Parsons Playlists: “Mocha Mousse”

Posted on March 21, 2025 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Amy (class of 2025) and features songs inspired by Pantone’s 2025 color of the year.

Mocha Mousse

I have finally reached my fourth annual Pantone playlist, just in time for my last semester as a student employee at the Parsons Music Library. 2025’s color of the year is Mocha Mousse—a warm, inviting hue that captures our desire to nurture ourselves and others. Pantone describes Mocha Mousse as a velvety, gentle mocha tone that enriches mind, body, and soul with its comforting sophistication. Pantone collaborated with Spoonflower, Pura, and Libratone to celebrate this trend. Spoonflower introduced a collection of fabrics in Mocha Mousse, Pura created a line of artisanal candles based on mocha mousse, and Libratone launched earbuds in mocha mousse. Here are 18 songs I believe are a mix of mellow and cozy warmth.

Field Medic – “mood ring baby”

SZA – “Crybaby”

First Aid Kit – “Emmylou”

Lana Del Rey – “Say Yes To Heaven”

Norah Jones – “Don’t Know Why”

Adele – “All Night Parking (with Erroll Garner) Interlude”

Thee Sacred Souls – “Will I See You Again?”

Faye Webster – “In A Good Way”

SZA – “Kitchen”

Laufey – “Dreamer”

Clairo – “Add Up My Love”

Bon Iver – “For Emma”

Big Thief – “Paul”

Gregory Alan Isakov – “Big Black Car”

Lizzy McAlpine – “Spring Into Summer”

Kacey Musgraves – “Deeper Well”

Alice Phoebe Lou – “Open My Door”

Faye Webster – “I Know You”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSwAwMtTLDwgk29zVCiZI-F4kc76ROd5y&si=V2cHYzrU-PhA-2FM

And here it is on Spotify:

Parsons Playlists: Still Woozy

Posted on March 18, 2025 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Torsten (class of 2025) and features music by Still Woozy and other indie pop artists.

Still Woozy

Still Woozy is one of my favorite artists, so this playlist features a mix of my favorite songs by him along with other similar music that matches his vibe. Enjoy!

Still Woozy – “Anyone But You”

Kid Bloom – “Electric U”

Wallows – “Pleaser”

Still Woozy – “Run It Back”

Your Neighbors – “Beta”

Still Woozy – “Wolfcat”

Still Woozy – “Shotput”

Still Woozy – “Again”

Remi Wolf – “Sexy Villian”

Still Woozy – “Habit”

Still Woozy – “Goodie Bag”

Kid Bloom – “LEMONHEAD”

Still Woozy – “Lucy”

Still Woozy – “Woopie”

Ax and the Hatchetmen – “Peach Trees”

Still Woozy – “Window”

Still Woozy – “Get Down”

Still Woozy – “Cooks”

Glass Animals – “Gooey”

PawPaw Rod – “Lemonhaze”

Last Dinosaurs – “Italo Disco”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZezkEGwmyJKWC-6L1J2sp5Xf&si=MCvBsuKVwcWhbUMW

And here it is on Spotify:

Parsons Playlists: Spring Equinox

Posted on March 4, 2025 by marmstr3

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.

Angel Olsen – “Spring”

Weyes Blood – “Wild Time”

John Denver – “Season Suite: Spring”

Simon & Garfunkel – “Keep the Customer Satisfied”

Paul Simon – “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard”

Kacy Hill – “Damn”

Norah Jones – “Sunrise”

Rising Appalachia – “The Bones”

Gerry Rafferty – “Right Down the Line”

Talking Heads – “This Must Be the Place”

Simon & Garfunkel – “April Come She Will”

Nick Drake – “One of These Things First”

Fleetwood Mac – “Never Going Back Again”

The Crystals – “Then He Kissed Me”

The 1975 – “You”

Lake Street Drive – “Rich Girl”

beabadoobee – “Sunny day”

Jalen Ngonda – “If You Don’t Want My Love”

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – “Our House”

Joni Mitchell – “Both Sides Now”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSwAwMtTLDwjC-sBH-eLuCC8sebunuhBM&si=-4ZvDYCUdBRZlDac

And here it is on Spotify:

Parsons Playlists: Music in Film

Posted on February 24, 2025 by marmstr3

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.

Music in Film

Ludwig Van Beethoven – “Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125: ‘Ode to Joy'” (Die Hard)

Modest Mussorgsky – “Pictures at an Exhibition: II. Gnomus” (The Big Lebowski)

Béla Bartók – “Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta” (The Shining)

Frédéric Chopin – “Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor Romance Larghetto” (The Truman Show)

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – “Duettino Sull’aria from Le nozze di Figaro“ (The Shawshank Redemption)

Gustav Mahler – “Symphony No. 5 in C sharp minor, Adagietto” (Death in Venice)

Richard Strauss – “Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30: I Prelude” (2001: A Space Odyssey)

Peter Il’yich Tchaikovsky – “Fantasy Overture from Romeo and Juliet“ (A Christmas Story)

Franz Schubert – “Polonaise in B Flat Major, D.580” (Little Women)

Dario Marianelli – “Dawn” (Pride & Prejudice)

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZezXVAhyJoSw1tbSYTslfXXH&si=Tg37dJ6ldT0DH7uv

Parsons Playlists: Through the Decades

Posted on February 21, 2025 by marmstr3

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.

Aretha Franklin – “Respect”
Genre: Soul/R&B
An iconic anthem for empowerment and the civil rights movement.

1970s

David Bowie – “Space Oddity”
Genre: Glam Rock
This track encapsulates the futuristic and experimental vibes of the ’70s.

Fleetwood Mac – “Landslide”
Genre: Folk Rock
A soft, introspective classic that showcases the band’s emotional depth.

1980s

Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean”
Genre: Pop/Funk
One of the defining tracks of the ’80s, with its infectious groove and pioneering production.

The Smiths – “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out”
Genre: Indie Rock
A melancholic yet beautiful anthem from the ’80s alternative scene.

1990s

Nirvana – “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
Genre: Grunge/Rock
A cultural shift to grunge, encapsulating the rebellious spirit of the ’90s.

Lauryn Hill – “Doo Wop (That Thing)”
Genre: R&B/Hip-Hop
A blend of soulful R&B and sharp rap lyrics that defined ’90s hip-hop culture.

2000s

OutKast – “Hey Ya!”
Genre: Funk/Pop
A genre-defying hit that blends funk, pop, and dance.

Amy Winehouse – “Rehab”
Genre: Soul/Pop
A modern classic, blending jazz, soul, and pop with sharp lyrics.

2010s

Kendrick Lamar – “Alright”
Genre: Hip-Hop
An anthem for social change, it captures the political and cultural landscape of the 2010s.

Lorde – “Royals”
Genre: Indie Pop
This minimalist anthem became a defining song of the ’10s indie scene.

2020s

Taylor Swift – “All Too Well”
Genre: Pop/country
A track that redefined mainstream pop with its unique production and style.

Olivia Rodrigo – “drivers license”
Genre: Pop
One of the biggest songs of the 2020s, full of emotional vulnerability and teenage angst.

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZezxvxmvyKbScOGaCAawroKq&si=6FIbD3s07_Bu9S3M

Parsons Playlists: Kendrick Lamar

Posted on February 14, 2025 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Luis (class of 2025) who shares some of his favorite Kendrick Lamar songs in the wake of Lamar‘s appearance in the Super Bowl Halftime show on February 9th.

Kendrick Lamar

As many of you might already know, Kendrick Lamar graced this year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show with an unforgettable performance. For those who may not be familiar with him, Kendrick Lamar is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer, renowned for blending hip-hop with elements of jazz, funk, soul, and spoken word. His music often delves into themes such as race, social justice, and personal introspection. Lamar’s work is celebrated for its thought-provoking storytelling and intricate, layered lyricism.

Beyond his music, he is a powerful voice for activism, using his platform to address important issues impacting the African-American community. Following his recent Super Bowl performance, which many have described as a powerful statement filled with symbolism, discussions about his message regarding the current political climate in the U.S. have been buzzing across social media. With that in mind, I wanted to share some of my favorite songs by Kendrick Lamar.

Kendrick Lamar – “Humble”

Kendrick Lamar – “Swimming Pools (Drank)”

Kendrick Lamar (ft. Zacari) – “LOVE”

Kendrick Lamar (ft. Jay Rock) – “Money Trees”

Kendrick Lamar – “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe”

Kendrick Lamar and SZA – “luther”

Kendrick Lamar – “Squabble Up”

Kendrick Lamar – “tv off”

Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”

Kendrick Lamar and SZA – “All The Stars”

SZA (ft. Kendrick Lamar) – “30 For 30”

Kendrick Lamar, Metro Boomin, and Future – “Like That”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57Zezy-7tY2ZXWT7JESsEvc5V4&si=7ePWGFOcX6CYkhD6

Parsons Playlists: Afrofuturism

Posted on February 7, 2025 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library Associate Melanie and features some music with an Afrofuturism aesthetic.

Afrofuturism

Afrofuturism is a genre that centers Black history and culture and incorporates science-fiction, technology, and futuristic elements into literature, music, and the visual arts. Often using current social movements or popular culture as a backdrop, Afrofuturism focuses on works that examine the past, question the present, or imagine an (often) optimistic future, and are meant to inspire a sense of pride in their audience.

From Sun Ra‘s cosmic jazz to Beyoncé‘s homage to her roots in “Black Parade” to Janelle Monáe‘s sci fi themes of identity and liberation and beyond, afrofuturistic music highlights Black imagination, storytelling, and resilience. So enjoy some out of this world grooves by Black artists!

Parliament – “Mothership Connection (Star Child)”

Sun Ra – “Plutonian Nights”

Alice Coltrane – “The Sun”

Pharoah Sanders – “Astral Traveling”

Labelle – “Space Children”

Herbie Hancock – “Rockit”

Public Enemy – “Welcome to the Terrordome”

Janelle Monáe (feat. Erykah Badu) – “Q.U.E.E.N.”

Stevie Wonder – “Higher Ground”

Earth Wind and Fire – “Getaway”

Janelle Monáe (feat. Big Boi) – “Tightrope”

Kendrick Lamar – “Black Panther”

Beyoncé – “Black Parade”

Betty Davis – “They Say I’m Different”

Afrika Bambaataa and The Sonic Force – “Planet Rock”

Erykah Badu – “The Healer”

Funkadelic – “Cosmic Slop”

Grace Jones – “Slave to the Rhythm”

A Tribe Called Quest – “Electric Relaxation”

Sun Ra – “Space is the Place”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZexgVaxF7DIz4bnYkKqf04go&si=PBZ_AkQFoPRYipiy

And here it is on Spotify:

Parsons Playlists: Bring It Back Now, Y’all

Posted on January 31, 2025 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Jillian (class of 2027) and features some songs for when you need to dance.

Bring It Back Now, Y’all

A fun throwback playlist for when you need a little dance 🙂

Diana Ross – “I’m Coming Out”

Natalie Cole – “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)”

Big Mountain – “Baby I Love Your Way”

Thurston Harris and the Sharps – “Little Bitty Pretty One”

Bee Gees – “You Should Be Dancing”

Earth Wind & Fire – “Boogie Wonderland”

James Brown – “I Got You (I Feel Good)”

The Jackson 5 – “I Want You Back”

Stevie Wonder – “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)”

Cass Elliot – “Make Your Own Kind Of Music”

James Brown – “Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag”

Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell – “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZewBj17QP-3Ll_Enhf0Ee-Ki&si=eUe_wtzUV83dYSIK

Fall 2024 Playlists Roundup

Posted on December 10, 2024 by marmstr3

As the fall semester draws to a close and you are working on papers, exams, etc., it can be fun to look back on what one has accomplished.

Our student employees have worked hard curating Parsons Playlists all semester, so here’s a roundup of all their posts for your enjoyment.
Clicking on the links will take you to each playlist.

* End of Summer (Christine ’25)

* Indie Rock (Torsten ’25)

* Music Censorship (Amy ’25)

* Happy Fall, Y’all (Jillian ’27)

* Bridgerton: A Regency Romance Playlist (Rocio ’27)

* Autumn Equinox (Amy ’25)

* Seasonal Joy (Marissa ’25)

* Interlude (Esther ’25)

* K-Pop (Sophia ’28)

* Happy Birthday Grandma! (Lay’la ’25)

* Wasia Project (Eliana ’26)

* Indian/Pakistani Classics (Ibrahim ’28)

* Kali Uchis and Omar Apollo (Luis ’25)

* Chinese Pop (Tim ’24)

* Sampled Gems! (Laeticia ’26)

* The Charm of Classical Saxophone (Tim ’24)

* Back to the Future (Griffin ’27)

* Barndance (Torsten ’25)

* Filtered Lens (Esther ’25)

You can also see student worker recommendations of items in the Parsons Music Library collection here: ARACHNOPHONIA

Parsons Playlists: Filtered Lens

Posted on December 6, 2024 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Esther (class of 2025). It features music that makes her think of cell phone camera filters.

Filtered Lens