Arachnophonia: Stevie Wonder “Songs in the Key of Life”

Posted on November 11, 2024 by marmstr3

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 Lay’la (class of 2025) and features Stevie Wonder’s classic album Songs in the Key of Life. Thanks, Lay’la!

Stevie Wonder

Songs in the Key of Life

Looking for a calming, captivating and engaging recess? Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life provides this very experience. Released in 1976, this double album is not just a collection of songs; it’s a profound exploration of life, love, and social consciousness that remains salient today.

Songs in the Key of Life is a fascinating blend of genres, seamlessly weaving together soul, R&B, jazz, and pop. From the infectious tunes of “I Wish” to the haunting beauty of “Knocks Me Off My Feet,” each track showcases Wonder’s unparalleled musicianship and vocal prowess. The album opens with “Love’s in Need of Love Today,” a gentle yet powerful reminder of the universal need for compassion and understanding.

Wonder’s experimentation with sound is evident throughout the album. He uses an array of instruments — from harmonicas to synthesizers — that were groundbreaking at the time. Tracks like “Isn’t She Lovely” showcase his ability to craft a beautiful melody that celebrates the joy of fatherhood, while “Pastime Paradise” tackles social issues with a reflective tone, incorporating elements of classical music that add to its richness.

The influence of Songs in the Key of Life extends far beyond its initial release. It has inspired countless artists across genres and remains a staple in music education. The album’s themes of love and social justice continue to resonate, making it a timeless piece that encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and the world around them.

You can listen to Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life on CD at the Parsons Music Library!

Arachnophonia: OutKast “Aquemini”

Posted on October 18, 2023 by marmstr3

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 OutKast’s 1998 album Aquemini. Thanks, Deisy!

OutKast

Aquemini

The dynamic duo that swept the Hip hop scene in the late 1990s/early 2000s, OutKast consisted of André 3000 and Big Boi. With only six studio albums and 32 singles, OutKast made a big name for themselves in hip hop, and disbanded in 2007. They have very memorable songs that many have heard in movies and radio such as “Hey Ya!” And “Ms. Jackson.”

Many of their albums live in the Parson Music Library at UR. My favorite of the bunch must be Aquemini, released in 1998. Their music is the type to transition into our current media in the best way possible. This album can be a refreshing break from the current hip hop and musical scene. Songs to check out form the album include: “Chonkyfire,” “Mamacita,” and “Da Art of Storytelling.” Aquemini is definitely worth checking out from Parsons Music Library.

Arachnophonia: Amy Winehouse “Back To Black”

Posted on April 11, 2023 by marmstr3

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 Amy (class of 2025) and features Amy Winehouse’s 2007 album Back To Black. Thanks, Amy!

Amy Winehouse

Back To Black

Amy Winehouse - Back to Black

Amy Winehouse’s album Back to Black has been my top album since I was 16. Not only is the unique quality of her voice astounding but her lyrics perfectly encapsulate the realities of an abusive relationship.

Back to Black was Winehouse’s sophomore album and the title track, “Rehab,” suggested the album would be nothing like its predecessor Frank (released in 2003). Frank sounded as if Winehouse had taken the lyrics of an artist like Michael Bublé and added a bit of hip-hop to it, the most notable piece was her voice.

These raspy painful notes that begin “Rehab,” a Top 10 hit in the UK and US, point to the three years between Frank and Back to Black being far from easy. After Frank debuted, Winehouse began a very topsy-turvy relationship with Blake Fielder-Civil, a music video assistant. Fielder-Civil has come forward and admitted to being Winehouse’s introduction to hard drugs. The two would get into physical and verbal altercations in public, the catalysis of this being Fielder-Civil leaving Winehouse at one point for his ex-girlfriend.

Fielder-Civil leaving was the inspriation for the song “Back to Black.” It described the dark moments of depression she felt after he left. It also described how she went back to abusing alcohol after he left because she didn’t have anything else to cope with.

Another of her famous singles “Love is a Losing Game,” a long metaphor for love being an unfair game, the song, while quite simple with lyrics like “Know you’re a gambling man/ Love is a losing hand,” is considered to be one of Winehouse’s most powerful songs because of its deep meaning.

My personal favorite song, “Tears Dry on Their Own” is an anthem for those who need the hard truth: it is time to get over it. In an interview with BBC, Winehouse described her inspiration for the song: “I was with someone that I couldn’t really be with and I knew it wouldn’t last. But I think because I knew it couldn’t last, it’s kinda like saying, “I’m upset, but I know I’ll get over it, I guess.”

After a stint in rehab and an arrest for marijuana possession, Winehouse won five Grammy Awards in 2008, an award ceremony she was not able to attend as the US denied her visa on grounds of use and abuse of narcotics. That same year, Back to Black was said to be the second-highest selling album in the world. Winehouse died of accidental alcohol poisoning on July 23, 2011.

Digital Resources: Qwest.TV

Posted on March 22, 2021 by marmstr3

The Music Library has more resources available than physical items. We’re highlighting some of our digital resources, and including information about them as told by our student employees.

Today’s digital resource is:

Qwest.TV

Qwest.TV

Here’s what student manager Abby (class of 2021) had to say about this resource:

“QwestTV is the first ever streaming service dedicated to Jazz, Soul, Funk & World Music. Created by Quincy Jones and curated by other music legends, this service contains hundreds of concerts, documentaries, archives, and exclusive content. And with the “My List” feature, you can keep track of all your favorites. On top of premium streaming video, QwestTV also offers articles, interviews, and album reviews written by professional journalists and renowned jazz experts. With content spanning decades, this service is a powerful research tool and just an all-around awesome resource for any music lover.”

qwesttv

Arachnophonia: Amy Winehouse “Back To Black”

Posted on December 13, 2019 by marmstr3

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 Lauren (class of 2023) and features Back To Black, the second and final studio album by English singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse. Thanks, Lauren!

Amy Winehouse

Back To Black

Amy Winehouse - Back to Black

Back to Black by Amy Winehouse is one of the most influential albums of all time that served to inspire the next wave of female artists such as Adele and Florence and the Machine. Amy Winehouse was an English singer with a uniquely soulful and expressive vocal repertoire. Her music is reminiscent of blues, jazz, and soul by conveying a deep and emotional mood. Not only was her music so revolutionary for its new sound, but it was also reflective of her life and personal struggles. The song “Rehab” featured on the album reflects on the protagonist’s desire to avoid going to rehab for alcohol abuse, unfortunately foreshadowing the singer’s demise. This album may be used for research in order to understand more about Winehouse’s personal emotions, or to learn how she influenced later female artists.

Personally, Amy Winehouse has been someone I’ve admired for her empowering songs and unique character. Even though she has since passed, she remains an iconic musical artist, whose music will be remembered forever. When I listen to Back to Black, I am immediately transported into another time-period and empowered by my femininity.

amy winehouse

Arachnophonia: Anita Baker “Giving You The Best That I Got”

Posted on November 27, 2017 by marmstr3

Editor’s note: Arachnophonia is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about items in 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 Music Library student worker, Nancy (class of 2018) and features a classic 1988 album from R&B singer Anita Baker. Thanks, Nancy!

Anita Baker

Giving You The Best That I Got

Anita Baker - Giving You The Best That I Got

Anita Baker is a soulful jazz, gospel, and R&B songstress from Ohio. Growing up in a household with musically inclined individuals, there was always a song being played. The most frequent artist I heard on a daily basis was Ms. Anita Baker. Her smooth and rich contralto voice eluded love and romance. She has had many classic love songs, but one of my favorites is “Giving You the Best That I Got” from her 1988 album of the same name. The song is about two people who have unconditional love for one another. It is sung in a rhythmic way and as you listen closely you can find different contextual expressions she adds to this piece. She paints one vivid picture of what love should really be not only in this song, but in all of her albums. Anita Baker has inspired my own original music and the way I structure my songs. Listening to her music soothes my soul and makes me reminisce on childhood memories.

Anita Baker - Giving You The Best That I Got (single)