Benjamin Kassel
"Papercut": when I realized there was more to electronic music
Zedd's serene house-pop production featuring Troye Sivan was the first track of its kind that impressed me with the greater story it told.
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Benjamin Kassel
Mar 13, 20223 min read
The irony and unity in hearing a crowd singing"Dancing On My Own"
Robyn's 2010s-defining hit is narratively unfitting such a response... but deep down, such an act really makes a lot of sense.
Benjamin Kassel
Mar 4, 20223 min read
"Paradigm" is my kind of deep house
CamelPhat are leaders of the style now, and I saw it coming with this 2015 production.
Benjamin Kassel
Mar 2, 20224 min read
I appreciate "Day 'n' Nite" now more than I ever did before
I only came around to hip hop a few years ago, but more recent developments make it resonate with me even more now.
Benjamin Kassel
Feb 23, 20225 min read
"The Catalyst" describes how I feel given current events in Ukraine
*inhales*
*SCREAMS INTERNALLY*
Benjamin Kassel
Feb 22, 20225 min read
"Digital Love" is my favorite electronic track of all time
...and I break it down today to pay tribute to the two robots with human souls who made it.
Benjamin Kassel
Feb 17, 20223 min read
"I've Been Waitin' for Tomorrow" (All of My Life)... the title speaks for itself
It's a somewhat confusing song by a band with a somewhat confusing name: The The. How fitting.
Benjamin Kassel
Feb 14, 20223 min read
"Strawberry Letter 23" fits today's date
Is it cool? (Is it cool?) I don't know, but it's February 14, and it feels right.
Benjamin Kassel
Feb 10, 20223 min read
"Cruel Summer" fits the mood during a heatwave
...which, through yesterday's post, I may have caused. Sorry, folks. But enjoy Bananarama regardless.
Benjamin Kassel
Feb 9, 20223 min read
With its throwback sound, "Walkin' on the Sun" is far deeper than I realized
It's also just a plain good song from a band that, yes, isn't just a meme.
Benjamin Kassel
Feb 5, 20223 min read
"Say Nothing" does all the talking itself
Flume's new release is chock-full of fascinating details as he plays with time and musical space.
Benjamin Kassel
Feb 4, 20224 min read
Close to a decade on, "Caliban's Dream" continues to embody the Olympic spirit
As Beijing 2022 begins, I return to Underworld's musical setting for the 2012 cauldron lighting.
Benjamin Kassel
Jan 9, 20223 min read
"3005" is an inner monologue on "real" friendship and love
Through his celebrity lens, Childish Gambino questions the trustworthiness of, frankly, anyone who seems to be a friend in the digital age.
Benjamin Kassel
Jan 6, 20223 min read
"Call Me" and the timeless sound of 1980
Blondie's Moroder-produced movie soundtrack anthem presents the state of pop at a sonic inflection point — a sound people still love today.
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 27, 20214 min read
DubVision's remix of "Ocean" sonically captures an emotional reunion
In examining a complete revamping of a pop production, I think of how stylistic choices can change our perception of a melody and lyrics.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 18, 20214 min read
Heart elevate "Alone" with their cover by understanding its message
Yes, it's a cover, and yes, they made a couple small changes that really make their version superior to its predecessors.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 16, 20215 min read
"Never Forget You" captures the emotions of remembering past friends
The memories will always be there, and Zara Larsson and MNEK's presentation of working through them really resonates with me.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 9, 20213 min read
Thanks to its synth pad, "Let Me Touch Your Fire" narratively leans into its title
A R I Z O N A sonically track their narrator's heart opening up as they unexpectedly feel love.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 4, 20213 min read
On the calm disco-like indie pop of "Sit Next to Me"
...and the marching band rendition of the track I heard tonight.
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