Benjamin Kassel
"Sweet Disposition" and the innocence of young love
The Temper Trap's indie anthem soundtracks a nostalgia-driven afternoon walk in the aftermath of classes restarting.
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Benjamin Kassel
Jan 16, 20224 min read
"That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore" is uniquely structured in its depressive dealings
I was first drawn to this Smiths track by its odd form, but with every listen, I feel a deeper connection to the lyrics and their setting.
Benjamin Kassel
Jan 15, 20223 min read
"Maybe Tomorrow" is 00s alt with a 70s soul
Kelly Jones and Stereophonics call back to the generation before them with their R&B influenced post-Britpop.
Benjamin Kassel
Jan 8, 20224 min read
"Crystalised" presents the inner monologues that persist in relationships
The xx's debut single explores the fragility of love through two partners' ever-present individual thoughts.
Benjamin Kassel
Jan 7, 20223 min read
"Dreams" displays its title being (somewhat) realized
A lighter entry early in the Cranberries' discography kept me in the right mood when I heard it for the first time today. Thank you,...
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 31, 20214 min read
"Don't Look Back In Anger" is my New Year's Eve anthem
Move over, "Imagine" — Oasis provide the perfect soundtrack to changing calendars.
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 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 21, 20214 min read
Looking back on my adolescence through "1979"
The nostalgia the Smashing Pumpkins evoke isn't rose-colored, but that's fine, if not good; it means their song helps me honestly reflect.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 20, 20213 min read
"White Winter Hymnal" is an odd song to be associated with Christmas
A lyrical analysis displays why and then some.
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 4, 20213 min read
On the calm disco-like indie pop of "Sit Next to Me"
...and the marching band rendition of the track I heard tonight.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 28, 20214 min read
On "Losing My Religion," obsession, and self-reflection
R.E.M. portray a man whose hindsight reminds him of painful mistakes in love and trust.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 20, 20213 min read
"Someone To You" and the effects of the simple desire to be loved
BANNERS displays the longing for a feeling he may not really know... but the way he does it is compelling.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 13, 20214 min read
The three-part artistic origin of "50 Ways to Say Goodbye"
I discuss a trio influences that lie behind one of my favorite songs from nearly a decade ago.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 6, 20215 min read
With "One Headlight," the Wallflowers resolutely navigate toward better days
Jakob Dylan and company paint the end of youthful innocence as a time for reaffirming oneself and continuing to move forward.
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 17, 20214 min read
"Hyperballad" stands the test of time... and honestly, we've yet to reach its time
A quarter-century after its release, Björk's ethereal dream sequence song still sounds like it's ahead of our current musical era.
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 11, 20214 min read
"Hard to Beat" lives up to its name
It's a shame most Americans don't know this dance-inducing indie/garage gem.
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.
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