Spider Sounds: Bon Iver

Posted on October 12, 2016 by marmstr3

Editor’s Note: “Spider Sounds” invites members of the University of Richmond community to share their thoughts about items in the Parsons Music Library’s collection. The links included will take you to the library catalog record for the item in question, or to additional relevant information.
Today’s installment of “Spider Sounds” comes courtesy of Music Library Student worker, Liza (class of 2017) and features indie folk band Bon Iver’s second album, “Bon Iver, Bon Iver”. Thanks for contributing to Spider Sounds, Liza!

Bon Iver

Bon Iver, Bon Iver

If you haven’t heard of Bon Iver before, you can already get a feeling of their music with a glimpse at this album’s cover artwork.
Bon Iver is an American indie folk band founded by the singer-songwriter Justin Vernon, who won the 2012 Grammy Award for Best New Artist and Best New Alternative Music Album for Bon Iver, Bon Iver.

A promotional photo of Bon Iver frontman Justin Veron taken around the time the album was released.

Differentiating himself from the typical sounds of “folk,” Vernon combined chamber pop with an edge to create his own sounds from scratch. His soulful voice remains a unique characteristic that no other singer sounds like; he evokes an earthy virtuosic voice that you can easily get lost in when listening to his lyrics.

The album is composed of 10 songs, each representing a place. In particular, “Holocene,” is one of my favorite songs on the album because of its ability to trigger dozens of emotions within seconds. I would recommend listening to Bon Iver when you’re in a “chill” and relaxed mood or even when you’re studying, so come by the Parsons Music Library to check it out!

Spider Sounds: Florence + the Machine “Lungs”

Posted on October 5, 2016 by marmstr3

Editor’s Note: “Spider Sounds” invites members of the University of Richmond community to share their thoughts about items in the Parsons Music Library’s collection. The links included will take you to the library catalog record for the item in question, or to additional relevant information.
Today’s installment of “Spider Sounds” comes courtesy of Music Library Student worker, Claire (class of 2020) and features “Lungs” the 2009 studio album debut of English indie rock group Florence + The Machine. Thanks for contributing to Spider Sounds, Claire!

Florence + The Machine

Lungs

I can still remember the stormy, humid night I spent sitting up on a hill in Grant Park, watching Florence whirl across the stage. At Chicago’s largest music festival, I had spent the entire day listening to dozens of bands, eating gooey, cheesy Chicago-style pizza, and wondering if life could get any better. But let’s face it– standing in lines, dancing like a maniac, and jamming out to live music takes a lot out of a person, and by the nighttime, I was exhausted. For days, I had been anxiously awaiting Florence + The Machine, and now, as I plopped down to watch the last show of Lollapalooza 2015, I just couldn’t wait any longer.

I guess the biggest reason why I love this album is the way it takes me back to that night… Florence + The Machine has always been one of my favorites, and getting to see them in concert was a night I will never forget.

Florence Welch of Florence + the Machine mid song

There is something about the way their songs make me want to move that I have yet to find in any other band. Even in songs that were never played on the radio, like “Between Two Lungs,” there is a unique force (especially during the chorus) that somehow encourages me to get up and dance, whether I’m at home, with friends, or even alone in my room.
This album is perfect for anyone who needs to add a little smile to their day–it never fails to cheer me up. I hope you find your own slice of happiness in it, too.

Spider Sounds: Brian Eno “The Shutov Assembly”

Posted on September 28, 2016 by marmstr3

Editor’s Note: “Spider Sounds” invites members of the University of Richmond community to share their thoughts about items in the Parsons Music Library’s collection. The links included will take you to the library catalog record for the item in question, or to additional relevant information.
Today’s installment of “Spider Sounds” comes courtesy of Music Library Student worker, Aly (class of 2018) and features “The Shutov Assembly” a 1992 ambient album by English musician, composer & visual artist Brian Eno. Fun Fact: The Shutov Assembly album was dedicated to Russian painter Sergei Shutov. Thanks for contributing to Spider Sounds, Aly!

Brian Eno

The Shutov Assembly

If you are looking for some chill, ambient studying music, or just looking for a break from your usual go-to playlist, look no further than Brian Eno’s The Shutov Assembly.

Eno is one of the pioneers of electronic and rock music production, and his style varies greatly from album to album. The Shutov Assembly, an electronic album, is ambient, dynamic, and deeply calming, making it perfect for some hardcore studying or just relaxing.

You’ve almost certainly heard Eno’s music before. His music is featured on soundtracks of some very popular works, like Criminal Minds, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, American Horror Story, and even Netflix’s Stranger Things!

Eno is commonly regarded as one of the best musicians in his genre, and for good reason. His vastly diverse works will appeal to anyone, even those with the pickiest of music tastes.

Spider Sounds: Corinne Bailey Rae

Posted on September 21, 2016 by marmstr3

Editor’s Note: “Spider Sounds” invites members of the University of Richmond community to share their thoughts about items in the Parsons Music Library’s collection. The links included will take you to the library catalog record for the item in question, or to additional relevant information.
Today’s installment of “Spider Sounds” comes courtesy of Music Library Student worker, Mary (class of 2018) and features the 2006 self-titled debut album of British soul songstress Corinne Bailey Rae. Thanks for contributing to Spider Sounds, Mary!

Corinne Bailey Rae
by
Corinne Bailey Rae

I picked this album because I am a big fan of Corinne Bailey Rae’s music.

2005 UK CD single cover for “Like A Star”

The first track called “Like A Star” is considered one of her biggest hits was first released as a single in 2005 and was so popular that it was re-released on her self-titled debut album. This song is generally considered a combination of soul, jazz and downtempo. The laid-back smooth tempo matched with Rae’s soulful voice and the sweet lyrics entirely written by her makes it one of my favorites to listen to on a summer night while driving.

2006 CD single cover for “Put Your Records On”

The third track “Put Your Records On” is also another favorite of mine. It has a relatively faster tempo and a brighter feel compared to “Like A Star,” but still has the Rae’s soulful voice matched with precious lyrics that almost sound like she is talking directly to you as a close friend or a sister. As a young woman, I feel very encouraged and relieved by her sister-like tone of the lyrics in this song as she includes many phrases like “don’t need to worry” and “you’re gonna find yourself somewhere, somehow” along with positive and peaceful images of “three little birds” sitting on her window and summer coming like sweet cinnamon with her favorite music in the background. If you have had a long week and need some music to help you relax, put this song on and it will surely brighten up your day.

Spider Sounds: Diana Krall “Live In Paris”

Posted on April 27, 2016 by marmstr3

Editor’s Note: “Spider Sounds” invites members of the University of Richmond community to share their thoughts about CDs (or other items in the Parsons Music Library’s collection). The links included will take you to the library catalog record for the item in question, or to additional relevant information. Today’s installment of “Spider Sounds” is by Julie (aka Xinyi), one of our student workers, and features a live album from Canadian jazz pianist & singer Diana Krall which was originally released in 2002 and won a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Thanks, Julie!

Diana Krall

Live In Paris

I picked the CD called “Live in Paris” by Diana Krall, because I personally prefer European-style music. This CD has many different pieces. The first one is called “I Love Being Here With You.” At the very beginning, the general rhythm sounds very lively and energetic. It provides me a happy feeling of living in Paris. Because of the quick rhythm and pace, I feel it encourages listeners to become more interested in living in Paris and assume living in Paris would be a colorful and interesting experience.

The second track is called “Let’s Fall In Love,” which has a very different mood from the first track and is much slower paced.
I think Paris is known as a romantic city, and the second track fits that “romantic” feeling quite well.

The other songs on this CD, in general, consists of alternating quick and slow tracks. I feel this is variety is good so listeners won’t feel bored when they listen to the whole album.

This album also is available to UR students, faculty and staff via our streaming service — click on this link to access it: http://librarycat.richmond.edu/vwebv/holdingsInfo?searchId=4353&recCount=25&recPointer=0&bibId=1455539.

Spider Sounds: U2 “The Joshua Tree”

Posted on April 20, 2016 by marmstr3

Editor’s Note: “Spider Sounds” invites members of the University of Richmond community to share their thoughts about CDs (or other items in the Parsons Music Library’s collection). The links included will take you to the library catalog record for the item in question, or to additional relevant information. Today’s installment of “Spider Sounds” is by Alexandra, one of our student workers, and features the critically acclaimed album The Joshua Tree by U2. This was U2‘s fifth studio album. It was released in the spring of 1987. Thanks, Alexandra!

The Joshua Tree

U2 is the purest example of clean, meaningful, and everlasting music. It is almost impossible to choose one soundtrack to shine amongst the rest but if you only have time to listen to one album, then The Joshua Tree is the one to pick. Lyrics from “Bullet the Blue Sky,” “Mothers of the Disappeared,” and “With Or Without You” represent the political and social turmoil occurring during the time of production and the sense of hope lost during these troubling times. Just as the biblical overtones of The Joshua Tree signify a guide to lead disciples to the Promised Land, the album reminds us of the healing power of music.

Spider Sounds: Les Misérables

Posted on April 13, 2016 by marmstr3

Editor’s Note: “Spider Sounds” invites members of the University of Richmond community to share their thoughts about CDs (or other items in the Parsons Music Library’s collection). The links included will take you to the library catalog record for the item in question, or to additional relevant information. Today’s installment of “Spider Sounds” is by Rebecca, one of our student workers, and features the original Broadway cast recording of the acclaimed musical Les Misérables. Thanks, Rebecca!

In the thirty years following its English-language debut, Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s musical Les Misérables has rightly earned its status one of the world’s most beloved Broadway shows. Adapted from Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel of the same name, Les Misérables appeals to bookworms, history buffs, and music lovers alike. The musical tells the story of Jean Valjean, an ex-convict whose journey from Prisoner Number 24601 to upstanding citizen and finally fugitive on the run from a relentless police inspector tragically intersects with the unfolding of the fateful June Rebellion in Paris.

This original Broadway cast recording brings to life all of the stunning lyricism and vitality of the stage production. The heartbreakingly melodic vocal themes and nearly seamless musical accompaniment weave the listener into the gritty realities of life in Orléanist France, and are well worth revisiting for those already familiar with the show.

Catch the revolutionary spirit this spring by listening to the original Broadway cast recording of Boublil and Schönberg’s Les Misérables!

Spider Sounds: Sufjan Stevens “Come On Feel The Illinoise”

Posted on April 7, 2016 by marmstr3

Editor’s Note: “Spider Sounds” invites members of the University of Richmond community to share their thoughts about CDs (or other items in the Parsons Music Library’s collection). The links included will take you to the library catalog record for the item in question, or to additional relevant information. Today’s installment of “Spider Sounds” is by Colette, one of our student workers, and features a 2005 album by critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens. Thanks, Colette!

Sufjan Stevens

Come On Feel The Illinoise

After his first state themed album, Greetings From Michigan (2003), Sufjan Stevens turned out yet another excellent state themed collection in 2005. Known for his use of varied instruments including trumpets, vibraphones, banjos, and others, Come On Feel The Illinoise is a classic Sufjan creation.

Some of my favorite tracks include:

“The predatory wasp of the Palisades is out to get us!”
The feeling of this song works directly against the wackiness of the title — it is sincere, with incredible and heartfelt lyrics.

and

“John Wayne Gacy, Jr.”
This song is about — you guessed it — the famous serial killer. Sufjan does a masterful job describing and humanizing Gacy, and ends with the line:
“And in my best behavior
I am really just like him
Look beneath the floorboards
For the secrets I have hid”

This line exemplifies Sufjan’s skills as a lyricist. The entire album has such a wonderful motion to it, and I highly recommend it for anyone who is a Sufjan Stevens fan, or anyone looking to listen to something new.

Come visit the Parsons Music Library and discover what we have available!

Spider Sounds: The Carpenters “Now and Then”

Posted on March 30, 2016 by marmstr3

Editor’s Note: “Spider Sounds” invites members of the University of Richmond community to share their thoughts about CDs (or other items in the Parsons Music Library’s collection). The links included will take you to the library catalog record for the item in question, or to additional relevant information. Today’s installment of “Spider Sounds” is by Xixi, one of our student workers, and features the mellow 1970s pop stylings of The Carpenters. Thanks, Xixi!

The Carpenters

Now And Then

In the Carpenters’ 1973 album Now and Then, we got to hear some of the world’s best known songs like “Jambalaya” and “Yesterday Once More.” With Karen Carpenter’s deep melodic voice and Richard Carpenter’s skilled and classical use of string instruments, we hear a smooth harmonious mixture of country, folk, and bluegrass music. The Carpenters were a big hit in the UK, US, and Japan during the 1970s. Many of their songs have been revisited and covered by other artists.

When you feel stressed, frustrated, or lost, listen to the Carpenters’ Now and Then. Every single song aims to tell a story of happiness and sorrow, memories of past and present. You are welcomed not just as an audience, but also a listener, a participant, and a close friend, thinking of “those were such happy times and not so long ago, how I wondered where they’d gone.”

To me, listening to Carpenters’ music is beyond the expression of words, and I always have different thoughts about it at different time periods. I guess that’s the charm of this album and
the Carpenters’ music, that no matter when or where you hear them, you can always be renewed and enriched by the lyrics and rhythm of their songs.

Come visit the Parsons Music Library and discover what we have available!

Spider Sounds: John Mayer “Continuum”

Posted on March 23, 2016 by marmstr3

Editor’s Note:“Spider Sounds” invites members of the University of Richmond community to share their thoughts about CDs (or other items in the Parsons Music Library’s collection). The links included will take you to the library catalog record for the item in question, or to additional relevant information. Today’s post is a bit unusual — two different student workers actually have chosen to write about the same 2006 album by John Mayer. So we are presenting both Aly and Mary’s individual takes on this album in the same post. Thanks to student workers Aly and Mary for contributing to “Spider Sounds”!

John Mayer

Continuum

Aly’s thoughts on “Continuum”:

Continuum – John Mayer (2006)

Continuum, John Mayer’s third studio album, is a fresh take on guitar-driven pop music. Chances are, you’ve probably heard a few songs from this album before, such as “Gravity,” “Dreaming With a Broken Heart,” or the uplifting “Say (What You Need to Say).” These songs all come together on an outstanding album, which dominated the 49th Grammy Awards – there, Mayer performed “Gravity” live, then went on to sweep the titles for Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for the recognizable “Waiting on the World to Change.”

As with all of Mayer’s albums, Continuum features tracks with incredibly vivid lyrics that stand far above many other pop songs that tend to feature an overused dialogue. Mayer’s messages are artful, inspirational, intelligent – they’re quick and concise, and stick with you. In
Continuum, many songs have positive, feel-good themes that any listener would love.

To add to the rich lyricism in Continuum, many tracks have rich guitar rhythms throughout, both acoustic and electric – and Mayer himself does most of it. His technique is undeniably masterful, and should not go unnoticed.

My personal favorite track on the album is “The Heart of Life” (the song’s refrain was actually my senior quote in my high school yearbook!). A sunny, poetic dialogue, effortless vocals, and a fresh guitar foundation – the track embodies everything that makes John Mayer a standout pop singer-songwriter.

John Mayer perfoming “Gravity” at the 49th Grammy Awards show. 11 February 2007

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Mary’s thoughts on “Continuum”:

If you’re looking for songs that are deep and meaningful, John Mayer’s third album called Continuum is the way to go. His songs in this album invite you to look at the world, your relationships, and your own life and ponder upon them. After listening to his songs, you would feel as if any brokenness or uncertainty are relieved temporarily. His calm voice placidly talks to you as if you’re sitting with your close friend at a café on a fair day, just talking about how life is going.

If you feel like you have a lot of burden in your life, come check out Continuum at the Parsons Music Library and let music share your burden for a bit.

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