Benjamin Kassel
"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.
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Benjamin Kassel
Jan 12, 20225 min read
"Sacrifice" is both a dance floor-ready pop anthem and a narrative turning point
In The Weeknd's newest single, he revels in his old lifestyle one last time before his outlook on love shifts across the rest of the album.
Benjamin Kassel
Jan 11, 20223 min read
"aNYway" is house formed straight from its disco roots
Duck Sauce create "disco's revenge" by sampling the genre that preceded it, paying tribute to New York in the process.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 4, 20213 min read
On the calm disco-like indie pop of "Sit Next to Me"
...and the marching band rendition of the track I heard tonight.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 3, 20215 min read
"Lady Marmalade" and hook theory
Labelle's smash hit is so catchy because nearly every individual element is infectiously memorable on its own.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 21, 20213 min read
"Celebration" and the comfort in revelry
Even with its title and sporting usage, Kool & the Gang's signature song embodies a more laidback form of celebrating.
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 27, 20214 min read
"Love is the Drug," and I'm writing about it again...
...well, I'm writing about this song and band for the first time, but the theme of love and desire is nothing new for me or music at large.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 9, 20215 min read
Silk Sonic "Skate" us back in time a half-century with buttery smoothness
In a pop scene inundated with 80s throwbacks, a tribute to the early 70s is a breath of fresh air and then some.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 7, 20214 min read
"Little L" sounds like a happy, groovy jam until you parse the lyrics
On a down day where little seemed to go right for me, a healthy dose of house-like funk temporarily lifted my spirits.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 3, 20214 min read
On house music and perspective through the lens of "Rain On Me"
A 2020 chart-topper is: 1) the kin of 90s French house; 2) a good starting point for a discussion on interpreting and connecting to music.
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