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"Spinning Wheel" is a most unusual jazz fusion track... and I love it

Benjamin Kassel

Jan 31, 20224 min read

"Spinning Wheel" is a most unusual jazz fusion track... and I love it

This song is out there, but it's a good kind of out there because of how Blood, Sweat & Tears mediate all its intricacies and oddities.

"Gospel for a New Century": organized anxious chaos

Benjamin Kassel

Jan 17, 20224 min read

"Gospel for a New Century": organized anxious chaos

I got hooked on Yves Tumor's sound from this track alone and the complex internal war it captures.

The broad political frustration of "Talkin' Out the Side of Your Neck"

Benjamin Kassel

Jan 10, 20223 min read

The broad political frustration of "Talkin' Out the Side of Your Neck"

Cameo unload a widespread critique of those in power over the lies they tell with their signature, hard-hitting funk.

Ever-danceable hit "Roll With It" bridges the 60s, 70s, and 80s

Benjamin Kassel

Dec 25, 20213 min read

Ever-danceable hit "Roll With It" bridges the 60s, 70s, and 80s

Steve Winwood struck a balance between older R&B and soul and his own era's pop rock on one of his biggest songs.

Tracking Jon Batiste's influences on "FREEDOM"

Benjamin Kassel

Dec 14, 20214 min read

Tracking Jon Batiste's influences on "FREEDOM"

The R&B and jazz virtuoso's artistic voice is shaped by multiple iconic inspirations — including some from his hometown.

"Celebration" and the comfort in revelry

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.

As the Temptations say, "Get Ready" for what lies ahead in the near future

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.

The three-part artistic origin of "50 Ways to Say Goodbye"

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.

"Kill This Love": what a sound, and what a title

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.

"You Keep Me Hangin' On," the pinnacle track from the pinnacle of girl groups

Benjamin Kassel

Oct 14, 20214 min read

"You Keep Me Hangin' On," the pinnacle track from the pinnacle of girl groups

Motown meets wall of sound meets breakup angst meets— wait, this song has an actual ending? Sick!

"Grazing in the Grass" has a heck of an origin story and a decade-defining sound

Benjamin Kassel

Oct 8, 20215 min read

"Grazing in the Grass" has a heck of an origin story and a decade-defining sound

It doesn't get more 60s than how the Friends of Distinction spun an instrumental classic. And how do Zambia and Jim Brown each play a part?

"Watermelon Sugar" has been the world's summery anthem for... how long now?

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.

"Love Me Again" is a love letter to both an old flame and an old sound

Benjamin Kassel

Sep 28, 20214 min read

"Love Me Again" is a love letter to both an old flame and an old sound

John Newman's hit starts slowly, but he soon unleashes its northern soul flavor.

"All Things Must Pass," the life truth with which we all grapple

Benjamin Kassel

Sep 11, 20213 min read

"All Things Must Pass," the life truth with which we all grapple

George Harrison's reflection on the ephemeral nature of life and the world takes on a more profound meaning on this day.