Benjamin Kassel
"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.
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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 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.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 24, 20214 min read
I come to Johnny Cash's cover of "Hurt" in my own time of pain
It's a powerful reminder of the wide-ranging consequences of not taking care of oneself.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 14, 20214 min read
Tracking Jon Batiste's influences on "FREEDOM"
The R&B and jazz virtuoso's artistic voice is shaped by multiple iconic inspirations — including some from his hometown.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 8, 20213 min read
"Maps," fragile yet simultaneously rocking
Through lead singer Karen O, Yeah Yeah Yeahs find a balance between soft, heartfelt vocals and a powerful alt rock instrumental.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 6, 20213 min read
"Waterfalls" combines contemporary theming with morality
TLC, fully immersed in the social world of the mid-90s, remind listeners they can find a way out of the darkness by being their own light.
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.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 23, 20213 min read
Few modern instrumentals capture me like "Bloodflow" does
Grandbrothers blur the boundary between classical and electronic worlds with this powerful, piano-driven production.
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.
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 19, 20214 min read
India.Arie's "Video" is as honest as it gets in this gilded world of ours
Rising above the weight of unrealistic physical expectations, she delivers a soulful, guitar-driven affirmation of her self-worth.
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 10, 20214 min read
Is it house? Is it electronica? Is it pop? All I know is that it's "Magnets," and it's awesome.
Disclosure's masterpiece with Lorde has a downright outrageous beat and great lyric / instrumental coordination to drive home its narrative.
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