remix | 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.

"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.

Benjamin Kassel

Mar 16, 20224 min read

"B.O.B": misunderstood frantic goodness

Outkast's magnum opus has taken on quite an interesting life since its 2000 release.

Benjamin Kassel

Mar 4, 20223 min read

"Paradigm" is my kind of deep house

CamelPhat are leaders of the style now, and I saw it coming with this 2015 production.

I appreciate "Day 'n' Nite" now more than I ever did before

Benjamin Kassel

Mar 2, 20224 min read

I appreciate "Day 'n' Nite" now more than I ever did before

I only came around to hip hop a few years ago, but more recent developments make it resonate with me even more now.

"The Catalyst" describes how I feel given current events in Ukraine

Benjamin Kassel

Feb 23, 20225 min read

"The Catalyst" describes how I feel given current events in Ukraine

*inhales* *SCREAMS INTERNALLY*

Early 2000s pop punk meets late 2010s future bass in "Good Things Fall Apart"

Benjamin Kassel

Jan 20, 20224 min read

Early 2000s pop punk meets late 2010s future bass in "Good Things Fall Apart"

In hindsight, these styles are perfect for each other — unlike the former relationship the song describes. Bravo, ILLENIUM and Jon Bellion.

"Sweet Disposition" and the innocence of young love

Benjamin Kassel

Jan 18, 20223 min read

"Sweet Disposition" and the innocence of young love

The Temper Trap's indie anthem soundtracks a nostalgia-driven afternoon walk in the aftermath of classes restarting.

"Sacrifice" is both a dance floor-ready pop anthem and a narrative turning point

Benjamin Kassel

Jan 12, 20225 min read

"Sacrifice" is both a dance floor-ready pop anthem and a narrative turning point

In The Weeknd's newest single, he revels in his old lifestyle one last time before his outlook on love shifts across the rest of the album.

"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.

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.

"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.

"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?

"Tear It Down" and the art of crafting a true sonic narrative in dance music

Benjamin Kassel

Nov 17, 20214 min read

"Tear It Down" and the art of crafting a true sonic narrative in dance music

The Aston Shuffle expertly execute a slow, but sure build, capping it off with the most satisfying release in the final break.

Bob Sinclar and Steve Edwards say, "World, Hold On"... but how do we do that?

Benjamin Kassel

Oct 29, 20214 min read

Bob Sinclar and Steve Edwards say, "World, Hold On"... but how do we do that?

And to what exactly are we supposed to hold on? Well, the answer is... a lot of things.

Benjamin Kassel

Oct 11, 20214 min read

"Hard to Beat" lives up to its name

It's a shame most Americans don't know this dance-inducing indie/garage gem.