Benjamin Kassel
Close to a decade on, "Caliban's Dream" continues to embody the Olympic spirit
As Beijing 2022 begins, I return to Underworld's musical setting for the 2012 cauldron lighting.
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Benjamin Kassel
Feb 3, 20224 min read
"American Pie," a memorial to lost innocence as much as lost musicians
As Don McLean captured, "The Day the Music Died" was only the beginning of a period of sweeping cultural change in the United States.
Benjamin Kassel
Feb 2, 20223 min read
On "I Got You Babe," Groundhog Day, and diegetic music
No song is more appropriate for a musical discussion on February 2 (or 3).
Benjamin Kassel
Feb 1, 20223 min read
I felt down, but "KEEP IT UP" helped me be a bit more positive
Rex Orange County's new release is a simple indie pop slice that speaks to the drive one gets from valuing themself and their endeavors.
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 30, 20223 min read
"Little Boxes": a warning against blind conformity
Malvina Reynolds' Daly City-inspired song seems to have been taken to heart soon after by students of her alma mater.
Benjamin Kassel
Jan 29, 20223 min read
On the soul masterpiece that is "Midnight Train to Georgia"
Gladys Knight & the Pips' classic combines outstanding vocals with a compelling lyrical narrative that has a surprising twist in its chorus.
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 27, 20224 min read
In "Burning in the Sun," an early Coldplay-esque sound meets bluegrass influences
With the employment of a mandolin, Blue Merle gave a sound I love a twist I never expected, but one I thoroughly enjoy.
Benjamin Kassel
Jan 26, 20223 min read
"Black Hole Sun" was my gateway into grunge
Soundgarden's mainstream breakthrough served as a personal eye- (and ear-) opener, allowing me to appreciate a sound that defined the 90s.
Benjamin Kassel
Jan 25, 20223 min read
With "Love on the Brain," Rihanna made doo-wop modern
Few pop songs have genuinely surprised me in a positive way on first listen more than today's selection did.
Benjamin Kassel
Jan 24, 20223 min read
"Iko Iko," a thoroughly New Orleans record from a 60s girl group
The Dixie Cups' cover of a traditional song from their hometown stands out from the time's typical pop fare in nearly every way.
Benjamin Kassel
Jan 23, 20223 min read
I'd been hoping for a Years & Years collaboration like "Sweet Talker," and it delivered
Olly Alexander finally making a true house track — alongside Galantis — was an excellent decision in the production of his first solo album.
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 21, 20224 min read
"Bitter Sweet Symphony" is a Britpop hit unlike any other
Between its sampling dispute, its distinctive vocal elements, and its point of view, the Verve's enduring anthem leaves a unique impression.
Benjamin Kassel
Jan 20, 20224 min read
Early 2000s pop punk meets late 2010s future bass in "Good Things Fall Apart"
In hindsight, these styles are perfect for each other — unlike the former relationship the song describes. Bravo, ILLENIUM and Jon Bellion.
Benjamin Kassel
Jan 19, 20223 min read
"How Deep Is Your Love": a mature sound and discussion for the disco era
The Bee Gees delved into what happens after an initial romantic attraction in their most widely acclaimed number.
Benjamin Kassel
Jan 18, 20223 min read
"Sweet Disposition" and the innocence of young love
The Temper Trap's indie anthem soundtracks a nostalgia-driven afternoon walk in the aftermath of classes restarting.
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
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.
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