Benjamin Kassel
"DEAD RIGHT NOW," a reflection on fake friendship and love in the wake of stardom
One of the many highlights on Lil Nas X's debut album, its personal narrative stands out to me.
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Benjamin Kassel
Oct 2, 20214 min read
"Watermelon Sugar" has been the world's summery anthem for... how long now?
At least now we know what it's about.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 29, 20214 min read
"My Head and My Heart" places a Eurodance classic into a new, house-based context
Ava Max demonstrates how to build up from a sample, creating new material in a different style while also not losing sight of the original.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 22, 20214 min read
Happy on a Wednesday? At the very least, I'm "Way Less Sad"
AJR present a quite positive, but easily embraceable lens on present-day living in one of the year's best pop tracks.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 13, 20214 min read
"Unknown Song" captures my present anxieties and questions, then tries to answer them
As the track oscillates between major and minor sections, I try to allay my fears. Do I succeed?
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 9, 20215 min read
Silk Sonic "Skate" us back in time a half-century with buttery smoothness
In a pop scene inundated with 80s throwbacks, a tribute to the early 70s is a breath of fresh air and then some.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 3, 20214 min read
On house music and perspective through the lens of "Rain On Me"
A 2020 chart-topper is: 1) the kin of 90s French house; 2) a good starting point for a discussion on interpreting and connecting to music.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 2, 20214 min read
Dua Lipa says "We're Good" and means it
News flash, singers: Breakups can be calm.
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