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

Parsons Playlists: Back to the Future

Posted on November 22, 2024 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Griffin (class of 2027). It features a mix of new and older songs.

Back to the Future

Recently, I’ve been listening to mostly old music as well as whatever new releases were coming out, so I thought, why not combine the time differences into one playlist? Listening to them all, it’s interesting to listen to the common themes from each period and how the sound has evolved into what we enjoy today. Listening from old to new, new to old, or shuffling the list gives light to new experiences as well.

Sampha – “Dancing Circles 2.0”

JPEGMAFIA – “either on or off the drugs”

Mustafa feat. Daniel Caesar – “Leaving Toronto”

KAYTRANADA feat. Childish Gambino – “Witchy”

The Weeknd, Playboi Carti – “Timeless”

Clairo – “Juna”

MAXO KREAM X TYLER, THE CREATOR – “CRACC ERA”

FKA twigs – “Eusexua”

Denzel Curry ft. Ty Dolla $ign & Juicy J – “COLE PIMP”

The Temptations – “The Way You Do The Things You Do”

Ben E. King – “Stand By Me”

Sly & The Family Stone – “Family Affair”

The Flamingos – “I Only Have Eyes for You”

Bobby Hebb – “Sunny”

Paul Simon – “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover”

Stevie Wonder – “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing”

Ray Charles – “What’d I Say”

Bob Dylan – “The Times They Are A-Changin'”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZezTVskBwAUxuXEeauYQTMFG&si=2Sv6jGo_Mymlm_Ki

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!

Parsons Playlists: Happy Birthday Grandma!

Posted on October 25, 2024 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Lay’la (class of 2025) and features some classic tunes in honor of her grandmother’s birthday this month.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Music has been an integral part of my life since I was a child. My entire family loves music from the 60’s and the love has been instilled in us by my grandparents.
This month my grandma turns 90!
This playlist is dedicated to her.

Bill Withers – “Grandma’s Hands”

Stevie Wonder – “Isn’t She Lovely”

The Beatles – “Blackbird”

Aretha Franklin – “I Say A Little Prayer”

Ray Charles – “Georgia On My Mind”

Stevie Wonder – “My Cherie Amour”

Toto – “Africa”

The Temptations – “My Girl”

Aretha Franklin – “Respect”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIwIY4RwmQUZ8jmqqta_Rh7dq1kvo1fM5&si=zu7_Ec-GDW-o00FV

Parsons Playlists: “Peach Fuzz”

Posted on February 12, 2024 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 2024 Color of the Year.

Peach Fuzz

Another year, another Pantone color playlist! This is my third annual Pantone playlist, and this playlist might be my favorite. 2024’s color of the year is Peach Fuzz, which Pantone’s website describes as a color that “captures our desire to nurture ourselves and others. It’s a velvety gentle peach tone whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul. Pantone collaborated with multiple companies this year, including Cariuma Sneakers, a ripe peach flavored tea from TEALEAVES’, Peach Fuzz colored Polaroid film, and a peach-colored lip oil from Shades by Shan.

Here are 15 songs that I think are reminiscent of the color peach fuzz:

Kacey Musgraves – “Velvet Elvis”

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

Florence + The Machine – “Delilah”

Stevie Wonder – “You Are the Sunshine of My Life”

Bobby Hebb – “Sunny”

Etta James – “A Sunday Kind of Love”

Billy Joel – “Vienna”

Norah Jones – “Come Away With Me”

The Supremes – “Baby Love”

Lenny Kravitz – “It Ain’t Over Till It’s Over”

Frank Sinatra, Nancy Sinatra – “Somethin’ Stupid”

Aretha Franklin – “I Say A Little Prayer”

Carole King – “It’s Too Late”

Aretha Franklin – “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”

Katrina & the Waves – “Walking on Sunshine”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSwAwMtTLDwhKis3qIiq2CkYiFLjXwZif&si=A_motAXuYrJyrxO-

And here it is on Spotify:

Parsons Playlists: Sunday Afternoons in the Fall

Posted on October 6, 2023 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Deisy (class of 2024) featuring songs to play on a Sunday afternoon in the fall.

Sunday Afternoons in the Fall

Jo Stafford – “You Belong To Me”

Billie Holiday – “Solitude”

Doris Day and The Mellomen – “Again”

Thee Sacred Souls – “Can I Call You Rose?”

Joey Quinones – “Don’t Tell Me”

Aaron Neville – “Tell It Like It Is”

Joe Bataan – “I Wish You Love, Pt. 1”

Minnie Riperton and Stevie Wonder – “Give Me Time”

Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes – “I Miss You, Pt. 1”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZezQBIGRZb4UpjIF5dYw7RFG&si=aZCU7rDFdl1Hkiz-

Parsons Playlists: 1 Hour Walk

Posted on April 24, 2023 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Xipeng (class of 2024) and features some walking music.

1 Hour Walk

This playlist is from one of my favorite producers for his one-hour walk in Seoul city. It is also the playlist I listened to when I was taking a walk by the Thames River in London.

Antonio Carlos Jobim – “Arpoador”

Electric Light Orchestra – “Mr. Blue Sky”

Corinne Bailey Rae – “Do You Ever Think Of Me?”

Michael Franks – “All Dressed Up With Nowhere To Go”

Jeff Cascaro – “The Sun Is Shining For Our Love”

Jordan Rakei – “Wind Parade”

Deborah Bond – “stride”

Mamas Gun – “This Is The Day”

Light & Salt – “아카시아 아가씨 (Lady Acacia)”

Steely Dan – “My Rival”

Tomita Lab feat. Isono-kun – “Flavor (7+ Version)”

Stevie Wonder – “Never In Your Sun”

D’Sound – “I Can Get Over You”

Andrew Gold – “Never Let Her Slip Away”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZexmFFjw0DzFEFRo_13odUcu

Arachnophonia: Live Aid

Posted on February 9, 2022 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 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

Parsons Playlists: Holiday Mix

Posted on December 8, 2021 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today we’re featuring a selection of holiday music curated by Eli (class of 2024).

Tired of hearing the same few Christmas songs over and over? I’m not! But in case you do wish to branch out, here are ten Christmas songs you may not have heard.

Bumble Snow Monster