Tag Archives: The Smiths

Parsons Playlists: Through the Decades

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Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Rocio (class of 2027). It features a multi-decade selection of songs.

Through the Decades: A Journey Through Time

This playlist spans across many different styles, from rock to soul, from grunge to pop, each representing the distinct culture of its time (1960s – 2020s).

1960s

The Beatles – “Here Comes the Sun”
Genre: Rock/Pop
A perfect track to represent the cultural shift of the ’60s, full of optimism and innovation.

Aretha Franklin – “Respect”
Genre: Soul/R&B
An iconic anthem for empowerment and the civil rights movement.

1970s

David Bowie – “Space Oddity”
Genre: Glam Rock
This track encapsulates the futuristic and experimental vibes of the ’70s.

Fleetwood Mac – “Landslide”
Genre: Folk Rock
A soft, introspective classic that showcases the band’s emotional depth.

1980s

Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean”
Genre: Pop/Funk
One of the defining tracks of the ’80s, with its infectious groove and pioneering production.

The Smiths – “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out”
Genre: Indie Rock
A melancholic yet beautiful anthem from the ’80s alternative scene.

1990s

Nirvana – “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
Genre: Grunge/Rock
A cultural shift to grunge, encapsulating the rebellious spirit of the ’90s.

Lauryn Hill – “Doo Wop (That Thing)”
Genre: R&B/Hip-Hop
A blend of soulful R&B and sharp rap lyrics that defined ’90s hip-hop culture.

2000s

OutKast – “Hey Ya!”
Genre: Funk/Pop
A genre-defying hit that blends funk, pop, and dance.

Amy Winehouse – “Rehab”
Genre: Soul/Pop
A modern classic, blending jazz, soul, and pop with sharp lyrics.

2010s

Kendrick Lamar – “Alright”
Genre: Hip-Hop
An anthem for social change, it captures the political and cultural landscape of the 2010s.

Lorde – “Royals”
Genre: Indie Pop
This minimalist anthem became a defining song of the ’10s indie scene.

2020s

Taylor Swift – “All Too Well”
Genre: Pop/country
A track that redefined mainstream pop with its unique production and style.

Olivia Rodrigo – “drivers license”
Genre: Pop
One of the biggest songs of the 2020s, full of emotional vulnerability and teenage angst.

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZezxvxmvyKbScOGaCAawroKq&si=6FIbD3s07_Bu9S3M

Parsons Playlists: “Very Peri”

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Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Amy (class of 2025) and features a playlist inspired by Pantone’s 2022 color of the year.

Very Peri Playlist

Songs that I associate with Pantone’s color of the year for 2022, Very Peri!

Very Peri - Pantone Color of the Year 2022

Lana Del Ray – “California”

Gracie Abrams – “Long Sleeves”

Taylor Swift – “Wonderland”

Tame Impala – “Eventually”

Conan Gray – “Astronomy”

Taylor Swift – “august”

Lana Del Ray – “Watercolor Eyes”

Phoebe Bridgers – “Friday I’m In Love”

Phoebe Bridgers – “Garden Song”

Mitski – “First Love/Late Spring”

The Neighbourhood – “The Beach”

Salvia Palth – “I Was All Over Her”

The Smiths – “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSwAwMtTLDwhUUa5MDIWAzH5pyakXPRsm

Arachnophonia : The Smiths “The Queen Is Dead”

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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, Aly (class of 2018) and features a classic 1986 album by the British group The Smiths. Thanks, Aly!

The Smiths

The Queen Is Dead

Smiths - The Queen Is Dead

One of The Smiths’ most well-known albums, The Queen is Dead, is the quintessential album for anyone looking to get into this quirky indie rock band. The album, released in 1986 and re-released as a collector’s edition in 2017, has been unanimously praised, and even considered the “greatest album of all time” by major British music publication NME. The lyrics, sung by the famous now-solo Morrissey, are filled with clever imagery and sharp social commentary. Track 9, “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out,” was featured in the classic rom-com 500 Days of Summer and remains one of the most famous Smiths songs. This album is full of songs that take a few listens to really absorb all of the witty lyric details that often hint at social unrest, emotional struggles, and even anarchy. For someone looking to indulge in some of the best vintage fight-the-power music with hints of satire, this album is definitely worth the listen.

Smiths - Queen Is Dead poster