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Benjamin Kassel
Mar 3, 20223 min read
"Wild" is yet another success from Spoon
The ever-excellent band combine classic rock influences with their modern indie sound on a recent single.
Benjamin Kassel
Feb 21, 20223 min read
"Ain't No Sunshine" is a clinic in musical succinctness
125 seconds. 26 "I know"s. Four chords. One perfectly short piece of art.
Benjamin Kassel
Feb 19, 20223 min read
"The A Team"'s singular narrative makes me think deeply about the homelessness I see around Berkeley
Ed Sheeran's tale of one Angel grapples with connection, addiction, and its subject's all-too-likely fate.
Benjamin Kassel
Feb 1, 20223 min read
I felt down, but "KEEP IT UP" helped me be a bit more positive
Rex Orange County's new release is a simple indie pop slice that speaks to the drive one gets from valuing themself and their endeavors.
Benjamin Kassel
Jan 4, 20223 min read
"Next to Me," a standout of 2012 that remains fresh a decade on
Emeli Sandé's praiseful breakthrough hit is as catchy and singalong-friendly today as it was when she burst onto the scene.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 30, 20214 min read
"Kids" makes us think back to simpler times... with heavy consequences
MGMT's tribute to youth is far from rose-colored, reminding us of just how much we impact the world from the day we're thrown into it.
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
Oct 21, 20214 min read
"People, I've been sad" perfectly captures how the world has been as of late...
Last year, Christine and the Queens delivered a song which became increasingly poignant in the months following its release.
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 1, 20214 min read
"Dancing in the Moonlight" is the sound of harmless joy and escape...
It's light, it's upbeat... and the context in which it was written definitely explains its sound.
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