Arachnophonia: The Lion King

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 Isaac (class of 2025) and features piano/vocal selections from The Lion King. Thanks, Isaac!

The Lion King

The Lion King piano/vocal selections

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.

Parsons Playlists: Oldies But Goodies

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Marissa (class of 2025) and features a collection of oldies.

Oldies But Goodies

Looking for some 60s/70s/80s/90s tunes to jam out to with your parents? Or, do you want to explore a different era of music on your own? I’ve gathered together my top picks for an “Oldies but Goodies” vibe.

Elton John – “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”

Billy Joel – “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)”

The Beatles – “Help!”

Fugees – “Killing Me Softly With His Song”

The Monkees – “Daydream Believer”

Edison Lighthouse – “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)”

King Harvest – “Dancing in the Moonlight”

Fleetwood Mac – “Rhiannon”

Queen – “Don’t Stop Me Now”

ABBA – “Voulez Vous”

Glen Campbell – “Southern Nights”

Maxine Nightingale – “Right Back Where We Started From”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEPpzeK8v3s09B3ivoIti76W67R2c2j9B&si=IjPb6SdYLo5ICFBT

Parsons Playlists: Starry Night

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Kiran (class of 2024) and features a playlist for a starry night.

Starry Night

This playlist is inspired by a stargazing night with friends!

Stargazing with telescope

Demi Lovato – “My Love Is Like A Star”

Elton John – “Rocket Man”

Joji – “Slow Dancing In The Dark”

Rainbow Kitten Surprise – “All That And More (Sailboat)”

Twenty One Pilots – “Oh Ms. Believer”

Billie Eilish – “Halley’s Comet”

Sleeping At Last – “Light”

Cigarettes After Sex – “Sunsetz”

Beach House – “Space Song”

Djo – “Chateau (Feel Alright)”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZexJKfsPaCowiVR-rh1UfX7S

Arachnophonia: Elton John – “Rocket Man”/”Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”

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(s) in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Kiran (class of 2024) and features a biography of and albums by Elton John. Thanks, Kiran!

Elton John
Rocket Man: The Life of Elton John by Mark Bego
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John

Rocket Man: The Life of Elton John by Mark Bego

Farwell Yellow Brick Road – The Closing Chapter on Elton John’s Magical Journey

For people in my generation, Elton John was the singer we grew up listening to when our parents were tired of listening to 2010s pop and Disney Channel stars. He (and songwriting partner Bernie Taupin) were the masterminds behind the
music & lyrics we somehow all knew even if we didn’t recognize the name. Needless to say, Elton John has been an influential artist on multiple generations and continues to be one of the biggest names in the music industry.

Elton John - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

This year, he took to the stage one last time and began his very last world tour. John, now 75, has played over 3,500 concerts since his career took off in 1969. The “Farwell Yellow Brick Road” tour began in 2018 and was halted due to COVID-19. In early November of 2022, John completed the North America leg at Dodgers Stadium, as a nod to one of his earliest shows in which he performed in a bedazzled Dodgers uniform. He will continue touring in Europe this summer with about 60 shows left before he takes his final bow.

John has taken on numerous projects during his career, from creating the hit “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” to an entire soundtrack for Gnomeo and Juliet. You can read more about him at Parsons Music Library or listen to one of his many famous albums in our CD section!

Promotional poster for Elton John's Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour

Promotional poster for Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour

Parsons Playlists: Holiday Music

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Danny (class of 2023) and features a selection of favorite tunes for the holiday season.

Holiday Playlist

holiday music

Mariah Carey – “All I Want for Christmas is You”

Wham! – “Last Christmas”

John Legend – “Bring Me Love”

Frank Sinatra – “Jingle Bells”

Bing Crosby – “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”

Gwen Stefani & Blake Shelton – “You Make It Feel Like Christmas”

Katy Perry – “Cozy Little Christmas”

Kelly Clarkson – “Wrapped in Red”

Shakin’ Stevens – “Snow Is Falling”

Jose Feliciano – “Feliz Navidad”

Chris Rea – “Driving Home for Christmas”

Mud – “Lonely This Christmas”

Hall & Oates – “Jingle Bell Rock”

Jackson 5 – “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”

Andy Williams – “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”

holiday music 1

Donny Hathaway – “This Christmas”

Brenda Lee – “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree”

Nat King Cole – “The Christmas Song”

The Eagles – “Please Come Home for Christmas”

Burl Ives – “Holly Jolly Christmas”

The Killers – “Joe the Lump of Coal”

Frank Sinatra – “Let It Snow”

Dean Martin – “Silver Bells”

Andy Williams – “Sleigh Ride”

Elton John – “Step Into Christmas”

Kelly Clarkson – “Underneath the Tree”

Ariana Grande – “Santa Tell Me”

Jonas Brothers – “I Need You Christmas”

Perry Como – “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”

Ella Fitzgerald – “Frosty the Snowman”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57Zez6fASIKZHOQJCOvcT5ALuP

Arachnophonia: Elton John “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”

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 Christian (class of 2023) and features Elton John’s classic 1973 album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Thanks, Christian!

Elton John

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Elton John - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Elton John is one of the most successful and influential musicians of all time, known for his expressive outfits and electrifying performances. In 1973, John released Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, a 17-song album that would go on to sell over 30 million copies worldwide. The album, with lyrics written by Bernie Taupin and produced by Gus Dudgeon, is known as one of John’s best works. Some of the best songs on the album include “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” “Candle in the Wind,” and “Bennie and the Jets”.

Ever since I had to analyze Goodbye Yellow Brick Road for a school project, the title track is one of my favorite songs. On the surface, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” contains rich vocal harmonies, dreamy piano chords, and a crisp drum beat to create a contemplative atmosphere for John to reflect on his life of fame. As a child, I remember my parents singing along to “Bennie and the Jets” on the radio, another personal favorite song of mine from the album. The song has an instantly recognizable introduction and a spectacular piano solo that displays John’s genius piano and composition skills.

Though John struggled with addiction at the height of his fame, he managed to quit his substance abuse and create his own charity, the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Despite his personal struggles, Elton John is one of the most successful musicians of all time, selling over 300 million records and producing many timeless hits that will live on long after his career is over.

Arachnophonia: Live Aid

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 Eliana (class of 2024) and features the Live Aid concert film. Thanks, Eliana!

Live Aid on DVD

Live Aid concert film still

Deemed by many “the greatest show on earth,” Live Aid was, and is still to this day, the largest benefit concert of all time. On July 13th, 1985, the biggest names in Pop and Rock music joined together at both Wembley Stadium in London and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia to raise money for the famine that left ⅕ of Ethiopia’s total population without food.

Huge stars including, but not limited to, Queen, Elton John, David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, and Sting were all present across the two locations. In total, they raised more than $127 million towards famine relief – almost $330 million by today’s standards.

The four-disc DVD set of the event is available at Parsons Music library. In its case, you’ll see photographs from the concert, as well as a pamphlet that contains the first draft of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?,” two pages from the original Live Aid program, and various facts about the significance of the event.

Don’t have a DVD player? Have no fear! At Parsons Music Library, you can check out portable disc drives or visit study spaces with DVD players inside. If you have any questions, someone behind the front desk will always be available to help.

Live Aid dvd set