blues | Unfortified Castle

"Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground" is my top pick from the 2000s garage revival

Benjamin Kassel

Mar 6, 20223 min read

"Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground" is my top pick from the 2000s garage revival

The White Stripes' 2001 single showcases their unmistakable sound in my favorite ways.

I ring in 2022 with "Comfortably Numb," of all songs

Benjamin Kassel

Jan 1, 20224 min read

I ring in 2022 with "Comfortably Numb," of all songs

Why? It just kind of happened once, and I've kept it up since... but I try to read into it anyway.

"Riders on the Storm," a master class in atmosphere

Benjamin Kassel

Dec 23, 20213 min read

"Riders on the Storm," a master class in atmosphere

The song doesn't even have the word "rain" in it, but its presence is undoubted, as is that of Jim Morrison's most personal character.

Tracking Jon Batiste's influences on "FREEDOM"

Benjamin Kassel

Dec 14, 20214 min read

Tracking Jon Batiste's influences on "FREEDOM"

The R&B and jazz virtuoso's artistic voice is shaped by multiple iconic inspirations — including some from his hometown.

"Fire" reflects its title through the raw energy of the Jimi Hendrix Experience

Benjamin Kassel

Nov 19, 20213 min read

"Fire" reflects its title through the raw energy of the Jimi Hendrix Experience

Is it pyromania? No, but it's a frantic and psychedelic trip that makes you feel like something's burning inside you.

"The Weight": sonically genre-melding and restrained, but thematically heavy indeed

Benjamin Kassel

Nov 2, 20214 min read

"The Weight": sonically genre-melding and restrained, but thematically heavy indeed

Upon a close listen, the load-bearing in the chorus leads to a reconfiguring of the entire narrative and outlook of the tune.

"Stuck in the Middle with You," a story of clowns, jokers, and an industry

Benjamin Kassel

Oct 3, 20214 min read

"Stuck in the Middle with You," a story of clowns, jokers, and an industry

"Trying to make sense of it all" (read: this tune) led me down some pretty interesting paths.

"Dancing in the Moonlight" is the sound of harmless joy and escape...

Benjamin Kassel

Oct 1, 20214 min read

"Dancing in the Moonlight" is the sound of harmless joy and escape...

It's light, it's upbeat... and the context in which it was written definitely explains its sound.

"She's Not There" combines various influences into a stirring pop rock hit

Benjamin Kassel

Sep 26, 20214 min read

"She's Not There" combines various influences into a stirring pop rock hit

The title of the Zombies' jumpstart single is an answer, but it, along with the rest of the song, only breeds more questions.

For my money, "Shining Star" is Earth, Wind & Fire's crowning musical achievement

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.

On "Love Rears Its Ugly Head," its opening sample, and the reading they provide together

Benjamin Kassel

Sep 17, 20215 min read

On "Love Rears Its Ugly Head," its opening sample, and the reading they provide together

A standout track of the early 90s is even more intriguing when one applies the context of its introduction to the rest of the track.

The "Dog Days Are Over," and good times are ahead... right?

Benjamin Kassel

Sep 5, 20215 min read

The "Dog Days Are Over," and good times are ahead... right?

Florence + the Machine believe so, but their protagonist is far from convinced.

Benjamin Kassel

Aug 26, 20216 min read

"Gimme Shelter" from... a lot of things

A selection made in the wake of on-campus protests, as well as in tribute to a masterful drummer.