Benjamin Kassel
"Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" has the perfect amount of narration
Elliot Lurie and Looking Glass relay just enough to the listener to make their story both succinct and rich.
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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
Dec 3, 20215 min read
"Lady Marmalade" and hook theory
Labelle's smash hit is so catchy because nearly every individual element is infectiously memorable on its own.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 26, 20216 min read
'Innovative' doesn't even begin to describe "I'm Not In Love"
Nor does 'unique' or another similar adjective. 10cc's masterpiece merits so many more words, given its story, sound, and lasting impact.
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.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 10, 20213 min read
Remembering the tragedy of the Edmund Fitzgerald through Gordon Lightfoot's haunting "Wreck"
Twenty-nine men and the ship with which they went down are memorialized each November 10, with this song serving as a backdrop.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 4, 20214 min read
"Come and Get Your Love," a premier Native American success story in the music world
Redbone's indigenous background is also reflected through their simple, but profound lyrical message.
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 27, 20214 min read
"Love is the Drug," and I'm writing about it again...
...well, I'm writing about this song and band for the first time, but the theme of love and desire is nothing new for me or music at large.
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 24, 20214 min read
The song's called "Rainy Night in Georgia," but tonight it fits the mood in Berkeley just as well
Just as much as music has the ability to transport oneself to another place and time, it can also further ground you in your present surroun
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.
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 6, 20214 min read
I needed "O-o-h Child" and its unabashed optimism today
The simplest tracks sometimes hit you the hardest.
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 3, 20214 min read
"Stuck in the Middle with You," a story of clowns, jokers, and an industry
"Trying to make sense of it all" (read: this tune) led me down some pretty interesting paths.
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.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 24, 20214 min read
My thoughts on one of my father's favorite songs, "I Think I Love You"
Happy birthday, Dad. Thanks for all your love, guidance, and CDs.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 21, 20216 min read
For my money, "Shining Star" is Earth, Wind & Fire's crowning musical achievement
On the day most associated with the group, I just had to write about them — but I had to do it my way.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 20, 20215 min read
Is an everyman a "Parasite"?
Nick Drake presents the difficulty of looking past the negativity that lies on the world's surface.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 18, 20214 min read
"Tiny Dancer" ever so slowly builds to something magical
Some pop songs could be cut short and still feel somewhat satisfying. "Tiny Dancer," simply put, is not one of those songs.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 16, 20214 min read
"You've Got a Friend": Simple and heartfelt, as it should be
Sometimes it's best to say things as we feel them, because that's when they sound the most real and impactful.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 11, 20213 min read
"All Things Must Pass," the life truth with which we all grapple
George Harrison's reflection on the ephemeral nature of life and the world takes on a more profound meaning on this day.
Benjamin Kassel
Aug 30, 20213 min read
"Spill the Wine," an early 70s gem that comes from just about everywhere
Eric Burdon and War prove to be the perfect soundtrack for a lazy weekend day near the start of the school year.
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