Benjamin Kassel
"Evil Ways": the birth of Latin cool
Okay, how has it taken me this long to talk about Santana on here? That's borderline criminal — and I'm remedying that ASAP.
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Benjamin Kassel
Mar 16, 20223 min read
What is the apocalypse in "Dance Apocalyptic"?
That's a question I've had recently as I've gotten to thinking about just one of Janelle Monáe's show-stopping numbers.
Benjamin Kassel
Jan 29, 20223 min read
On the soul masterpiece that is "Midnight Train to Georgia"
Gladys Knight & the Pips' classic combines outstanding vocals with a compelling lyrical narrative that has a surprising twist in its chorus.
Benjamin Kassel
Jan 13, 20223 min read
"A Whiter Shade of Pale" is Baroque pop with plenty of additional intrigue
A J.S. Bach-inspired structure yields a unique and iconic recording.
Benjamin Kassel
Jan 3, 20224 min read
Carpenter Brut's cover of "Maniac" places the listener inside the mania
A "darksynth" retooling of a 1980s movie soundtrack classic gives the lyrics and title a much more fitting treatment.
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.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 21, 20214 min read
Looking back on my adolescence through "1979"
The nostalgia the Smashing Pumpkins evoke isn't rose-colored, but that's fine, if not good; it means their song helps me honestly reflect.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 7, 20213 min read
"96 Tears": Grounded in its time, or anticipatory of rock's future?
Its sound as as mid-60s as you can get, but its perspective might lend itself to being a forerunner of more contemporary movements.
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 24, 20214 min read
The song's called "Rainy Night in Georgia," but tonight it fits the mood in Berkeley just as well
Just as much as music has the ability to transport oneself to another place and time, it can also further ground you in your present surroun
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!
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 7, 20214 min read
"Glory Days" and why it shouldn't be played at baseball games
...ehh, who cares? Enough people have already misheard it that it doesn't even matter.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 21, 20216 min read
For my money, "Shining Star" is Earth, Wind & Fire's crowning musical achievement
On the day most associated with the group, I just had to write about them — but I had to do it my way.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 2, 20214 min read
Dua Lipa says "We're Good" and means it
News flash, singers: Breakups can be calm.
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