Benjamin Kassel
"I'm So Excited" has a lot going on under its surface
The Pointer Sisters' eternally catchy hit is more than meets the ear.
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Benjamin Kassel
Feb 19, 20223 min read
"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
Jan 30, 20223 min read
"Little Boxes": a warning against blind conformity
Malvina Reynolds' Daly City-inspired song seems to have been taken to heart soon after by students of her alma mater.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 13, 20214 min read
"I'm Not Alone": a self-reckoning on self-destruction
Who knew that a house track could breed such philosophical discussion?
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 10, 20213 min read
"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
Nov 21, 20213 min read
"Celebration" and the comfort in revelry
Even with its title and sporting usage, Kool & the Gang's signature song embodies a more laidback form of celebrating.
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 19, 20213 min read
"Fire" reflects its title through the raw energy of the Jimi Hendrix Experience
Is it pyromania? No, but it's a frantic and psychedelic trip that makes you feel like something's burning inside you.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 18, 20213 min read
Nothing gets me fired up quite like "Seek & Destroy"
It's a song I consider a sports anthem, and just a track that gets you in the mood for a thrashing.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 17, 20214 min read
"Tear It Down" and the art of crafting a true sonic narrative in dance music
The Aston Shuffle expertly execute a slow, but sure build, capping it off with the most satisfying release in the final break.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 16, 20214 min read
The whole of "Shook Ones, Pt. II" is far greater than the sum of its parts
From insane samples to hard-hitting rhymes and a splash of motivation, Mobb Deep's signature track is an all-time great rap cut.
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 14, 20213 min read
As the Temptations say, "Get Ready" for what lies ahead in the near future
In my excitement for this coming week, I hear this tune capturing my eagerness to go full speed ahead into these next few days.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 5, 20215 min read
The "Dog Days Are Over," and good times are ahead... right?
Florence + the Machine believe so, but their protagonist is far from convinced.
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