Benjamin KasselOct 23, 20214 min"I Get Around" is early Beach Boys in a nutshellIt may not be their signature tune (if you can even narrow that down to one), but it's an indicative slice of their formative sound.
Benjamin KasselOct 22, 20214 minThe soft but captivating "Wicked Game" set the stage for the modern 'love song'Few songs haunt like Chris Isaak's signature hit and the unavoidable attraction it describes.
Benjamin KasselOct 20, 20214 min"Smoke from a Distant Fire," a polished, way-too-catchy master class in figurative lyricsPerhaps my favorite 70s one-hit wonder has a great narrative build which really pays off in its latter half.
Benjamin KasselOct 16, 20214 minBehind the ultra-80s pop of "Love Is a Battlefield" is a powerful message on the reality of romanceWhy does it feel like so few songs even remotely touch on the theme of working through relationships?