pop | Unfortified Castle

OneRepublic's original cut of "Apologize" remains a sentimental favorite

Benjamin Kassel

Mar 21, 20223 min read

OneRepublic's original cut of "Apologize" remains a sentimental favorite

My 210th Senior Year Soundtrack selection is a staple of 2000s pop... sort of.

What is the apocalypse in "Dance Apocalyptic"?

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.

The irony and unity in hearing a crowd singing"Dancing On My Own"

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.

"It Gets Dark" is a welcome new release in multiple ways

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.

"I'm So Excited" has a lot going on under its surface

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.

"Cruel Summer" fits the mood during a heatwave

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.

On "I Got You Babe," Groundhog Day, and diegetic music

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).

"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.

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.

"Give a Little Bit" really hits home here in Berkeley during finals prep

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...

Thanks to its synth pad, "Let Me Touch Your Fire" narratively leans into its title

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.

'Innovative' doesn't even begin to describe "I'm Not In 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.

"Toxic," the most unique pop song of this century

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.

This is a "Land of Confusion," but we have the power to change that

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.

The 10-minute version of "All Too Well" is a pop magnum opus

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.

"Fantasy" is mid-90s pop bliss with an early 80s new wave skeleton

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?

"Kill This Love": what a sound, and what a title

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.

Yes, I wrote a serious article about "The Safety Dance"

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.

"Love is the Drug," and I'm writing about it again...

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.