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.
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Benjamin Kassel
Mar 13, 20223 min read
I needed the calmness of "Black Water" tonight
I'm stressed as [CENSORED]. This Doobie Brothers gem helped mitigate that a bit.
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
Dec 7, 20213 min read
"Waterloo Sunset" examines a complex case of escapism
The Kinks' beautiful psychedelic pop rock track has a narrator who just can't let himself enjoy life to the fullest.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 13, 20214 min read
The three-part artistic origin of "50 Ways to Say Goodbye"
I discuss a trio influences that lie behind one of my favorite songs from nearly a decade ago.
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 25, 20214 min read
"Kiss from a Rose" yields a momentary, yet troubling warmth
Much more than a movie ballad, Seal's signature song deals with a duality between love and addiction for its entire duration.
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 24, 20214 min read
The song's called "Rainy Night in Georgia," but tonight it fits the mood in Berkeley just as well
Just as much as music has the ability to transport oneself to another place and time, it can also further ground you in your present surroun
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 22, 20214 min read
The soft but captivating "Wicked Game" set the stage for the modern 'love song'
Few songs haunt like Chris Isaak's signature hit and the unavoidable attraction it describes.
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.
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