Tag Archives: popular music

Parsons Playlists: “La Rochelle, je t’aime”

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Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Kiran (class of 2024) and features musical discoveries from her study abroad experience in La Rochelle, France.

La Rochelle, je t’aime

This summer I had the opportunity to study abroad on the coast of France with other UR students. I spent a month travelling, learning, and eating a ton of croissants. Every year, Dr. Olivier Delers takes students to La Rochelle, a beautiful city just north of Bordeaux. Our trip also happened to coincide with two major festivals that happen in the downtown area: Francofolies and FERMA La Rochelle. Francofolies is a four-day music festival showcasing some of the most popular French artists, while FERMA is international film festival that takes place the week before.

Prior to my trip, I had listened to mostly Indian and American music. I enjoy listening to music in different languages, so I had high hopes for Francofolies. This playlist is inspired by my favorite French and Belgian artists, some of who I had the chance to see live in La Rochelle. This trip gave me some of the best memories, and I am so grateful to have experienced everything that this city had to offer.

Photo by Kiran Saini

1. “Elle m’a dit” by MIKA

2. “Bruxelles je t’aime” by Angèle

3. “Fever” by Dua Lipa (feat. Angèle)

4. “Papaoutai” by Stormae

5. “Dernière danse” by Indila

6. “Amour censure” by Hoshi

7. “Tu me Play” by Juliette Armanet

8. “Grace Kelly” by MIKA

9. “Et même après je t’aimerai” by Hoshi

10. “A la Folie” by Juliette Armanet

11. “Démons” by Angèle (feat. Damso)

12. “Le Dernier Jour du Disco” by Juliette Armanet

Here is the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZewLM26S9ojkqrc28RWQwdMO

Arachnophonia: Elton John “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”

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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.

Parsons Playlists: “Songs That Make Me Happy”

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Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Allison (class of 2022) and features some songs that make her happy. 🙂

Songs that make me happy

music-makes-me-happy-by-plastickheart

Palace – “Live Well”

Grizzly Bear – “Two Weeks”

alt-J – “In Cold Blood”

Dr. Dog – “Nellie”

Young the Giant – “Mind Over Matter (Reprise)”

The Maccabees – “Toothpaste Kisses”

Shakey Graves (feat. Esme Patterson) – “Dearly Departed”

alt-J – “Lovely Day”

Passion Pit – “Carried Away”

Milky Chance – “Colorado”

Unknown Mortal Orchestra – “So Good At Being In Trouble”

Local Natives – “I Saw You Close Your Eyes”

Broken Bells – “Shelter”

alt-J – “Left Hand Free”

NoMBe – “Wait”

Cold War Kids – “Love Is Mystical”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZezE8C3Ih7-i8bBqEZGfFKIf

And here is an extended version on Spotify:

Arachnophonia: The Beach Boys “Smile”

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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 Amy (class of 2025) and features The Beach Boys’ unfinished album Smile. Thanks, Amy!

The Beach Boys

Smile

The Beach Boys - Smile

Referred to as the most renowned unreleased album in pop music history, Smile was supposed to be the 12th studio album by the American band the Beach Boys, projected to be released after their album Pet Sounds. However, they did not officially release the album, potentially because of legality issues with Capitol Records and the producer and composer of the album – Brian Wilson’s – rocky emotional state.

The album had fully completed musical tracks, but only a few of the songs have vocal recordings. Potentially because of his fear of ridicule, Brian Wilson refused to finish the album, but when bootleg versions of the album became popular among the Beach Boys’ audience in the 80s, Capitol Records released a portion of the album to the public in the 90s.

Wilson drew inspiration from astrology, numerology, and the occult when composing Smile. He also became fascinated with religion, even adopting meditation and vegetarianism. Wilson wanted this album to be a “teenage symphony to God.” The group named the album Smile because it focused on good thought and happiness.

You can find the Beach Boys Smile album at the Parsons Music Library. The box set includes 40 tracks, many of which are unfinished but include parts of the structure of the original Smile album. The box also includes a small book of notes from Wilson and photos from the recording sessions.

Arachnophonia: “La flor de la canela” by Chabuca Granda

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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 Nicole (class of 2024) and features popular song from Peru called “La flor de la canela”. Thanks, Nicole!

“La flor de la canela” – Chabuca Granda

La Flor de la Canela

“La flor de la Canela,” which translates to: “ The Cinnamon flower” in English, is a vals criollo song first recorded by the group Los Morochucos in 1950, and later popularized by the singer and composer Chabuca Granda in the same year. Chabuca is a symbol of música criolla in Peru, a genre that exhibits influences from European, African, and Andean music.

Chabuca Cantando

Chabuca Grande singing on a Peruvian TV show circa 1960

I have grown up hearing this popular song on the radio since it has become the unofficial anthem of the citizens of Lima, the capital of Peru. The song also conveys a beautiful meaning. The expression itself, “to be a cinnamon flower” means to be proud and far from reach.

Chabuca was inspired to write the song because of a friend who would always come to her performances, an African Peruvian woman named Victoria Angulo Castillo. During their meetings, Victoria would tell Chabuca about her journey home after the shows, crossing an old wooden bridge: “el Viejo Puente de Palo”. The lyrics tell the story of a young beautiful woman on her journey home. This woman is described as “the cinnamon flower.”

A CD with Chabuca’s greatest hits, including “La flor de la Canela,” is available to check out at the Parsons Music Library!

Parsons Playlists: Disney Tears

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Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist features a playlist of tear inducing Disney songs curated by Music Library student manager Eliana (class of 2024).

Disney Tears: Disney Songs That Make Me Cry

Sometimes, you just need a good cry. What better way to do it than by listening to Disney movie hits? Curl up, grab a box of tissues, and get your cry on.

Death of Mufasa - The Lion King

“Go The Distance” from Hercules

“Dos Oruguitas” from Encanto

“Remember Me” from Coco

“The Next Right Thing” from Frozen II

“Can You Feel The Love Tonight” from The Lion King

“I See The Light” from Tangled

“Beauty and the Beast (Tale As Old As Time)” from Beauty and the Beast

“A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes” from Cinderella

“Reflection” from Mulan

“Just Around The Riverbend” from Pocahontas

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57Zez8MPSzhhLbHR1OEA3Mup4k

And here is a version on Spotify:

Arachnophonia: Green Day “American Idiot”

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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 Deisy (class of 2024) and features Green Day’s 2004 album American Idiot. Thanks, Deisy!

Green Day

American Idiot

Green Day - American Idiot

Green Day is a band that many are fans of and many have heard of. I remember going to my local dentist and waiting to be attended to when their infamous song “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” begins to play. Without fail, every year I would step into this dentist and the song would start playing on the radio. As time went on, I discovered the name of the song and eventually got into listening to the band and have since fallen in love with many of their songs. And I wonder, was this song such a prominent part of other people’s lives just as it was to me, or was I just exposed to it too consistently in that dentist room?

The band’s official beginnings started in 1989 as a group of teenagers in Northern California came together to create Green Day. Their most successful and biggest hit album, American Idiot, shook the world when it came out in 2004. This album contains songs like “Boulevard of Broken Dreams“, “Holiday“, and “Wake Me Up When September Ends“.

While this music may not be to everyone’s taste, it is certainly a genre that can allow one to feel free and youthful. Green Day was known as a band that empowered the youth and was not scared to point out the faults of today’s society. They are the type of band one listens to when trying to de-stress and feel that sense of freedom many young adults crave.

Currently, the Pearsons Music Library has a copy of American Idiot and other notable albums such as 21st-Century Breakdown (2009) and Dookie, which are available for loans or to simply listen to in our study rooms. If at any moment in the semester you feel like decompressing with some pop-punk, try giving Green Day a listen!

green-day-american-idiot-video

Arachnophonia: Queen Greatest Hits

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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 Deisy (class of 2024) and features insert title info here. Thanks, Deisy!

Queen – Greatest Hits

Queen Greatest Hits

I am ashamed to say that I did not know of Queen until after the movie Bohemian Rhapsody came out in 2018. But it was one of the best decisions I ever made when I decided to do my research and listen to their songs.

My favorite Queen song has to be “Love of My Life” which was released in 1975, beginning with the soft piano music, adding Mercury’s vocals, and finishing off with some electric guitar allowing the listeners to feel the emotions of the singer. The Parsons Music Library has access to all of the band’s greatest hits in a CD form which contains hits such as “Bohemian Rhapsody“, “Somebody to Love“, “Another One Bites the Dust“, and much more.

Queen is the type of band that gets you in the mood to take over the world. Listening to these songs first thing in the morning will allow you to finish the day with a sense of accomplishment. Perfect to get you pumped up for the day or before an exam, it is the type of music you must give a try!

Queen Greatest Hits + logo

Arachnophonia: The Killers “Hot Fuss”

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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 Danny (class of 2023) and features the Killers’ 2004 album Hot Fuss. Thanks, Danny!

The Killers

Hot Fuss

The Killers - Hot Fuss album cover

Everybody – and I mean everybody – seems to know the Killers from one song: “Mr. Brightside.” The song has become a party and nightclub staple, garnering tons of partygoer enthusiasm as everyone shouts the lyrics in unison.
But what if I said that although it is the group’s most popular song, it is not one of their best songs? What if I said that the Killers have been very prominent in the alternative rock industry for years, pumping out album after album over the years, with some of the core members remaining in the band for its entire existence?

I can go on for hours talking in-depth about every single one of the Killers’ albums, from Hot Fuss all the way to Pressure Machine. My favorite album of all time, Sam’s Town, is also by the Killers. However, in terms of popularity, I feel that Hot Fuss takes the awards. Therefore, to appeal to the general public of those reading this post, my focus will be on this 45 minute masterpiece.

Hot Fuss was released on June 7th 2004 and reached seventh on the Billboard 200. Although being extremely popular in America, the album was actually more of a commercial success in Ireland and England. This album, was the beginning of a 17 year (and counting) career. It was the very first album by the Killers and has been the one that most people adore most.

The track list is absolutely amazing. The four band members, Brandon Flowers, Ronnie Vannucci, Dave Keuning, and Mark Stoermer each had significant roles in writing most of the songs. Vanucci, the drummer of the band, had the least writing credits on the album, but only 3 of the 11 songs on the album were written alone by Brandon Flowers. The rest all involved some sort of mix of the 4.

One of the most interesting easter eggs within the album is the connection between two of the songs and “Leave the Bourbon on the Shelf” which was included in their album Sawdust (a compilation of unreleased songs). The two songs in Hot Fuss that are connected are “Jenny was a Friend of Mine” (the opening track) and “Midnight Show.” The three songs all tell the story of a criminal case concerning Robert Chambers.

This was also the album that featured the anthem “Mr. Brightside.” Some other notable songs of theirs include “Smile Like you Mean It,” “Somebody Told Me” and “All These Things I’ve Done.”

Despite these being the most popular songs on the album, the tracks I have enjoyed the most are “Everything Will be Alright,” “Believe me Natalie,” and “Change your Mind.” The second of the trio is the most upbeat and encapsulates most of the rock elements the Killers were known for. The other two are much slower and are just as good in my opinion.

In conclusion, Hot Fuss is one of my all time favorites. My ranking for all Killers albums goes as follows:
1. Sam’s Town
2. Hot Fuss
3. Day & Age
4. Battle Born
5. Imploding the Mirage
6. Sawdust
7. Wonderful Wonderful
8. Pressure Machine

Arachnophonia: Beyoncé in Formation: Remixing Black Feminism

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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 Eliana (class of 2024) and features a book that takes a deep dive into the 2016 Beyoncé album Lemonade from a feminist/LGBTQ+ perspective. Thanks, Eliana!

Beyoncé in Formation: Remixing Black Feminism
by Omise’eke Natasha Tinsley

Beyonce in Formation: Remixing Black Feminism

Beyoncé in Formation offers a deep-dive into the lyrics and meaning of Beyoncé’s 2016 album Lemonade through a Black feminist and LGBTQ+ lens, creating a deeply nuanced and complex view of the Billboard #1 album.

Tinsley effectively combines her personal life, renowned Black feminist and LGBTQ+ artists, and Beyoncé’s album into one cohesive story wherein she breaks down the ways in which Beyoncé’s album is not only a Black-empowerment album, but an album that introduces complex feminist and LGBTQ+ ideas rarely seen in mainstream music.

I originally picked up this book because I love picking apart lyrics and delving into hidden messages in songs and music videos, however I quickly realized that it would be about much more than song inspection. I appreciate the way in which Tinsley was able to integrate her life into the greater story of Black feminism in a way that felt raw and real, much like the rest of the book. She doesn’t dance around any subject, and no subject matter is too grandiose to take on. Whether it’s gender and sexuality, racism, or the history of music, Tinsley covers it all.

Beyonce - Lemonade (album cover)

Of course, this book would be nothing without the album Lemonade itself. The CD is also available at Parsons Music Library — feel free to check out both the CD and the book to heighten your experience!

EN Beyonce 2016

Picture of the author (Eliana class of 2024) at a Beyonce concert in 2016