Mar 7, 20224 min read
Revolutionary commentary from the early 70s (1/2)
As I ponder various current events and prospects for "revolution," I turn to the Last Poets' Harlem-based perspective toward social change.
Benjamin Kassel
Feb 20, 20223 min read
"Undun," the Guess Who's jazzy warning against acid
One of the finest pop compositions of the 60s is very much embedded in its time.
Benjamin Kassel
Feb 12, 20224 min read
Diving into "21st Century Schizoid Man" in memory of Ian McDonald
As I've done twice before, I pay tribute to a recently deceased musician by looking back at one of their works.
Benjamin Kassel
Jan 31, 20224 min read
"Spinning Wheel" is a most unusual jazz fusion track... and I love it
This song is out there, but it's a good kind of out there because of how Blood, Sweat & Tears mediate all its intricacies and oddities.
Benjamin Kassel
Jan 17, 20224 min read
"Gospel for a New Century": organized anxious chaos
I got hooked on Yves Tumor's sound from this track alone and the complex internal war it captures.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 22, 20213 min read
Joni Mitchell's re-recording of "Both Sides, Now" fully captures its lyrical essence
I'm far too young to truly appreciate the meaning this song carries, but I'll take a stab at discussing it anyway.
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 5, 20214 min read
"Don't Know Why" and the calmer, number side of heartbreak
In a way, Norah Jones presents an alternative perspective on lost love compared to yesterday's post.
Benjamin Kassel
Aug 25, 20214 min read
And so it begins, with "Feeling Good"
Where else to start but the beginning?
bottom of page