production | Unfortified Castle

"Where is the Love": seventies soul done right

Benjamin Kassel

Mar 26, 20223 min read

"Where is the Love": seventies soul done right

Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway's duo is my favorite of the multiple songs with this title.

"Enjoy the Silence": fitting music for an ironic title

Benjamin Kassel

Mar 20, 20224 min read

"Enjoy the Silence": fitting music for an ironic title

Depeche Mode's most successful song is an inner monologue, formed in a moment when the outside world is quiet.

As a production, "Otis" has blown me away for more than a decade

Benjamin Kassel

Mar 9, 20224 min read

As a production, "Otis" has blown me away for more than a decade

You don't sample and rap over Otis Redding and get away with it... right? Unless you're Ye and Jay.

"Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground" is my top pick from the 2000s garage revival

Benjamin Kassel

Mar 6, 20223 min read

"Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground" is my top pick from the 2000s garage revival

The White Stripes' 2001 single showcases their unmistakable sound in my favorite ways.

"Reach Out I'll Be There" is... a bit more unusual than I realized

Benjamin Kassel

Feb 28, 20223 min read

"Reach Out I'll Be There" is... a bit more unusual than I realized

I didn't realize that until I looked a little closer for this post, which also led me to appreciating the song even more.

"Inner Light" speaks to my anxious self in a re-emerging social climate

Benjamin Kassel

Feb 25, 20225 min read

"Inner Light" speaks to my anxious self in a re-emerging social climate

Elderbrook and Bob Moses' lyrically driven house production has been a personal anthem since I first heard it about half a year ago.

"California Dreamin'," as heard from a Californian's perspective

Benjamin Kassel

Feb 8, 20223 min read

"California Dreamin'," as heard from a Californian's perspective

What can I say? It's a winter's day.

I'd been hoping for a Years & Years collaboration like "Sweet Talker," and it delivered

Benjamin Kassel

Jan 23, 20223 min read

I'd been hoping for a Years & Years collaboration like "Sweet Talker," and it delivered

Olly Alexander finally making a true house track — alongside Galantis — was an excellent decision in the production of his first solo album.

An examination of 'art pop' through "Running Up That Hill"

Benjamin Kassel

Jan 22, 20224 min read

An examination of 'art pop' through "Running Up That Hill"

I examine why Kate Bush's work stands out from that of her contemporaries through one of her most successful songs in the mainstream.

"Bitter Sweet Symphony" is a Britpop hit unlike any other

Benjamin Kassel

Jan 21, 20224 min read

"Bitter Sweet Symphony" is a Britpop hit unlike any other

Between its sampling dispute, its distinctive vocal elements, and its point of view, the Verve's enduring anthem leaves a unique impression.

"Gospel for a New Century": organized anxious chaos

Benjamin Kassel

Jan 17, 20224 min read

"Gospel for a New Century": organized anxious chaos

I got hooked on Yves Tumor's sound from this track alone and the complex internal war it captures.

"Call Me" and the timeless sound of 1980

Benjamin Kassel

Jan 6, 20223 min read

"Call Me" and the timeless sound of 1980

Blondie's Moroder-produced movie soundtrack anthem presents the state of pop at a sonic inflection point — a sound people still love today.

"Call On Me" — but not the one you're probably thinking of — is a call for perseverance

Benjamin Kassel

Jan 2, 20223 min read

"Call On Me" — but not the one you're probably thinking of — is a call for perseverance

Between its beat and its lyrics, Ryan Riback's retouching of Starley's dance-pop number is one of my favorite productions from the late 10s.

"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.

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 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.

"Dreams" demonstrates the power of recurrence

Benjamin Kassel

Dec 1, 20213 min read

"Dreams" demonstrates the power of recurrence

Gorgon City utilize mediated repetition — particularly of a single element — to create and reinforce their track's titular aura.

"Elastic Heart," a story of not losing oneself after heartbreak

Benjamin Kassel

Nov 27, 20214 min read

"Elastic Heart," a story of not losing oneself after heartbreak

Sia presents a tale of self-reckoning, but also acceptance and ultimately confidence that she can at least healthfully keep her pain inside.

'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.

Getting up from your "Falls" is what counts

Benjamin Kassel

Nov 8, 20214 min read

Getting up from your "Falls" is what counts

With a more restrained, yet emotive break, ODESZA reminded me that nothing is to be gained from wallowing in one's pessimism.