Author Archives: marmstr3

Arachnophonia: 21st Century Musical Theatre – 50 Songs from Shows since 2000

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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 Marissa (class of 2025) and features insert title info here. Thanks, Marissa!

21st Century Musical Theatre: 50 Songs from Shows since 2000

If you’re interested in learning how to sing and play the piano to your favorite musical theatre songs, look no further than Parsons Music Library. Some of the 50 songs from this collection of musical scores that are my personal favorites include “Santa Fe” from Newsies, “Proud of Your Boy” from Aladdin, and “Dancing Through Life” from Wicked. Newsies the Musical debuted in 2011 at the Paper Mill Playhouse, a theater located 20 minutes away from where I grew up. Most recently, the musical version of The Great Gatsby also made its debut at the Paper Mill Playhouse, featuring the powerhouse-voice of Jeremy Jordan (who has also played Jack in Newsies). If you are a male singer who wants to sound like this iconic performer, you should start with watching him belt his heart out to “Santa Fe” (and then learn it yourself with this score!).

In preparation for the Wicked movie coming out in November, learning “Dancing Through Life” and “Wonderful” from the critically acclaimed Broadway musical Wicked will set you up for success in the movie theater. Both of these songs and many more are available in 21st Century Musical Theatre: 50 Songs from Shows since 2000 at the Parsons Music Library.

Parsons Playlists: Costa Rican Music Sampler

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Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library associate Melanie and features some music from Costa Rica for International Education Week!

Costa Rican Music Sampler

Map of Costa Rica

Like many other countries in Central and South America, music is an integral part of Costa Rican culture. In fact, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a major celebration in Latin America that is completely silent.

The country’s music derives mostly from Spanish and African music, but is also influenced by the surrounding countries, like Mexico, Cuba and Jamaica.

Downtown San Jose Costa Rica Street Music
Popular throughout Central America, the marimba is the national musical instrument of Costa Rica. This video shows some street musicians in the capital city of San Jose in action.

Walter Ferguson (aka Mr. Gavitt or Segundo) – “Cabin in the wata”

Debi Nova –“One Rhythm”

Carlos Guzmán – “Soy Tico”

Café Surá – “Sol Poniente”

MishCatt – “Goofy”

Passiflora – “Moonlight”

Gandhi – “El Invisible”

Cocofunka – “Coleccionista”

La Banda CR – “El Monstruo Del Mar”

Inconsciente Colectivo – “Fragil”

Toledo – “El Sarpe”

Calle 8 – “Si Quieres Llorar”

Ojo de Buey ft. Blackdali – “Uppercut”

Nakury & La Dame Blanche – “Wine”

Leena Bae ft. Sofia Insua – “Amor”

Adiós Cometa – “Transparente”

Javier Arce – “MI ÁNGEL”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZezjGThXzVa-mLfJeDOQZo7Z&si=9VOwY85ZZ_Qyigyi

And here is a link to a version of this playlist on Spotify:

Parsons Playlists: The Charm of Classical Saxophone

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Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manger Tim (class of 2024) featuring some classical music for saxophone.

The Charm of Classical Saxophone

Alexander Glazunov – “Concerto for Alto Saxophone and String Orchestra” (Joseph Lulloff)

Alexey Shor – “Alto Sax Concerto in Bb” (Nikita Zimin)

André Waignein – “Rhapsody” (Simon Diricq)

Claude Debussy – “Rhapsodie with Orchestra” (Claude Delangle)

Takashi Yoshimatsu – “Fuzzy Bird Sonata – I. Run, Bird” (Nobuya Sugawa)

Toshimo Mashima – “Birds” (Nobuya Sugawa)

J.S. Bach – “Chaconne” (Eastman Saxophone Project)

Paul Creston – “Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano, Op. 19 – I. With Vigor” (Nobuya Sugawa)

Lars-Erik Larsson – “Saxophone Concerto, Op. 14” (Nobuya Sugawa)

Jacques Ibert – “Concertino da Camera” (Sandro Compagnon)

Eugène Bozza – “Aria” (Wonki Lee)

Antonio Vivaldi – “Winter” from The Four Seasons (arranged for Saxophone quartet and soloist) (U.S. Army Field Band)

Astor Piazzolla – “Tango, Etude No. 3” (Wonki Lee)

J.S. Bach – “Fugue in G minor” (Sax Bird)

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlWvgju4iTC1OjuLWuaT0-IDBd4gjdwAL&si=l82i7J9nPfB4rdzJ

Parsons Playlists: Sampled Gems!!!

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Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Laeticia (class of 2026) and features some songs that have used samples of other songs in interesting ways.

Sampled Gems!!!

Nothing ignites my passion for music quite like a masterpiece, but there’s something truly exhilarating about a great song that breathes new life into another. This playlist is a celebration of the art of sampling, showcasing some of the most innovative and impactful uses of sampled songs in music history. Each track is infused with nostalgia and authenticity as artists transform tunes we all love into fresh and exciting experiences. Here are some songs that best use sampled music to elevate the original tunes to new heights!

Tayc – “Anogo”
* Samples Brandy and Monica – “The Boy Is Mine”

Tyler the Creator – “Are We Still Friends?”
* Samples Al Green – “Dream”

Twista, ft. Kanye West & Jamie Foxx – “Slow Jamz”
* Samples Luther Vandross – “A House Is Not A Home”

Bvfy – “Basta”
* Samples Jovi ft. Reniss – “B.A.S.T.A.R.D.”

Drake – “Cameras”
* Samples Jon B. – “Calling On You”

Tems – “Wickedest”
* Samples Magic System – “Premier Gaou”

Kendrick Lamar – “Money Trees”
* Samples House Beach – “Silver Soul”

Mariah Carey – “Fantasy”
* Samples Tom Tom Club – “Genius of Love”

Victony – “Everything”
* Samples Post Malone ft. Swae Lee – “Sunflower”

Kiana Lede – “Mad At Me”
* Samples Outkast – “So Fresh, So Clean”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZeweaY0kva_JMe7Tl8P9pMdL&si=z-t92gObGRDD82aL

WDCE Charts 11-13-24

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WDCE 90.1 Logo

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 November 13, 2024 (click the image to see a larger version):

WDCE 11-13-24

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

NACC 11-13-24

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

WDCE Collage 11-13-24

Arachnophonia: “Prince – The Last Interview”

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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 assistant Griffin (class of 2027) and features a collection of various interviews with Prince. Thanks, Griffin!

Prince: The Last Interview and Other Conversations

Prince: The Last Interview and Other Conversations

Prince: The Last Interview is a collection of interview articles curated to create a comprehensive story using primary sources for insight into the superstar’s psyche. Nobody has had a bigger influence on modern American music than the Minnesotan native, bending the boundaries of genre. Born in 1958 and rising to international fame through the 80s and 90s, Prince’s sound couldn’t be described by any classical music labels of music, mixing elements from jazz, funk, synth-pop, rock, and more. Despite his parents both being musicians, Prince claims they never influenced his musical development. Instead, he was influenced by musicians such as James Brown, Sly and the Family Stone, Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Wonder.

Introduced by Hanif Abdurraqib and by the interviewee Prince, Prince: The Last Interview and Other Conversations pulls together interviews at different stages of his life that begin to unravel the mysterious persona that was known to have an adverse relationship with the media. The collection gives us a glimpse of the icon from back from an interview in his school’s newspaper where his tremendous talent began to be recognized, through the struggles and freedom from the Warner Bros. Records label, his adaption to the computer age, and even his veganism.

Despite his tragic early death in 2016, Prince’s impact can’t be underestimated. Prince: The Last Interview showcases the artist’s thoughts on identity, freedom, religion, the art industry, sexual expression, forgiveness, and most of all how he continued to evolve his beliefs but not falter from them. If you want to know more about this generational talent who experiments with multiple types of artistic expression, you can check out the book from the Parsons Music Library.

Arachnophonia: Stevie Wonder “Songs in the Key of Life”

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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 Lay’la (class of 2025) and features Stevie Wonder’s classic album Songs in the Key of Life. Thanks, Lay’la!

Stevie Wonder

Songs in the Key of Life

Stevie Wonder - Songs in the Key of Life

Looking for a calming, captivating and engaging recess? Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life provides this very experience. Released in 1976, this double album is not just a collection of songs; it’s a profound exploration of life, love, and social consciousness that remains salient today.

Songs in the Key of Life is a fascinating blend of genres, seamlessly weaving together soul, R&B, jazz, and pop. From the infectious tunes of “I Wish” to the haunting beauty of “Knocks Me Off My Feet,” each track showcases Wonder’s unparalleled musicianship and vocal prowess. The album opens with “Love’s in Need of Love Today,” a gentle yet powerful reminder of the universal need for compassion and understanding.

Wonder’s experimentation with sound is evident throughout the album. He uses an array of instruments — from harmonicas to synthesizers — that were groundbreaking at the time. Tracks like “Isn’t She Lovely” showcase his ability to craft a beautiful melody that celebrates the joy of fatherhood, while “Pastime Paradise” tackles social issues with a reflective tone, incorporating elements of classical music that add to its richness.

The influence of Songs in the Key of Life extends far beyond its initial release. It has inspired countless artists across genres and remains a staple in music education. The album’s themes of love and social justice continue to resonate, making it a timeless piece that encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and the world around them.

You can listen to Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life on CD at the Parsons Music Library!

Parsons Playlists: Chinese Pop

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Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Tim (class of 2024) which features some Chinese pop songs.

Chinese Pop

G.E.M. – “Light Years Away”

G.E.M. – “Long After”

G.E.M. – “Selfless”

G.E.M.– “The Sky”

Wang Xinghe – “Listen Not”

Jay Chou – “Maple Leaf”

Jay Chou – “All the Way North”

Jay Chou – “Step Aside”

Eason Chan – “Ten Years”

Li Zongsheng – “Newly Written Old Songs”

Li Zongsheng – “The Hills”

AGA – “Jiang Haijia”

Jay Chou – “Ming Ming Jiu”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlWvgju4iTC38OnG3qJg6bfr74QR8B2cE&si=MCu9_9zEmF83bwFW

WDCE Charts 11-6-24

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WDCE 90.1 Logo

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 November 6, 2024 (click the image to see a larger version):

WDCE 11-6-24

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

NACC 11-6-24

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

WDCE Collage 11-6-24

Arachnophonia: Arcade Fire – “The Suburbs”

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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 assistant Georgia (class of 2025) and features Arcade Fire’s 2010 album The Suburbs. Thanks, Georgia!

Arcade Fire
The Suburbs

Arcade Fire - The Suburbs

Canadian Band Arcade Fire’s The Suburbs is an indie rock, baroque pop exploration of suburban life in modern America. The album is inspired by the singer’s upbringing in The Woodlands, Texas, a suburb of Houston that I visit regularly to see my aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. The town is filled with tall trees and smooth concrete, and every retail chain and restaurant you can name. I remember 110 degree summer days spent indoors, malls and movie theaters, pools and Tex-Mex, long drives and drive-thrus.

It is both a sense of placeless-ness and nostalgia that define this album, especially in the reflection on and mourning of the city or town you once knew as a child. Going from a placeless neighborhood to a faceless job, wanting children in a world abusing itself into extinction, mourning time wasted, these are all explored in this album that I believe connects to what it often feels like to be an American today.

Many things lately feel off, almost fake. We buy things manufactured from far-away places, our homes, communities, and jobs are long drives apart, neighborhoods are being rebuilt to look the same as everywhere else. Presidents are celebrities, health care is sold by greedy corporations, recession is approaching, and yet we are being fed facts mistold and fears misplaced. It sometimes feels like we’re living in the shadows of all that’s been built here. What does it mean to be an American right now? How do our communities reflect the world we live in? Where do we truly live? Where are we from?

First they built the road, then they built the town, That’s why we’re still driving round and round