Benjamin KasselMar 23, 20223 min read"Evil Ways": the birth of Latin coolOkay, how has it taken me this long to talk about Santana on here? That's borderline criminal — and I'm remedying that ASAP.
Benjamin KasselMar 4, 20223 min read"Paradigm" is my kind of deep houseCamelPhat are leaders of the style now, and I saw it coming with this 2015 production.
Benjamin KasselFeb 14, 20223 min read"Strawberry Letter 23" fits today's dateIs it cool? (Is it cool?) I don't know, but it's February 14, and it feels right.
Benjamin KasselFeb 7, 20224 min readDissecting why I love "King Kunta"Kendrick Lamar's funky 2015 single remains a personal favorite for a slew of reasons, many of which come back to what I like in older music.
Benjamin KasselDec 6, 20213 min read"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.
Benjamin KasselDec 1, 20213 min read"Dreams" demonstrates the power of recurrenceGorgon City utilize mediated repetition — particularly of a single element — to create and reinforce their track's titular aura.
Benjamin KasselNov 4, 20214 min read"Come and Get Your Love," a premier Native American success story in the music worldRedbone's indigenous background is also reflected through their simple, but profound lyrical message.
Benjamin KasselOct 10, 20214 min readIs it house? Is it electronica? Is it pop? All I know is that it's "Magnets," and it's awesome.Disclosure's masterpiece with Lorde has a downright outrageous beat and great lyric / instrumental coordination to drive home its narrative.
Benjamin KasselOct 6, 20214 min readI needed "O-o-h Child" and its unabashed optimism todayThe simplest tracks sometimes hit you the hardest.