Benjamin Kassel
"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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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