Benjamin Kassel
"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...
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Benjamin Kassel
Dec 9, 20213 min read
Thanks to its synth pad, "Let Me Touch Your Fire" narratively leans into its title
A R I Z O N A sonically track their narrator's heart opening up as they unexpectedly feel love.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 7, 20213 min read
"Waterloo Sunset" examines a complex case of escapism
The Kinks' beautiful psychedelic pop rock track has a narrator who just can't let himself enjoy life to the fullest.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 5, 20213 min read
"Everybody Wants to Rule the World": Happy? Sad? Both?
It's Dead Week, and my existential dread is peaking once more.
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 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 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 25, 20214 min read
"In Your Eyes" reflects Peter Gabriel's deep understanding of his lyrics
Gabriel's vocal and instrumental arc work in lock step to form a marvelously complete, love-centered narrative.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 24, 20214 min read
"Toxic," the most unique pop song of this century
Baby, can't you hear? It's nothing like what you expect from an idol like Britney Spears, but it's arguably her biggest hit.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 22, 20214 min read
From Adele to her son and within herself, "My Little Love" presents a grappling with divorce
A standout from her new record, the string-guided track breaks new ground for Adele in just how personal she allows her narrative to be.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 15, 20215 min read
This is a "Land of Confusion," but we have the power to change that
Genesis capture the strife which penetrates our world on all levels, while also leaving the door open for humanity to still work things out.
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 12, 20215 min read
The 10-minute version of "All Too Well" is a pop magnum opus
10 minutes, 13 seconds. 111 lines of lyrics. It's a daunting feat to attempt, but Taylor Swift passed her own test with flying colors.
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
Nov 1, 20214 min read
"Fantasy" is mid-90s pop bliss with an early 80s new wave skeleton
The path between Talking Heads and Mariah Carey is surprisingly straight. And oh, isn't it fitting to talk about Mariah today of all days?
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 30, 20214 min read
"Kill This Love": what a sound, and what a title
Furthermore, the title echoes a message not as frequently heard in the breakup song canon: kill it off now to save yourself the pain later.
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 28, 20214 min read
Yes, I wrote a serious article about "The Safety Dance"
Given both the song's origins and its more modern use, it honestly makes a good amount of sense to approach the topic in this way.
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 21, 20214 min read
"People, I've been sad" perfectly captures how the world has been as of late...
Last year, Christine and the Queens delivered a song which became increasingly poignant in the months following its release.
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.
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