Benjamin Kassel
OneRepublic's original cut of "Apologize" remains a sentimental favorite
My 210th Senior Year Soundtrack selection is a staple of 2000s pop... sort of.
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Benjamin Kassel
Mar 16, 20223 min read
What is the apocalypse in "Dance Apocalyptic"?
That's a question I've had recently as I've gotten to thinking about just one of Janelle Monáe's show-stopping numbers.
Benjamin Kassel
Mar 13, 20223 min read
The irony and unity in hearing a crowd singing"Dancing On My Own"
Robyn's 2010s-defining hit is narratively unfitting such a response... but deep down, such an act really makes a lot of sense.
Benjamin Kassel
Mar 12, 20224 min read
"It Gets Dark" is a welcome new release in multiple ways
It's an excellent pop track on its own, it came with an album announcement, and its message is welcome as I work through internal matters.
Benjamin Kassel
Mar 11, 20223 min read
"Stars": searching for an answer
I reflect on a song I had trouble finding which itself asks a question of its lyrical subject in light of infatuation.
Benjamin Kassel
Feb 26, 20223 min read
"I'm So Excited" has a lot going on under its surface
The Pointer Sisters' eternally catchy hit is more than meets the ear.
Benjamin Kassel
Feb 10, 20223 min read
"Cruel Summer" fits the mood during a heatwave
...which, through yesterday's post, I may have caused. Sorry, folks. But enjoy Bananarama regardless.
Benjamin Kassel
Feb 2, 20223 min read
On "I Got You Babe," Groundhog Day, and diegetic music
No song is more appropriate for a musical discussion on February 2 (or 3).
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.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 11, 20214 min read
Tommy Roe's key changes make me "Dizzy"
...but the song has more than just that to offer. It ends up lending itself to a discussion on risk taking in pop writing and production.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 10, 20213 min read
"Give a Little Bit" really hits home here in Berkeley during finals prep
Amidst the stress of finals prep, small gestures and acts of kindness can go a long way. Today I managed to grind out my English final...
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 9, 20213 min read
Thanks to its synth pad, "Let Me Touch Your Fire" narratively leans into its title
A R I Z O N A sonically track their narrator's heart opening up as they unexpectedly feel love.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 26, 20216 min read
'Innovative' doesn't even begin to describe "I'm Not In Love"
Nor does 'unique' or another similar adjective. 10cc's masterpiece merits so many more words, given its story, sound, and lasting impact.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 24, 20214 min read
"Toxic," the most unique pop song of this century
Baby, can't you hear? It's nothing like what you expect from an idol like Britney Spears, but it's arguably her biggest hit.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 15, 20215 min read
This is a "Land of Confusion," but we have the power to change that
Genesis capture the strife which penetrates our world on all levels, while also leaving the door open for humanity to still work things out.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 12, 20215 min read
The 10-minute version of "All Too Well" is a pop magnum opus
10 minutes, 13 seconds. 111 lines of lyrics. It's a daunting feat to attempt, but Taylor Swift passed her own test with flying colors.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 1, 20214 min read
"Fantasy" is mid-90s pop bliss with an early 80s new wave skeleton
The path between Talking Heads and Mariah Carey is surprisingly straight. And oh, isn't it fitting to talk about Mariah today of all days?
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 30, 20214 min read
"Kill This Love": what a sound, and what a title
Furthermore, the title echoes a message not as frequently heard in the breakup song canon: kill it off now to save yourself the pain later.
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 28, 20214 min read
Yes, I wrote a serious article about "The Safety Dance"
Given both the song's origins and its more modern use, it honestly makes a good amount of sense to approach the topic in this way.
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.
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