Benjamin Kassel
I needed "O-o-h Child" and its unabashed optimism today
The simplest tracks sometimes hit you the hardest.
top of page
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 28, 20214 min read
"Love Me Again" is a love letter to both an old flame and an old sound
John Newman's hit starts slowly, but he soon unleashes its northern soul flavor.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 21, 20216 min read
For my money, "Shining Star" is Earth, Wind & Fire's crowning musical achievement
On the day most associated with the group, I just had to write about them — but I had to do it my way.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 9, 20215 min read
Silk Sonic "Skate" us back in time a half-century with buttery smoothness
In a pop scene inundated with 80s throwbacks, a tribute to the early 70s is a breath of fresh air and then some.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 1, 20214 min read
"Here," the anti-party party song
Thank you, Alessia Cara, for providing a perspective to which I can so easily relate.
Benjamin Kassel
Aug 31, 20214 min read
Simply put, we're all at least a little "Crazy"
I finally talk about a track from my lifetime, and it gives me a chance to appreciate sampling as well as its lyrical perspective.
Benjamin Kassel
Aug 30, 20213 min read
"Spill the Wine," an early 70s gem that comes from just about everywhere
Eric Burdon and War prove to be the perfect soundtrack for a lazy weekend day near the start of the school year.
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 25, 20214 min read
And so it begins, with "Feeling Good"
Where else to start but the beginning?
bottom of page