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"Time in a Bottle" and the ephemerality of life
Jim Croce's ballad is never an easy listen for me, especially now as I think of major life changes coming in the short term.
Benjamin Kassel
Mar 24, 20223 min read
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I needed the calmness of "Black Water" tonight
I'm stressed as [CENSORED]. This Doobie Brothers gem helped mitigate that a bit.
Benjamin Kassel
Mar 14, 20223 min read
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"Mrs. Robinson": not (just) a film song
Simon & Garfunkel's hit from The Graduate is a reflection of their thoughts on mid-60s America.
Benjamin Kassel
Mar 5, 20224 min read
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"The A Team"'s singular narrative makes me think deeply about the homelessness I see around Berkeley
Ed Sheeran's tale of one Angel grapples with connection, addiction, and its subject's all-too-likely fate.
Benjamin Kassel
Feb 20, 20223 min read
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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 25, 20214 min read
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"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 10, 20213 min read
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India.Arie's "Video" is as honest as it gets in this gilded world of ours
Rising above the weight of unrealistic physical expectations, she delivers a soulful, guitar-driven affirmation of her self-worth.
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 19, 20214 min read
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"Don't Know Why" and the calmer, number side of heartbreak
In a way, Norah Jones presents an alternative perspective on lost love compared to yesterday's post.
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 5, 20214 min read
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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 20, 20215 min read
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