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 perhaps somewhat unknown among younger generations, Barry Manilow’s music career has spanned seven decades and has produced 51 top 40 singles and 13 platinum albums. He is most known for his hits “Copacabana,” “Mandy,” and “Could it be Magic,” but my far and away favorite Manilow masterpiece is “I Write the Songs.”
Manilow’s soft and sentimental ballad reached the top spot of Billboard charts upon release in 1977. Except, the song is not Barry Manilow’s. Written in 1975 by Beach Boys member Bruce Johnston, the song was first released by teen sensation David Cassidy in 1975. Cassidy’s version peaked at number 11 on the UK singles chart but has been far outshone by Manilow’s recording, which has tens of millions of plays on Spotify today. Manilow originally refused to record his own version of the song, as he felt that the public would not carefully listen to the lyrics and would think Manilow was singing about himself, instead of another, mysterious “I.” Following the massive success of his version, Manilow wrote and released another song called “I Really Do Write the Songs” as a bonus track of his 2006 reissue of This One’s for You.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Alexandra (class of 2026) featuring some classical music.
