Arachnophonia: Bob Dylan “100 Songs”

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 a collection of 100 lyrics by Bob Dylan. Thanks, Eliana!

Bob Dylan

100 Songs

Bob Dylan - 100 Songs (book cover)

Bob Dylan is one of the most prolific singer-songwriters of the 20th century. He has written over 500 songs throughout the span of his career, both for himself and other artists. His most famous works include “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They Are A-Changin’,” which became civil rights and antiwar anthems following the frustrations many Americans were facing in the 60’s. He has received a plethora of awards, including ten Grammys, a Golden Globe, an Oscar, and the Nobel Prize in Literature.

His book, 100 Songs, is a self curated collection of 100 of his most profound works. His lyrics adorn the pages, underscoring their poetic nature. If you’re a fan of Dylan’s work, the book is a must read. For me, seeing his lyrics sprawled across 200 pages deepens their significance and allure.

You can check out this book, along with over 100 other Bob Dylan-related materials, from Parsons Music Library. Maybe grab a CD or two to enhance your reading experience!

Arachnophonia: The Sound of Music

Editor’s note: Arachnophonia 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 worker Emma A. (class of 2021) and features the libretto for the classic Rodgers & Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music. Thanks, Emma!

The Sound of Music: The Complete Book and Lyrics of the Broadway Musical

I’ve chosen to discuss the libretto for The Sound of Music. Growing up this movie, play, and its music were quintessential to my after-school evenings and my sister’s love for the music. She was Maria in our school’s production of this show which inspired my own love for the drama club years later. We would watch this movie over and over until we knew every word and could sing along perfectly. They are very happy memories that I share with my sister; and the rest of my family and I will always enjoy listening to and watching The Sound of Music no matter how many times we’ve done it before.

I love how some of the songs are so intricate and over-the-top (“The Lonely Goatherd”) and some are so sweetly written and simple (“My Favorite Things”). No matter which song from the show you’re playing, they are all different — no two sound the same. Some Broadway shows can be very repetitive and over the course of three hours song after song can become boring, but that was never the case for me with The Sound of Music. In addition, the talent that you need to sing some of the songs is amazing. That’s not to say anyone can’t sing along, but to sing them well requires some major pipes. My sister had this talent and seeing her perform our favorite show was one of the moments she truly knew that music and singing would be her life’s passion.

I think that watching, or even just listening to, The Sound of Music is a must for everyone, even if you’re not into musicals. The story line is so captivating and the music is beautiful. If you’ve never seen it before give it a try! If you’re feeling so inclined after, take out this book and learn some of the songs too!

Sound of Music banner

New CD’s added this month!

Classical

Bartlett & Robertson – Selected Recordings, 1927-1947
Harriet Cohen – Complete Solo Studio Recordings
Philip Corner – Satie Slowly
Myra Hess – Complete Solo and Concerto Studio Recordings
Matthay Miscellany – Rare and Unissued Recordings
Moura Lympany – HMV recordings, 1947 – 1952
Irene Scharrer — Complete Electric and Selected Acoustic Recordings
Schnabel, A. – Complete Beethoven Sonatas
Schubert, F. – Die Schöne Müllerin | Winterreise | Schwanengesang
Katrina Szederkényi – Fantasias and Fugues: Music For Harp

Vocal

Ferrera Ensemble – Figures of Harmony – Songs of Codex Chantilly c. 1390
Arvo Pärt – Tintinnabuli
Trio Mediaeval – Aquilonis
Julia Wolfe – Steel Hammer

Electronic

Brian Eno – The Shutov Assembly

Jazz

Nels Cline and Julian Lage – Room
Red Garland Trio – Swingin’ on the Korner

Pop/Rock

D’Angelo and the Vanguard – Black Messiah
Elvis Costello – Beyond Belief: A Tribute to Elvis Costello
The Mavericks – In Time
The Mavericks – Mono
The Mavericks – The Definitive Collection

World Music

Cesaria Evora – The Essential Cesaria Evora

Additional CD’s added in August!

Jazz

Cannonball Adderley – Walk Tall: The David Axelrod Years
Charles Kynard – Legends of Acid Jazz
Miles Davis – Milestones

Pop/Rock

The Hollies – Greatest Hits
The Pretenders – The Singles
Rick Wakeman – The Six Wives of Henry VIII

Western Concert Artistic (i.e. “Classical”)

Walter Braxton – Dance Suite | The Music of Walter Braxton
Walter Braxton – Five Orchestral Movements from the Music of Walter Braxton
Walter Braxton – Selections | The Music of Walter Braxton (DVD)
Walter Braxton – The Music of Walter Braxton

What do you listen to during finals?

 

This thesis proposal has got me down. Help me, 50 Cent!

It’s almost here – the end of the fall semester! With finals almost over, and the campus starting to empty out a bit, I asked the student employees here at Parsons Music Library what they listened to in order to survive the end of the semester. The responses were great fun to read, and also very informative. We’re approaching a new era of music consumption (okay, we’ve actually been here for a long time already) — that of streaming audio and internet radio. It’s fun to hear the music anywhere you like, and get access in a way that suits you. And we’re not the only ones collecting data on this phenomenon, as you’ll see from this recent study.

Below you’ll find our student staff replies to the question “What do you listen to during finals?” Feel free to add your answers to this question in the comments area!

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