Arachnophonia: Astor Piazzolla

Posted on April 9, 2024 by marmstr3

Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Xipeng (class of 2024) and features Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla. Thanks, Xipeng!

Astor Piazzolla

Born in Argentina in 1921, Astor Piazzolla’s journey in music began at a young age, studying the bandoneón, a type of accordion central to tango music. The composer’s fusion of tango with elements of jazz and classical departs from the conventional Argentine genre. His compositions, also known as “nuevo tango”, presented newfound complexity and depth. This bold experimentation elevated tango from its origins as popular dance music to a sophisticated art form.

Piazzolla’s most famous work is Libertango, which was released in 1974. The piece embodies Piazzolla’s distinctive style, blending both traditional and modern elements to create a composition that transcends cultural boundaries.

Another notable composition by Piazzolla is Adiós Nonino, a deeply personal piece written in memory of his father with sorrow and nostalgia.

Estaciones Porteñas (Four Seasons of Buenos Aires”, written between 1965 and 1970, is also another remarkable work from Piazzolla, reinterpreting Antonio Vivaldi’s renowned classical composition. Through the innovative fusion of classical and tango music, Piazzolla creates a dynamic musical journey that appeals to audiences with its expressive melodies and emotional resonance.

We have the book Le Grand Tango: The Life and Music of Astor Piazzolla, which is a must read for every Piazzolla fan and tango music lover. Feel free to check out CDs and scores and explore the magic of the captivating art form!

Parsons Playlists: Bollywood on the Block – Endgame

Posted on April 8, 2024 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Kiran (class of 2024) and features music from the recent Bollywood on the Block performance.

Bollywood on the Block: Endgame

This year, UR’s Bollywood Jhatkas wrote, choreographed, and performed an original piece for the annual Bollywood on the Block dance show. Here were my favorite songs to dance to!

1. “Dhakkad” by Raftaar and Pritam, Dangal

2. “Balam Pichkari” by Pritam, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani

3. “Ghoomar” by Shreya Ghoshal, Padmaavat

4. “Tabaah Ho Gaye” by Pritam and Shreya Goshal, Kalank

5. “Aspara Aali” by Ajay Gogavale, Natarang

6. “Jiya Jale” by Lata Mangeshkar, Dil Se

7. “Dhindora Baja Re” by Pritam, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani

8. “Chogada” by Darshan Raval, Loveyatri

9. “Mera Wala Dance” by Nakash Aziz, Simmba

10. “Mundiyaan To Bach Ke” by Punjabi MC

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZezQA7u2da-wFaWp0buhyrFJ&si=TWPlIW384iQHKahk

Parsons Playlists: 1990s and 2000s Hip Hop

Posted on April 5, 2024 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Deisy (class of 2024) and features some hip hop from the 1990s and 2000s.

1990s and 2000s Hip Hop

Listen to some hip hop from the 90’s and early 2000’s.

Twista (ft. Pharrell Williams) – “Lavish”

Young Money – “Every Girl”

Project Pat – “Choose U”

The Dream – “I Luv Your Girl”

G-Unit (ft. Joe) – “Wanna Get To Know You”

Jay-Z – “Girls, Girls, Girls”

Biggie (ft. Junior M.A.F.I.A.) – “Get Money”

Eve (ft. Gwen Stefani & Stevie J) – “Let Me Blow Ya Mind”

Brandy (ft. Queen Latifah, Yo-Yo & Mc Lyte) – “I Wanna Be Down”

2Pac – “Can U Get Away”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZezyIVVpOw72W-MBzuUJgAyh&si=Ciugaj1tAn1Z_JI-

Arachnophonia: Spotify Teardown

Posted on April 4, 2024 by marmstr3

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Eliana (class of 2024) and features a book interrogating the inner workings of Spotify. Thanks, Eliana!

Spotify Teardown by Maria Eriksson, et al

I stumbled upon Spotify Teardown while browsing the shelves at Parsons Music Library and was immediately intrigued; I knew Spotify had a rocky history with independent artists, but this book opened my eyes to the potentially harmful influence and power of the streaming giant. The authors have a generally negative view of Spotify as an entity. While their argument is convincing, it would take a lot for me to give up the ease and accessibility that comes with having a Spotify account. Still, their argument is worth engaging with.

The authors are Swedish social scientists who took a rather controversial approach in their research – they set up a fake record label company in an attempt to peek behind the curtain and see the inner workings of Spotify. Spotify discovered the researchers’ plan and threatened to pull their funding given to them by the Swedish research council, only further fueling the disdain the researchers had for the streaming service. They argue the only way to understand the algorithm is by being on the inside, while Spotify says doing so is in clear violation of their terms of service.

Much of the book discusses the pseudo-record label and subsequent action taken by Spotify, but to me the most interesting reporting was within the discussion of Spotify itself. The authors write about how Spotify is largely represented as the ‘solution’ to illegal streaming, while in actuality its lack of regulation presents more problems for artists and consumers alike than illegal downloads ever did. It also discusses the privacy concerns connected to algorithmic data, data sharing, and data tracking, all of which Spotify engages with and relies on. The authors argue that as AI becomes commonplace within more and more facets of our lives, it becomes increasingly important to regulate its usage. In all, I found Spotify Teardown engaging and certainly learned a lot.

WDCE Charts 4-3-24

Posted on April 4, 2024 by marmstr3

WDCE 90.1: UR Radio is the voice of independent radio in Richmond, VA and has been student-run and operated since 1960.
Students have used it as a launching pad for careers in radio or other mass communications, and also as an engaging extra-curricular activity. Community members and UR alumni also continue to play an important role in the station.

We’re sharing chart information from WDCE as reported to the North American College and Community (NACC) Radio Chart.

Here’s the WDCE Top 30 from April 3, 2024 (click the image to see a larger version):

For comparison, here is this week’s national NACC chart (click the image to see a larger version):

You can stream WDCE live here: https://live365.com/station/WDCE-90-1-FM-a39711

Arachnophonia: The Color Purple

Posted on April 3, 2024 by marmstr3

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student [assistant / manager] [name] (class of 202*) and features the 2016 Broadway cast recording of The Color Purple. Thanks, Amy!

The Color Purple: New Broadway Cast Recording (2016)

One musical masterpiece that has left a mark on the Broadway stage is The Color Purple. Beyond its powerful performances and captivating narrative, the new Broadway cast recording (released in 2016) stands as a testament to the emotional depth embedded in this timeless production. And seeing as the movie adaptation hit late last year, I thought I would bring some recognition to the musical it was inspired by.

The Color Purple, adapted from Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, weaves a rich tapestry of storytelling, empowerment, and redemption. The new Broadway cast recording, capturing the live energy of the performances, transports listeners into the heart of the narrative, enveloping them in the struggles and triumphs of its characters.

The cast of The Color Purple not only possesses remarkable vocal prowess but also embodies the emotional complexity of their roles. From the soul-stirring melodies of Celie to the powerful anthems of empowerment, each track showcases the diversity and depth of the performers.

The Color Purple new Broadway cast recording contributes to the cultural landscape by amplifying narratives that are often marginalized. The celebration of African American culture, the exploration of sisterhood, and the unapologetic embrace of individuality contribute to its enduring legacy.

Some of my favorite musical highlights are as follows:

“I’m Here,” performed by Cynthia Erivo, stands as a towering pinnacle of vocal prowess and emotional intensity. The raw vulnerability and strength she brings to this anthem of self-discovery resonate long after the final note.

“What About Love?” is a dynamic duet between Jennifer Hudson and Cynthia Erivo. Hudson and Erivo create a harmonious blend of two powerhouse voices. Their chemistry elevates the song, infusing it with a poignant sense of longing and hope.

“The Color Purple,” the titular track, performed by the ensemble cast, serves as the musical thread that ties the narrative together. Its hauntingly beautiful melody captures the essence of the characters’ shared journey and the overarching theme of resilience.

The Color Purple new Broadway cast recording is more than a compilation of songs; it is a journey through the human experience, a celebration of resilience, and a testament to the transformative power of music. As the notes linger in the air, they carry with them the echoes of a narrative that has touched the hearts of audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of Broadway history.

Arachnophonia: Billie Eilish “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?

Posted on April 2, 2024 by marmstr3

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student assistant Susanne (class of 202*) and features Billie Eilish’s 2019 studio album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?. Thanks, Susanne!

Billie Eilish

When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?”

Billie Eilish released her debut studio album, WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?, at the age of 17 with the help of her older brother, Finneas, who co-wrote and produced the album. The album soared to the top of Billboard charts and received widespread recognition for its cohesive vision, unique sound, and relatable themes. In 2020, Billie Eilish went on to become the first woman to win the four major Grammy categories (Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist) in the same year.

I love this album because of Eilish’s impressive vocal range and the wide variety of subject matter she pulls from to engage the audience. WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? draws from the experiences of lucid dreaming and night terrors while tackling serious issues facing young people, including drug addiction, mental health, relationships, and climate change. Pop, electric, R&B, trap, and jazz music influences also allow the album to play with form and sound in really captivating ways. In “Xanny,” for example, Eilish plays with different sounds to create the intense ambience of being at a party in secondhand smoke around intoxicated people. “When the Party’s Over,” on the other hand, is more of a soulful, lyrical ballad with a piano base.

Since the release of her debut album, Eilish’s popularity has skyrocketed. Although her tour for this album was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she completed a world tour for her second album Happier Than Ever in 2023. Finneas and Billie continue to receive accolades for their musical talents, including for their song, “What Was I Made For?,” created for the record-breaking Barbie movie in the summer of 2023. WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? set a strong foundation for Eilish as a powerful album with songs that resonate with young listeners across genres.

Parsons Playlists: A Classical Playlist

Posted on April 1, 2024 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Alexandra (class of 2026) featuring some classical music.

A Classical Playlist!

These are some of my favorite classical pieces!

Sergei Rachmaninoff – Symphony No. 2: III. Adagio

Samuel Barber – Adagio for Strings

George Gershwin – Rhapsody in Blue

Maurice Ravel – Une Barque Sur L’océan

Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky – Piano Concerto No 1. Op. 23

Claude Debussy – Arabesques

Franz Liszt – Liebestraum

Franz Schubert – Serenade

Maurice Ravel – Piano Concerto in G Major, M. 83: II. Adagio assai

Franz Liszt – Un sospiro

Sergei Rachmaninoff – 13 Preludes, Op.32: No. 5

Antonín Dvorak – Serenade for Strings, Op. 22. No.2

Frédéric Chopin – Adante spianato and Grande Polonaise, Op. 22

George Gershwin – Piano Concerto: I. Allegro moderato

Ralph Vaughn Williams – Overture: The Wasps

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZeyqcCKVNgjYdnKujBv5_AcY&si=ZUvB2P79IAty36ia

Parsons Playlists: Songs About Stars

Posted on March 29, 2024 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Eliana (class of 2024) featuring some songs about stars.

Songs About Stars