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.
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Eli (class of 2024) and features tracks by the indie folk/rock band Mt. Joy.
Mt. Joy
Indie rock band Mt. Joy is both an international sensation and an underrated group. If you are a fan of alternative, indie, or rock music, give the group a listen. Here are some of their greatest hits.
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.
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.
The score from The Lion King by Elton John, with lyrics by Tim Rice, has long fascinated me, compelling me to explore its depths beyond the surface level of its widespread appeal and just songs I’ve heard since I was little. As someone who has always enjoyed children’s movie scores, I find this score to be a particularly striking example of how melodies intertwined with poignant lyrics can create a tapestry of sound that is both enchanting and something that was stuck with me for quite some time––even as I’ve gotten older.
What makes this score particularly interesting and worth studying is not just its ability to support the narrative arc of an iconic film but how it seamlessly blends a variety of musical styles and cultural influences, creating a universal appeal that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. Elton John’s compositions, infused with his signature melodic flair, are elevated by Tim Rice’s evocative lyrics, which together capture the essence of the story’s themes—power, betrayal, love, and redemption. The integration of African musical elements with Western pop sensibilities in the soundtrack offers a fascinating study in cross-cultural musical fusion, showcasing the richness that such blends can bring to mainstream music, and I really do think its aurally emblematic of everything Disney had hoped to achieve with the project.
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Esther (class of 2025) and features some songs she associates with a favorite memory.
My Favorite Memory of All
Ode to eating Wawa Dippin’ Dots in a library parking lot on a warm spring night.
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Marissa (class of 2025) which features some tunes to help you study.
Study Gems
We know everyone listens to music to help them get through a tough assignment or a long study period for a hard exam. But, we also know that some of the music you listen to might be getting old. Here’s a collection of songs I like to study to. Enjoy!
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.
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.
While Blurryface has never been my favorite album by Twenty One Pilots, “Stressed Out,” the first song I heard from this album, holds a special place for me as it introduced me to the group.
Originally a band, Twenty One Pilots is now a duo. “Heathens” is probably their most well-known song, released as the lead single from the motion picture soundtrack to the DC Comics film Suicide Squad (2016). The album dives into themes of insecurity, anxiety, and self-doubt, personified by the character of Blurryface, representing the darker aspects of the human psyche. Each track feels like a window into the singer’s inner turmoil, with hits like “Stressed Out” capturing the universal feeling of pressure to succeed while longing for simpler times. The album blends genres like pop, hip-hop, and alternative rock.
Though some people, including fans, may criticize Blurryface for its commercial success and mainstream appeal, its widespread popularity shows its ability to connect with listeners on a profound level, addressing universal themes of insecurity and self-doubt in a relatable way. However, I believe that other tracks like “Lane Boy” and “The Judge” deserve the same appreciation as the most popular singles. I listened to them a lot when I was stressed out in high school.
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Luis (class of 2025) and features music by Columbian singer Karol G.
Karol G
Carolina Giraldo Navarro, better known as KAROL G, is a Latin artist from Medellin, Colombia who has been rising in the music industry as of late. She just won her first Grammy this year and is only continuing to rise in the charts. I have been listening to her a lot recently and wanted to share some of my favorite songs.
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Eli (class of 2024) which features noisy music for stressful times.
Loud, Noisy Music in Times of Stress
In the chaos of life, sometimes it’s best to block out all the noise with some noise of your own. If you also like loud, noisy music in times of stress, here are some recommendations:
