Arachnophonia: Kendrick Lamar “To Pimp A Butterfly”

Posted on March 3, 2025 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 assistant Susanne (class of 2026) and features Kendrick Lamar’s 2015 album To Pimp A Butterfly. Thanks, Susanne!

Kendrick Lamar

To Pimp A Butterfly

Celebrating 10 Years of To Pimp A Butterfly

Released almost 10 years ago on March 15, 2015, To Pimp A Butterfly is American rapper Kendrick Lamar’s third studio album. To Pimp A Butterfly blends numerous genres rooted in African American music styles, including hip-hop, jazz, funk, and soul.

The album centers political commentary surrounding racial violence and institutional discrimination, gaining widespread recognition for the artistry and social impact of the lyricism. Lamar drew inspiration from his travels to South Africa where he was able to draw connections between their racial and social landscape and Black communities of the U.S.

To Pimp A Butterfly centers Black memory and tradition while still focusing on contemporary social issues. Lamar’s song “Alright,” for example, came to be used in the Black Lives Matter movement as a call to action. Lamar received eleven total nominations at the 2016 Grammy Awards, seven just for To Pimp A Butterfly, and won Best Rap Album of the Year.

At a time of growing Black activism throughout the country, To Pimp A Butterfly had a tremendous impact on the hip-hop and rap industry. Many artists and fans alike cite Lamar’s album as a moment of empowerment to create pieces that express their cultural experiences and speak out against critical social inequalities.

Arachnophonia: Common – “Be”

Posted on February 26, 2025 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 Isaac (class of 2025) and features Common’s 2005 album Be. Thanks, Isaac!

Common

Be by Common is a special album because it’s honest, inspiring, and full of heart––and also one of my favorite albums in the music library.

Released in 2005, it came at a time when Common wanted to reconnect with his roots in hip-hop and tell stories that felt real to him. Produced largely by Kanye West, the album’s beats have a warmth and depth that perfectly complement Common’s thoughtful lyrics.

Tracks like “The Corner” and “Go!” bring vivid imagery of urban life, while songs like “Love Is…” and “Faithful” explore love and spirituality with nuance and sincerity.

Common himself is known for being one of the most reflective and poetic voices in hip-hop, never missing a chance to reference his hometown of Chicago. With Be, he really focused on making music that felt authentic and meaningful, not just catchy. Songs like “The Corner” talk about life in the city, while “Faithful” and “Love Is…” explore deeper ideas about relationships and spirituality.

My personal favorite track, “The Food (Live),” is a grainy live recording of Common and Kanye West performing the song in Chicago, with the two windy city natives poetically discussing their hometown in a raw, authentic manner that’s emphasized by the live atmosphere, supported by a punchy, upbeat production in the background. The way the album was made — focused on collaboration and storytelling — makes Be a gem at the music library, and I recommend checking it out one day.

Arachnophonia: Theft! – A History of Music

Posted on February 19, 2025 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 Sophia (class of 2028) and features the book Theft!: A History of Music. Thanks, Sophia!

Theft!: A History of Music by Keith Aoki, James Boyle, and Jennifer Jenkins

I recommend this book called Theft!: A History of Music. If you are looking to learn about music and its creation + the development of various genres but don’t like to read articles, this is the perfect book for you. Since the book is comic-style, it is easy to read and has visuals to go with it.

I like how the beginning of this book starts on a random planet in the universe. A group of people then got into the car and traveled back in time to when people recorded their music on sheets of paper so they could play the music another time. The group of people then found an old sheet of music that showed the notes, lines, and rhythm. This is fascinating to me because thousands of years ago, people wrote sheets of music which is still used to this day. It shows how even though music has evolved, the concept of music writing still exists and has been improved through time. Through the book, you can also see the different perspectives and arguments that happened when the concept of music was first introduced.

Arachnophonia: Unlock the Hidden Gems of The Music Library — More Than Just Books!

Posted on February 12, 2025 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 Nikoloz (class of 2026) and features an assortment of items you can borrow from the Music Library that aren’t books or CDs. Thanks, Nikoloz!

Unlock the Hidden Gems of The Music Library — More Than Just Books!

We all know that libraries are a treasure trove of books and CDs, but did you know the Music Library offers so much more?
Whether you’re studying, exploring new hobbies, or just looking for some entertainment, the Music Library has resources you might not even know about. Here’s a quick guide to some of the amazing items you can check out and use:

DVDs
Movie night, anyone? You can borrow concert films, musicals, operas, educational documentaries and more from the Music Library. Just remember, these have a shorter loan period (one week), so plan your binge-watching accordingly!

The Music Library loans out equipment too! Here are some of the coolest items you can borrow:

DVD Players: Don’t have a player at home? No problem—the library has you covered with a portable DVD player you can check out for a week.

We also offer External CD/DVD drives (USB) for in-library use. These can be plugged into the USB port on your laptop once they’re checked out. The loan period for this item is 4 hours.

Record Players and more: Love vinyl records? You can find a turntable in one of the study rooms (W201A), and enjoy the warm, nostalgic sound of your favorite albums.

The Music Library also has a portable record player that can be checked out from the library for one week!

Did you know the Music Library has a vinyl record collection that can also be checked out? You can browse our vinyl holdings here.

You can also check out a boom box to play CDs, listen to the radio, or use as a Bluetooth speaker.

Laptops: Laptop computers are available for in library use for a 6 hour loan period. Perfect for cramming in some study time or finishing a last-minute assignment.

Why Not Explore?

Next time you’re in the library, take a moment to explore these lesser-known resources. Whether you’re checking out the turntable to spin some vinyl, grabbing a DVD for movie night, or borrowing a laptop to finish a project, The Music Library has something for everyone.

Don’t forget to ask the friendly staff at the main desk if you need help finding anything -— they’re there to make your library experience amazing!

Arachnophonia: Wicked

Posted on February 5, 2025 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 Rocio (class of 2027) and features the piano/vocal selections score for the 2003 Broadway musical Wicked. Thanks, Rocio!

Wicked

One of my favorite items from the Music Library is the piano and vocal selections from Wicked, the beloved Broadway musical by Stephen Schwartz that has made its comeback since the movie and its iconic Broadway shows.

Not only is Wicked an iconic and transformative show in musical theater, but also its music is both emotionally powerful and technically engaging for performers.

Wicked is associated with a storyline of the wizard of Oz and basically describes who is wicked in the storyline or how does one become wicked. The songbook is full of catchy, dynamic numbers like “Defying Gravity” and heartfelt ballads such as “For Good,” each with its own unique, detailed vocal and piano arrangement. It’s a great tool for pianists and singers-be it preparing auditions, performances, or simply singing at home. It gives the musical theatre fan another way to access and enjoy the music, other than by simply listening to the cast album. The collection also provides insight into Stephen Schwartz’s ability to combine appealing, accessible, and singable melodies with deeper emotional themes, which will make this a great study for anyone into musical theater composition and performance.

Arachnophonia: Adele “25”

Posted on January 29, 2025 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 Ibrahim (class of 2028) and features Adele’s 2015 album 25. Thanks, Ibrahim!

Adele

Adele’s 25 is more than just an album; it is a deeply emotional work of art, in such a way that love, heartbreak, and self-discovery are so well elaborated. This record would go on to achieve cultural phenomenon status in November 2015 by setting records and deeply resonating with people all over the world. To me, 25 poignantly touches on how we go about the passing of time and the relations shaping us.

“Hello” led off the album with raw emotion, powerful vocals barely contained, as if the heart were calling to the past, reconnecting with parts of ourselves we may have left behind. It’s a recurring theme throughout the album, approached so well that this record can be related to by nearly anyone. Songs like “When We Were Young” have a bittersweet ache of nostalgia, while “Million Years Ago” distills the longing for simplicity in today’s convoluted times.

What really makes 25 different is inimitable: the way Adele converts her vulnerabilities into captivatingly beautiful songs. Be it the melancholy of “All I Ask” or the uplifting rhythms of “Send My Love (To Your New Lover),” each song narrates a story of rising above the storm. It is an album for contemplation and solace, upheld for its honesty.

Adele herself describes 25 as a “make-up record,” one that came to reconcile the past into embracing the future. It’s an album that expresses great balance between heartbreak and hope in a swell manner, revealing her growth both as an artist and a person. If anyone’s looking for a soundtrack to his journey of self-discovery, then 25 would be an eternal selection.

Be it for the old-time fan of Adele or just a new listener, this album is definitely not to be missed. This just proves that around storytelling in music, there is always something to surprise you, and in the most broken moments, too, there will be beauty found.

Arachnophonia: The Holy or the Broken

Posted on December 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 Laeticia (class of 2026) and features a book examining the cultural significance of the Leonard Cohen song “Hallelujah”. Thanks, Laeticia!

The Holy or the Broken: Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley, and the Unlikely Ascent of “Hallelujah” by Alan Light

“Hallelujah” originates from the Hebrew verb hillel, which translates to “praise Jah(God).” It is a common term among those who grew up in faith, but many of us also relate it to the melodious and anthemic Leonard Cohen song. As a Christian myself, I’ve always cherished the anthemic beauty of the chorus that yielded such a strong spiritual significance, but Alan Light’s The Holy or the Broken has made me see the song in a new light.

Alan Light is a music journalist who has written for major publications like Rolling Stone and The New York Times. He authored several books on music and culture, however, he is most famous for his book The Holy or the Broken which explores the history and impact of Leonard Cohen’s song “Hallelujah”.

Contrary to popular belief, “Hallelujah” is not just about “someone who has seen the light” as the song quotes, but like most of Leonard Cohen’s songs it is a blend of sacred and sensual. The song combines the rollercoaster of emotions humans experience on a daily basis. From being something you “shout out on Sunday in a happy voice to something that happens in a way that is cold, broken, and lonely” says Alan Light.

In The Holy or the Broken Alan Light explores the varying interpretations of Leonard Cohen’s iconic song “Hallelujah,” revealing the depths and contradictions that make it resonate with so many. Light’s exploration opens up a rich tapestry of meanings that extend beyond faith, and provide personal, cultural, and historical contexts that show how “Hallelujah” has evolved in contemporary society — from a hymn of praise to a poignant commentary on love, loss, and longing.

This book not only challenges readers to reconsider their own interpretations but also highlights the song’s impact across diverse musical landscapes. It’s a compelling read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of this modern classic.

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

Posted on November 20, 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 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.

Arachnophonia: “Prince – The Last Interview”

Posted on November 13, 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 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 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”

Posted on November 11, 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 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

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!

Listening In

News from Parsons Music Library at The University of Richmond

Category Archives: Arachnophonia

Arachnophonia: Kendrick Lamar “To Pimp A Butterfly”

Arachnophonia: Common – “Be”

Arachnophonia: Theft! – A History of Music

Arachnophonia: Unlock the Hidden Gems of The Music Library — More Than Just Books!

Arachnophonia: Wicked

Arachnophonia: Adele “25”

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

Arachnophonia: “Prince – The Last Interview”

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