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"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.

"Wild" is yet another success from Spoon

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.

"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.

I come to Johnny Cash's cover of "Hurt" in my own time of pain

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.

Tracking Jon Batiste's influences on "FREEDOM"

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.

"Maps," fragile yet simultaneously rocking

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.

"Waterfalls" combines contemporary theming with morality

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.

"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.

Few modern instrumentals capture me like "Bloodflow" does

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.

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.

India.Arie's "Video" is as honest as it gets in this gilded world of ours

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.

Is it house? Is it electronica? Is it pop? All I know is that it's "Magnets," and it's awesome.

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.