Benjamin KasselMar 21, 20223 min"Tainted Love": a cover that defined the 80s soundSoft Cell weren't the originators of this song, new wave, or synth-pop, but their take on Gloria Jones set the stage for a decade of music.
Benjamin KasselFeb 27, 20223 min"I'm So Excited" has a lot going on under its surfaceThe Pointer Sisters' eternally catchy hit is more than meets the ear.
Benjamin KasselFeb 19, 20225 min"Toxicity" exhibits masterful mediation of contrastMy old System of a Down favorite is extreme in its timbral changes, but musically consistent — a recipe for an intense, engaging listen.
Benjamin KasselDec 7, 20213 min"Waterfalls" combines contemporary theming with moralityTLC, fully immersed in the social world of the mid-90s, remind listeners they can find a way out of the darkness by being their own light.