rock | Unfortified Castle 2/3

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 three-part artistic origin of "50 Ways to Say Goodbye"

Benjamin Kassel

Nov 13, 20214 min read

The three-part artistic origin of "50 Ways to Say Goodbye"

I discuss a trio influences that lie behind one of my favorite songs from nearly a decade ago.

"Have You Ever Seen the Rain?" Our veterans certainly have

Benjamin Kassel

Nov 11, 20214 min read

"Have You Ever Seen the Rain?" Our veterans certainly have

In a thousand-yard stare of a song, CCR — contrary to many other artists — reflect on how darkness can always penetrate the light.

"96 Tears": Grounded in its time, or anticipatory of rock's future?

Benjamin Kassel

Nov 7, 20213 min read

"96 Tears": Grounded in its time, or anticipatory of rock's future?

Its sound as as mid-60s as you can get, but its perspective might lend itself to being a forerunner of more contemporary movements.

Benjamin Kassel

Nov 5, 20214 min read

"Valentine" excels as an album opener

Snail Mail's superb second record begins with a tone-setting build-up and bang.

"The Weight": sonically genre-melding and restrained, but thematically heavy indeed

Benjamin Kassel

Nov 2, 20214 min read

"The Weight": sonically genre-melding and restrained, but thematically heavy indeed

Upon a close listen, the load-bearing in the chorus leads to a reconfiguring of the entire narrative and outlook of the tune.

"I Get Around" is early Beach Boys in a nutshell

Benjamin Kassel

Oct 23, 20214 min read

"I Get Around" is early Beach Boys in a nutshell

It may not be their signature tune (if you can even narrow that down to one), but it's an indicative slice of their formative sound.

"Smoke from a Distant Fire," a polished, way-too-catchy master class in figurative lyrics

Benjamin Kassel

Oct 20, 20214 min read

"Smoke from a Distant Fire," a polished, way-too-catchy master class in figurative lyrics

Perhaps my favorite 70s one-hit wonder has a great narrative build which really pays off in its latter half.

"People of the Pride": wait, this is Coldplay? ...Actually, it totally is

Benjamin Kassel

Oct 15, 20215 min read

"People of the Pride": wait, this is Coldplay? ...Actually, it totally is

While a departure from their known sound, this highlight from their new album — over a decade in the works — fits the band's character.

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.

"Grazing in the Grass" has a heck of an origin story and a decade-defining sound

Benjamin Kassel

Oct 8, 20215 min read

"Grazing in the Grass" has a heck of an origin story and a decade-defining sound

It doesn't get more 60s than how the Friends of Distinction spun an instrumental classic. And how do Zambia and Jim Brown each play a part?

"Spiderwebs" and the trouble of getting oneself free

Benjamin Kassel

Sep 27, 20214 min read

"Spiderwebs" and the trouble of getting oneself free

This ska punk jam has one of the most unique origin stories for a track I've ever heard — one which makes me question my own life a bit.

"She's Not There" combines various influences into a stirring pop rock hit

Benjamin Kassel

Sep 26, 20214 min read

"She's Not There" combines various influences into a stirring pop rock hit

The title of the Zombies' jumpstart single is an answer, but it, along with the rest of the song, only breeds more questions.

"Second Chance" shows the power of paying attention to the little things as much as the big picture

Benjamin Kassel

Sep 25, 20216 min read

"Second Chance" shows the power of paying attention to the little things as much as the big picture

It sounds like a lot of tracks from its era, but its creators' attention to detail and its dramatic but relatable lyrics make it stand out.

"Fast Car" isn't the feel-good track some people think it is... or is it?

Benjamin Kassel

Sep 23, 20214 min read

"Fast Car" isn't the feel-good track some people think it is... or is it?

Tracy Chapman speaks of lost potential, but there might just be a light at the end of the tunnel.

Benjamin Kassel

Sep 19, 20215 min read

"Sweetness" and the power of "whoa"

The most powerful and catchiest vocal lines don't necessarily need words.

On "Love Rears Its Ugly Head," its opening sample, and the reading they provide together

Benjamin Kassel

Sep 17, 20215 min read

On "Love Rears Its Ugly Head," its opening sample, and the reading they provide together

A standout track of the early 90s is even more intriguing when one applies the context of its introduction to the rest of the track.

"Semi-Charmed Life," another not-really-happy song, and how I experience it

Benjamin Kassel

Sep 8, 20214 min read

"Semi-Charmed Life," another not-really-happy song, and how I experience it

I can't help but smile when I hear this song, but man, it's messed up. (And holy cow, a 90s track! About time.)

"1901," the ultimate French track of its time — which calls back to another time

Benjamin Kassel

Sep 4, 20215 min read

"1901," the ultimate French track of its time — which calls back to another time

Yesterday, it was French house. Today, it's French rock, and a tune which has its roots in that same electronic touch.

Pray that "The Saints Are Coming" for real this time

Benjamin Kassel

Aug 29, 20214 min read

Pray that "The Saints Are Coming" for real this time

As Hurricane Ida causes destruction in Louisiana, this entry pays tribute to a people and a city who have risen from the ashes before.