Tag Archives: student workers

Spider Sounds: Purity Ring “Another Eternity”

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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 by Liza, one of Parsons Music Library‘s student workers and features an album by the Canadian electronic music duo Purity Ring. Thanks, Liza!

Purity Ring

Another Eternity

Purity Ring - "Another Eternity"

If you haven’t heard of Purity Ring, you’re missing out! As a fairly new addition to the Parsons Music Library, Purity Ring combines their own genre of “future pop” with electronic indie in their newest album Another Eternity (2015). The Canadian duo Megan James and Corin Roddick recorded and produced the album themselves, showing off a sharper focus on James’ vocals and Roddick’s evocative percussive skills than in their first album Shrines (2012).

Purity Ring’s songs deliver dream-like melodies intertwined in electronic landscapes as heard in “Bodyache” and “Begin Again.” The duo continues to give rise to prevailing styles in indie music through their resonance of intensive trap beats and smooth, atmospheric lyrics.

If you missed Purity Ring on September 20, 2015 at The National in Richmond, then come to the Music Library to check out their CDs Another Eternity and Shrines!

Purity Ring - "Shrines"

Spider Sounds: Wicked

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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 by KyungSun, one of Parsons Music Library’s student workers and features the Broadway musical Wicked based on “The Wizard of Oz” and Gregory Maguire‘s literary reimagining of the story. The musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz premiered in 2003 and is still going strong on Broadway and on tour. Thanks, KyungSun!

Wicked

Wicked

It’s one thing to see Broadway or even claim you love live musical theater. But we all know that as artists or avid fans, we LOVE to sing along (or at least try to).

Wicked is one of my favorite musicals. I saw it twice, and teared up both times. Why? If you haven’t seen it, it’s more than cheesy story about friendship. It’s also about the political manipulation, perception, and the power of language. Even more than that, Wicked has gotten me through some pretty tough times. If you haven’t heard of the song “The Wizard and I,” I highly recommend you listen or even better – sing it! – to find your inner confidence. The line, “My future is unlimited. And I’ve just had a vision almost like a prophecy. I know – it’s truly crazy. And true, the vision’s hazy. But I swear, someday there will be a celebration throughout Oz, that’s all to do with me.” This line reminds me to keep dreaming even when your own hometown is literally against you. If you’ve seen the beginning of The Wizard of Oz film, you’ll know why this particular lyric is important. Sure, other songs like “Popular” aren’t something we can (or should) sing as our life anthem, but it’s so much fun to try out…in your own room. Be sure to check out the Parsons Music Library‘s extensive collection of your favorite musicals if you’re ever in need of a sing your heart out moment!

Spider Sounds: Simon & Garfunkel “Live 1969”

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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 by Cate, one of Parsons Music Library’s student workers and features a classic live album by Simon & Garfunkel. Thanks, Cate!

Simon & Garfunkel

Live 1969

Simon & Garfunkel - Live 1969

I have a special liking for Simon and Garfunkel. They were one of the few artists my parents could agree on, so they made up much of the soundtrack for long car trips, and I remember falling asleep to the music thinking of flower crowns and the Mystery Machine from Scooby-Doo.

As always with Simon and Garfunkel, the melodies are lovely, woven with simple but really poetic lyrics.

I don’t usually go for live recordings, but listening to the audience was a lot fun. Art does most of the talking, understated and clear, introducing the band politely and quietly prefacing their new song “Bridge Over Troubled Water” (a hit with the crowd, unsurprisingly). The album, like one of their songs, starts softly and builds in intensity before letting us go with a gently wit an echo of the melody, and (except for the end) the crowd responds in kind, quiet so that they can listen but becoming more and more excited as the concert goes on.

Hearing the concert performance itself is a real treat. They sound freer; the harmonies swoop higher and swing lower, the guitar is more fevered, the words, still soft, are exposed and bittersweet. A band accompanies them for a few songs, giving “Mrs. Robinson” a more energetic vibe, closer to that of the Lemonheads‘ cover than one would expect from Simon and Garfunkel’s traditional sound. But my personal favorite track, “The Sound of Silence” is just the two of them — more ragged here, and beautiful as ever.

Like awesome music from a couple of guys with a guitar? Stop by the Parsons Music Library and check Simon & Garfunkel — Live 1969 out. Don’t like awesome music from a couple of guys with a guitar? Stop by anyways. We’ve got awesome music in every variety ready to be listened to.

Spider Sounds: Alabama Shakes “Sound & Color”

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Editor’s Note: Our “Spider Sounds” feature returns! “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 by Kasey, one of Parsons Music Library’s student workers and features a CD by a group that just won several Grammy awards (including “Best Rock Song” and “Best Alternative Music Album”). Thanks, Kasey!

Alabama Shakes

Sound & Color

Sound & Color

If you’re looking for something with soul, substance and breadth look no further than Sound & Color by Alabama Shakes. The band’s Southern roots can be heard throughout the album backing raw vocals from their lead singer Brittany Howard and an array of instruments – some expected and some not. Whether you’re doing homework, hanging out with friends or cruising around town, Sound & Color by Alabama Shakes is sure to have your head bobbing to the beat. Find this album and many more at Parsons Music Library!

Spider Sounds: Mumford & Sons “Babel”

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Editor’s note: This week “Listening In” is inaugurating a new feature called Spider Sounds. We’re inviting 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. Our first post comes from James, one of the library’s student workers. Thanks, James!

MUMFORD & SONS

    Babel

Mumford & Sons - Babel

2012: In the spirit of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” British rock band MUMFORD & SONS released BABEL, three years after their multi-platinum debut album, SIGH NO MORE. Now, I’d be lying if I said BABEL didn’t sound a lot like its predecessor, but there’s something about that signature “Mumford” sound that my ears crave.

Rustic, pure and clean. Think Hemingway, Teddy Roosevelt, and Ron Swanson gathered ‘round, singing campfire songs in the woods. It’s no accident – there is a formula for this. The recipe calls for raspy, powerful vocals with acoustic guitar, intimate lyrics, a banjo, and not much else – a minimalist arrangement enough to break your heart and put hair on your chest at the same time.

Luckily for you, we’ve got BABEL right here at Parsons Music Library. So if you need a break from EDM or plugging away on the clarinet – not that there’s anything wrong with that! – come by and check out the unadulterated musical stylings of Mumford & Sons.