Tag Archives: student workers

Arachnophonia: “Rocky Raccoon”

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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 Allison (class of 2022) and features “Rocky Raccoon”, a 1968 song by the Beatles. Thanks, Allison!

The Beatles – “Rocky Raccoon”

Rocky Raccoon illustration by Jim McHugh

Rocky Raccoon illustration by Jim McHugh of mcillustrator.com (used with permission of artist)

I was first introduced to “Rocky Raccoon” in middle school during a guitar lesson. My teacher gave me the song to learn because I was gaining more interest in The Beatles and he thought it was a fun one. This further introduced me to some of the more eclectic and trippy songs among their lengthy discography.

The Beatles were an English rock band during the 1960s. Although their music is still very prevalent today, the band was only together for approximately a decade. Throughout this period, they produced numerous albums which were all regarded very highly by their global audience. “Rocky Raccoon” was one of many songs on The Beatles’ “White album” which was released in 1968.

Throughout the years, “Rocky Raccoon” has remained one of my favorite songs by The Beatles and is definitely one of my favorite songs to play on guitar. What I like most about the song is the chord progression. It’s written in a way that you could just keep playing it over and over. It may just be a silly song about a raccoon; however, the chord progression is what makes the song in my opinion.

Arachnophonia: Alan Menken Songbook

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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 a collection of Alan Menken songs for piano, voice and guitar. Thanks, Danny!

Alan Menken Songbook

Alan Menken Songbook

If you’re any fan of Disney, or of musicals, there can be a 95% guarantee – if not 100%, that you have heard of Alan Menken. Menken, born in 1949 in Manhattan, is a composer and songwriter who has worked tirelessly since 1972 to give the American public and worldwide audiences the pleasures of listening to his incredible musical abilities, writing songs for some of our favorite Disney movies, musicals, and shows.

After graduating from New York University in 1971, Menken’s musical career took off. To name some of his most famous works, he was a songwriter for Little Shop of Horrors, The Little Mermaid, Rocky V, Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Aladdin, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, Enchanted, Tangled, and a variety of their stage adaptations.

Just the sheer variety of different types of films/musicals and the musical talent to be able to write completely original songs with varying styles is incredible. And all of them were absolute hits. This incredible discography is beyond fascinating. Just imagine – currently in New York, Little Shop of Horrors is playing again Off-Broadway. Aladdin is on Broadway. The Little Mermaid live action remake is coming out in 2023. The Hunchback of Notre Dame’s live-action remake is in the works. That is four – yes four – pending or active projects that have Menken’s name attached to them.

Parsons Music Library has had the privilege to house the Alan Menken Songbook, with scores for piano, voice, and guitar. Some of his most popular pieces are held in this 188 page score.

Songs that are included are “Sante Fe” (Newsies), “Somewhere That’s Green” (Little Shop of Horrors), “Proud of Your Boy” (Aladdin), “Go the Distance” (Hercules), “A Change in Me” (Beauty and the Beast) and a variety of other classics.

As you play, listen, or read the scores for all 28 songs included in the songbook, you can feel the different styles and the creativity needed to write songs for such Disney-esque plots. Nothing Disney has come out with has ever been less than imaginative – it takes an even more imaginative person to bring those creative tales to life through song. And that is all achieved through Menken’s song writing abilities.

Parsons Playlists: Duck, Fish & Spongebob

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Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today we’re featuring a collection called “Duck, Fish & Spongebob” curated by Music Library student assistant Naron (class of 2023).

Naron says that the theme of this playlist is “Instrumental Music with clean rhythm(some singing, but singing is not the major part)” and that it is “a collection of instrumental music that speaks about different little drops of emotions in life.”

Piano/Instrumental WorksPiano/Instrumental Works

“City Light” – Sunday Moon

“With a little luck” – Taisei Iwasaki

“For River (From ‘To the Moon’)” – Michael Tai

“Okinawa” – 92914

“Wine” – Lovet

“Easy” – jeyes

“Exactly” – Pandrezz + j‘sen

Pandrezz + j'san - Exactly

“First date” – frad

“After the rain” – Jordy Chandra + frad

“Blanket” – Hayne

“Epilogue” – kyle landry

“Undertale” – Toby Fox

“A Silent Voice” – lit(var)

Here is a link to a complete YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57Zex4gYvHki1IOmPXFXJ7NSjR

Arachnophonia: The Physics of Musical Instruments

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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 Brianna (class of 2023) and features a book about how physics applies to music. Thanks, Brianna!

The Physics of Musical Instruments
by Neville H. Fletcher and Thomas D. Rossing

The Physics of Musical Instruments

This book is an amazing introduction into the physics of acoustics, as well as all types of musical instruments. It may come as no surprise that scholarship on the physics of instruments has become much more popular as technology has been developed that allows us to answer questions about instruments in detail. Fletcher summarizes this scholarship in a cohesive and reader-friendly way, providing the physical background information needed to understand topics such as the physics of a horn, how a bowed string behaves, the importance of the violin body, etc. I find this to be a great example of the way that music interacts with all subjects and how applications of sciences to the musical arts allows us to have a deeper understanding of what we are doing when we play an instrument.

sound waves

Parsons Playlists: Spooky Season is here!

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Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today we’re featuring a playlist to get you into the Halloween spirit curated by Music Library student assistant Nicole (class of 2024).

Spooky Season is here!

Are you excited for Halloween!? Enjoy this playlist as you think about the costume you’ll wear for the 31st!

Halloween Headphones

“Halloween” – Phoebe Bridgers

“Marceline The Vampire” – Steppes

“Season of the Witch” – Donovan

“Drunk on Halloween” – Wallows

“1980s Horror Film II” – Wallows

“We fell in love in October” – girl in red

“You’re in love with a psycho” – Kasabian

“Monster” – Dodie

“Frankenstein” – Tokyo Police Club

“The Witch Queen of New Orleans” – Redbone

And here’s a link to the full playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57Zex4P_tzzb_IwtxF8V7rrUCK

Parsons Playlists: Orange

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Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today we’re featuring a collection called “Orange” curated by Music Library student manager Allison (class of 2022).

I label my playlists by color and this one is orange. Enjoy! 🙂

Tangerine emoji

“Like or Like Like” – Miniature Tigers

“Ultralife” – Oh Wonder

“Bambi” – Hippo Campus

“Cringe” – Matt Maeson

“Nancy From Now On” – Father John Misty

“Wurli” – Dominic Fike

“American Money” – BØRNS

“Man on the Moon” – Zella Day

“Lose It” – SWMRS

“big fat mouth” – Arlie

“suburban wonderland” – BETWEEN FRIENDS

“Holy Ghost” – BØRNS

“Saw You In A Dream” – The Japanese House

“Hands Down” – The Greeting Committee

“back again” – flor

“barcelona boots” – Arlie

“Morphine” – The Ninjas

“Season 2 Episode 3” – Glass Animals

“Friends” – Sure Sure

Here is a link to a YouTube playlist version:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57Zexuqi2zDHk5988j7tP8Ad7u

And here is the (extended) playlist on Spotify:

Parsons Playlists: Movie Music for a Blue Day

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Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today we’re featuring a collection called “Movie Music for a Blue Day” curated by Music Library student assistant Nathan (class of 2024).

Rainy day - blue

Ever get in your feels on a rainy day? Fully immerse yourself in your emotions listening along to this short but sweet selection!

“Genesis” from WandaVision

“Eating Alone” from Shrek

“Fiona’s Room” from Shrek 2

“Not Meant To Be” from Shrek 2

“Rue’s Farewell” from The Hunger Games

“Ice Dance” from Edward Scissorhands

“Married Life” from Up

“The Piano Duet” from Corpse Bride

Here’s a link to a YouTube playlist version: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZezLp3WGv_VFDKUF4MYpYEZW

Movie Music for a Blue Day

Arachnophonia: Selections from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”

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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 Nathan (class of 2024) and features piano/vocal selections from the 2005 film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Thanks, Nathan!

Selections from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Selections from "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"

Danny Elfman is such a prolific composer, known for commonly working alongside filmmaker Tim Burton. Arguably, the best and most diverse collection of his work can be found in his music for the 2005 adaptation of Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” His score explores a variety of styles, from Bollywood to the sugar-pop of the 1960s. While the piano score struggles to capture all of the complex work and sound behind the “Main Titles” (Elfman at his prime, in my opinion), it does an excellent job providing a solid basework for solo playability. The piano adaptation for the “Finale” is perfectly captured and successfully leaves what it intends to bring – a feeling of finality and completion at the end of a wild ride.

Parsons Playlists: Transcendental Film Soundtracks

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Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today we’re featuring a collection of film soundtrack music curated by Music Library student manager Colin (Class of 2021).

Films have been my go-to source of entertainment for years. In high school, my friends and I became heavily invested in the awards season of movies, in which we tried to watch every film that was nominated for Best Picture by the Academy. Movies are not measured for enjoyability by their success winning awards, nor do awards automatically make a movie “good.” Rather, this activity was something that my friends and I enjoyed doing, and exposed us to a lot of new films and directors. Particularly interesting for us in watching films was hearing the soundtrack, as all of my friends and I were involved in my school’s music program. We loved talking about the scores of films, and the impact that specific songs have through their leitmotifs or influence on the narrative. For example, we were obsessed with the soundtrack from La La Land, because, well let’s be honest; who can’t tap their foot or hum along with the songs when listening to its music?

La La Land - movie poster

Richard Wagner had a great influence upon the film industry and its scores due to his methodical approach to writing operas, in which the music he composed enhanced the narrative through the use of leitmotifs, or short musical phrases that indicate the appearance of a character or narrative theme. This concept was recognized by the film industry, and was expanded on by different film composers, specifically Max Steiner who is known as “The Father of Film Music.” Steiner was heavily influenced by Wagnerian musical concepts, and would incorporate leitmotifs, non-diegetic sounds and other elements that enhanced the musical experience in movies and their relation to narratives. Since Steiner, films have grown to incorporate songs into their soundtracks that are either specifically written for the movie from a preexisting band, or the rights are bought from a band to include their song in the movie. The songs themselves share the same focus that Steiner envisioned for his films, in that songs are used for a narrative purpose in order to advance the plot, express the emotions of a specific character, and/or give credibility to the environment in which the film or a scene takes place.

Max Steiner scores

A sampling of films scored by Max Steiner

With this playlist, I wanted to highlight songs used in films that transcend just their immediate presence in the film. The rules of this playlist are rather loose, in that the songs included may have been written for the specific movie in which they are famous for being in, or written before the movie and added to the soundtrack and become a staple song for the film. I have included highly popular choices that the general film-viewing population would agree with, such as “My Heart Will Go On” in Titanic and “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” in The Breakfast Club. However, I have also offered some of my personal choices of songs that I believe greatly enhance the movie and urge audiences to listen to the song outside of the filmic experience, but do not necessarily have the history or popular recognition by audiences. I hope that choices like “Slip Away” from Booksmart and “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” from Rocketman will expand your music and film libraries. I have organized the songs in order of their film’s release date, and my personal choices begin with “Send Me on My Way” from Matilda. And this playlist does not feature any instrumentally focused soundtracks that typically appear in large blockbuster films, but rather individual songs focused on lyrics. I hope you enjoy this eclectic playlist and relive some great film experiences through music!

Movie Posters 1

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland – The Wizard of Oz
“Singin’ in the Rain” by Gene Kelly – Singin’ in the Rain
“Moon River” by Audrey Hepburn – Breakfast at Tiffany’s
“Mrs. Robinson” by Simon & Garfunkel – The Graduate
“Born to be Wild” by Steppenwolf – Easy Rider
“Stayin’ Alive” by Bee Gees – Saturday Night Fever
“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor – Rocky III
“Footloose” by Kenny Loggins – Footloose
“Purple Rain” by Prince – Purple Rain
“Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds – The Breakfast Club
“Take My Breath Away” by Berlin – Top Gun
“(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes – Dirty Dancing
“In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel – Say Anything
“Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers – Ghost
“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston – The Bodyguard
“My Heart Will Go On” by Céline Dion – Titanic

Movie Posters 2

“Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer – She’s All That
“Tiny Dancer” by Elton John – Almost Famous
“Lose Yourself” by Eminem – 8 Mile
“Dancing Queen” by ABBA – Mamma Mia!
“Happy” by Pharell Williams – Despicable Me 2
“Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake – Trolls
“Send Me on My Way” by Rusted Root – Matilda
“Somebody to Love” by Queen – Ella Enchanted
“Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts – Cars
“Hoedown Throwdown” by Miley Cyrus – Hannah Montana: The Movie
“Heroes” by David Bowie – The Perks of Being a Wallflower
“Mystery of Love” by Sufjan Stevens – Call Me By Your Name
“Helplessly Hoping” by Crosby, Stills & Nash – Annihilation
“Shallow” by Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper – A Star is Born
“Slip Away” by Perfume Genius – Booksmart
“(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” by Elton John & Taron Egerton – Rocketman

And here is a link to a YouTube playlist version!

Arachnophonia: Erik Satie

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Editor’s note: Arachnophonia is a 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 Ryan (class of 2022) and features a collection of works by French composer Erik Satie. Thanks, Ryan!

Erik Satie (b. 1866 – d. 1925)

Parade ; Trois gymnopédies ; Mercure ; Trois gnossiennes ; Relâche

Satie - Parade ; Trois gymnopédies ; Mercure ; Trois gnossiennes ; Relâche

Erik Satie has long been one of my favorite composers for his ability to blend together subtlety and expressiveness to create an ambiance unlike any other artist. In his day, Satie struggled greatly to find support for his music, but his friendship with composer Claude Debussy proved valuable when Debussy offered to orchestrate two of Satie’s three “Gymnopédies”. Among Satie’s earlier works, Debussy saw great potential in “Trois Gymnopédies” and his orchestrations are still performed today, although Debussy disliked the second of the three and never orchestrated it. In this CD recording by the New London Orchestra, conductor Ronald Corp attempts to elucidate the same subtleties Debussy loved so much in Satie’s work with his orchestrations of Gymnopédie no. 2 as well as “Trois Gnossiennes”. This CD also features recordings of some of Satie’s ballets: Parade, Mercure, and Relâche. Each was met with mixed reviews at their debuts, but are now considered to be some of his finest works.

Erik Satie

Erik Satie in 1920

I love to listen to Satie, especially the Gymnopédies, while I read or do work. Music historians often credit Satie as being one of the precursors to modern “ambient music”, and it’s easy to see why. Satie’s music lends itself equally well to thoughtful listening as it does to background enjoyment. If you’re looking for a CD to help you relax after a long week or accompany a good book, I highly recommend the New London Orchestra’s collection of recordings.