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Unfortified Castle

Music opinions thrown from a glass house.

"Dreams" displays its title being (somewhat) realized

Benjamin Kassel

Jan 7, 20223 min read

"Dreams" displays its title being (somewhat) realized

A lighter entry early in the Cranberries' discography kept me in the right mood when I heard it for the first time today. Thank you,...

"Next to Me," a standout of 2012 that remains fresh a decade on

Benjamin Kassel

Jan 4, 20223 min read

"Next to Me," a standout of 2012 that remains fresh a decade on

Emeli Sandé's praiseful breakthrough hit is as catchy and singalong-friendly today as it was when she burst onto the scene.

"Don't Look Back In Anger" is my New Year's Eve anthem

Benjamin Kassel

Dec 31, 20214 min read

"Don't Look Back In Anger" is my New Year's Eve anthem

Move over, "Imagine" — Oasis provide the perfect soundtrack to changing calendars.

"Kids" makes us think back to simpler times... with heavy consequences

Benjamin Kassel

Dec 30, 20214 min read

"Kids" makes us think back to simpler times... with heavy consequences

MGMT's tribute to youth is far from rose-colored, reminding us of just how much we impact the world from the day we're thrown into it.

"The Guitar Man" and the sustaining of fame (or lack thereof)

Benjamin Kassel

Dec 29, 20213 min read

"The Guitar Man" and the sustaining of fame (or lack thereof)

Bread's hit celebrates the music maker while also reminding listeners that fame is so often temporary.

DubVision's remix of "Ocean" sonically captures an emotional reunion

Benjamin Kassel

Dec 27, 20214 min read

DubVision's remix of "Ocean" sonically captures an emotional reunion

In examining a complete revamping of a pop production, I think of how stylistic choices can change our perception of a melody and lyrics.

I come to Johnny Cash's cover of "Hurt" in my own time of pain

Benjamin Kassel

Dec 24, 20214 min read

I come to Johnny Cash's cover of "Hurt" in my own time of pain

It's a powerful reminder of the wide-ranging consequences of not taking care of oneself.

Looking back on my adolescence through "1979"

Benjamin Kassel

Dec 21, 20214 min read

Looking back on my adolescence through "1979"

The nostalgia the Smashing Pumpkins evoke isn't rose-colored, but that's fine, if not good; it means their song helps me honestly reflect.

"White Winter Hymnal" is an odd song to be associated with Christmas

Benjamin Kassel

Dec 20, 20213 min read

"White Winter Hymnal" is an odd song to be associated with Christmas

A lyrical analysis displays why and then some.

"Am I Wrong" for having not looked into this hit in greater detail before?

Benjamin Kassel

Dec 19, 20213 min read

"Am I Wrong" for having not looked into this hit in greater detail before?

Nico & Vinz were all over the radio in my early teens with this song, but only now did I finally put a closer lens to it.

Heart elevate "Alone" with their cover by understanding its message

Benjamin Kassel

Dec 18, 20214 min read

Heart elevate "Alone" with their cover by understanding its message

Yes, it's a cover, and yes, they made a couple small changes that really make their version superior to its predecessors.

"Never Forget You" captures the emotions of remembering past friends

Benjamin Kassel

Dec 16, 20215 min read

"Never Forget You" captures the emotions of remembering past friends

The memories will always be there, and Zara Larsson and MNEK's presentation of working through them really resonates with me.

"Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" has the perfect amount of narration

Benjamin Kassel

Dec 15, 20214 min read

"Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" has the perfect amount of narration

Elliot Lurie and Looking Glass relay just enough to the listener to make their story both succinct and rich.

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.

"I'm Not Alone": a self-reckoning on self-destruction

Benjamin Kassel

Dec 13, 20214 min read

"I'm Not Alone": a self-reckoning on self-destruction

Who knew that a house track could breed such philosophical discussion?

"Here Comes the Rain Again" and a lesson on the second scale degree

Benjamin Kassel

Dec 12, 20213 min read

"Here Comes the Rain Again" and a lesson on the second scale degree

Bear with me, because this is actually pretty cool in the context of this song.

"Maps," fragile yet simultaneously rocking

Benjamin Kassel

Dec 8, 20213 min read

"Maps," fragile yet simultaneously rocking

Through lead singer Karen O, Yeah Yeah Yeahs find a balance between soft, heartfelt vocals and a powerful alt rock instrumental.

"Waterloo Sunset" examines a complex case of escapism

Benjamin Kassel

Dec 7, 20213 min read

"Waterloo Sunset" examines a complex case of escapism

The Kinks' beautiful psychedelic pop rock track has a narrator who just can't let himself enjoy life to the fullest.

"Waterfalls" combines contemporary theming with morality

Benjamin Kassel

Dec 6, 20213 min read

"Waterfalls" combines contemporary theming with morality

TLC, 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.

"Everybody Wants to Rule the World": Happy? Sad? Both?

Benjamin Kassel

Dec 5, 20213 min read

"Everybody Wants to Rule the World": Happy? Sad? Both?

It's Dead Week, and my existential dread is peaking once more.

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