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.
I came across this album while shelf reading and instantly was washed over by nostalgia. At the time this album was released I was 10 years old, but my mom loved Adele’s staples such as “Rumor Has It,” and “Rolling in the Deep,” so I heard these songs quite often. I remember listening to them on long car rides to my sister’s ballet classes, never really understanding the lyrics, but I liked the beat.
Adele’s 21 album was created while she was 21, therefore all of the events and feelings she went through during this time of her life are expressed in these songs. As I’m turning 21 this year, I found it comforting to listen to the music again, because now I could actually understand what she was going through and relate. I think this goes to show you that while new music is exciting, it’s always fun to revisit the music you listened to when you were young, especially when you’re feeling down.
As a college student, it’s important to ground yourself once in a while. Revisiting your old music taste can bring back memories, comfort you, and remind you of who you used to be. With pressures of due dates, presentations, and exams, it’s always good to reflect on how far you’ve come. Music is a means of transporting you to that old self so you can appreciate where you are now. So, I suggest you go back and listen to that old playlist, album or song. Because who knows, after listening maybe you’ll discover a new meaning to it.
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Amy (class of 2025) and features songs to play this Spring.
Spring Equinox
Spring cannot come soon enough, and I’m so excited to celebrate the warmer days, blooming flowers, and sunny afternoons. Here are a few songs I think are the best to play to welcome in Spring.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Esther (class of 2025) and features classical pieces used in various film soundtracks.
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Rocio (class of 2027). It features a multi-decade selection of songs.
Through the Decades: A Journey Through Time
This playlist spans across many different styles, from rock to soul, from grunge to pop, each representing the distinct culture of its time (1960s – 2020s).
1960s
The Beatles – “Here Comes the Sun” Genre: Rock/Pop
A perfect track to represent the cultural shift of the ’60s, full of optimism and innovation.
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.
