Author Archives: marmstr3

Arachnophonia: The Architect of Music – How Bach Built Cathedrals in Sound

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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(s) in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Nikoloz (class of 2026) and features works relating to Baroque composer Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750). Thanks, Nikoloz!

The Architect of Music: How Bach Built Cathedrals in Sound

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

We often think of classical music as elegant and pleasant. But listen to Johann Sebastian Bach not for melody, but for structure. He wasn’t just a composer; he was a master architect who built intellectual and spiritual cathedrals using only notes.

Working in 18th-century Germany, Bach was less a tormented artist and more a brilliant craftsman, composing for the church and court. Yet, within that formal role, he achieved a superhuman balance of mathematical precision and profound emotion.

Consider his Goldberg Variations. It begins with a simple, graceful “Aria.” What follows is not just a series of songs, but a universe built from that single theme.

Bach takes this Aria and puts it through 30 different transformations. He creates canons at every interval, turns it into a furious fugue, a delicate dance, and a mournful lament. Every variation is a new room in this vast musical palace, yet the blueprint of the original Aria is always there. It is a breathtaking display of controlled invention.

Why This Matters for You

You don’t need to be a musician to appreciate Bach’s genius. Listening to his work is like watching a master engineer solve an impossible puzzle. There is a deep, human satisfaction in hearing complex parts interlock perfectly.

In a world of chaotic noise and fleeting trends, Bach offers a different experience: the beauty of perfect order. It is music that appeals equally to the heart and the mind, a timeless structure you can return to again and again to find both solace and awe.

The World of the Bach Cantatas, edited by Christoph Wolff

Find out more about Bach and his work at the Parson’s Music Library through books like The World of the Bach Cantatas or streaming audio and more!

Parsons Playlists: Chill R&B

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Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Alexandra (class of 2026) featuring some chill R&B tunes for your enjoyment.

Chill R&B

GIVĒON – “Twenties”

Omar Apollo – “Evergreen”

Mac Miller – “Come Back to Earth”

Justin Bieber – “YUKON”

Daniel Caesar – “Loose”

Clara La San – “In This Darkness”

Kendrick Lamar & SZA – “luther”

Sonder – “Too Fast”

Bryson Tiller – “Right My Wrongs”

SZA – “Snooze”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube:

Arachnophonia: Kaytranada “BUBBA”

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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 Laeticia (class of 2026) and features Kaytranada’s 2019 album BUBBA on vinyl. Thanks, Laeticia!

Kaytranada
BUBBA

Kaytranada - BUBBA

Why Kaytranada’s BUBBA Deserves A Spot in Every Vinyl Collection

If you’re into groove therapy or just love music that makes you move without even trying, then Kaytranada’s BUBBA deserves a spot on your shelf.

Kaytranada, whose real name is Louis Kevin Celestin, is a Haitian-Canadian DJ and producer from Montreal. His music mixes electronic, funk, R&B, and house in a way that just makes you feel good. He started making beats in his bedroom and built his name by creating songs that are perfect for summer nights, long drives, and heating up a dance floor, all at once.

His album BUBBA is one of those projects that instantly lifts your mood. This album feels like movement. It’s vibrant, warm, and effortlessly smooth with every song rolling into the next like a perfect DJ set. It’s full of songs that make you want to move, but also just chill and listen at the same time. I think “10%” is probably the song most people know, but tracks like “What You Need” and “Midsection” are just as catchy. What I love most is how the album strikes a balance between dance floor energy and deep reflection. It really just vibes.

Now, let’s talk vinyl. The BUBBA vinyl isn’t your regular spin, it’s an immersive experience. It sounds warm and alive, like you’re right there in the studio. Kaytranada is known for being open about who contributes to each track, giving the record a sense of collaboration that’s rare in electronic music. Plus, if you’re into samples, you’ll have fun figuring out where some of his sounds come from. If you’re curious about who he works with or which classic tracks he’s flipped into his own, the vinyl cover breaks it all down. It even includes a poster that ties the whole aesthetic together.

The mood of BUBBA is pure good energy. It’s perfect for when you’re just chilling, getting ready, or turning a lazy Sunday cleaning session into a mini dance break. It’s for anyone who loves music that moves with purpose and personality. If your vinyl shelf doesn’t have Kaytranada yet, it’s time to make some space because BUBBA doesn’t just play, it feels alive.

Parsons Playlists: On Loop

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Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Ibrahim (class of 2028) featuring songs that have been stuck in his head lately.

On Loop

infinite loop

Hello everybody! These are songs that have been stuck in my head on loop recently.

Kaavish – “Dekho”

Mac DeMarco – “Chamber of Reflection”

Kovic – “Drown”

Adele – “Love in the Dark”

Adele – “Someone Like You”

Joy Crookes – “Feet Don’t Fail Me Now”

Atif Aslam – “Meri Kahani”

Frank Sinatra – “My Way”

HAVI, Afifa Moin, Arsalan Hasan & Haider Abbas – “Na Milay”

Tame Impala – “One More Hour”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube:

WDCE Charts 11-19-25

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WDCE 90.1 Logo

WDCE 90.1: UR Radio is the voice of independent radio in Richmond, VA and has been student-run and operated since 1960.
Students have used it as a launching pad for careers in radio or other mass communications, and also as an engaging extra-curricular activity. Community members and UR alumni also continue to play an important role in the station.

We’re sharing chart information from WDCE as reported to the North American College and Community (NACC) Radio Chart.

Here’s the WDCE Top 30 from 19 November 2025 (click the image to see a larger version):

WDCE 11-19-25

For comparison, here is this week’s national NACC chart (click the image to see a larger version):

NACC 11-19-25

You can stream WDCE live here: https://live365.com/station/WDCE-90-1-FM-a39711

The top four albums played on WDCE this week were:
* Snocaps – Snocaps
* Snooper – Worldwide
* Eliza McLamb – Good Story
* The Belair Lip Bombs – Again

Arachnophonia: Ariana Grande “Eternal Sunshine”

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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 Mia (class of 2026) and features Ariana Grande’s 2024 album Eternal Sunshine on vinyl. Thanks, Mia!

Ariana Grande
Eternal Sunshine

Ariana Grande - Eternal Sunshine

Ariana Grande’s 7th studio album titled Eternal Sunshine was released in 2024. This album has a wide range of music with upbeat pop anthems as well as meaningful ballads. The inspiration behind this album came from the movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind released in 2004. This film looks at two people who go to extreme lengths to forget each other after a rough breakup, and analyzes memories and love. These are themes Grande has experienced through her own relationships with the loss of her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller, and the divorce of her ex-husband Dalton Gomez. The movie features themes of love, breakups, healing, and growth much like the themes in Ariana Grande’s album.

The diversity of songs across the entire album reach a wide range of audiences, and is played frequently on the University of Richmond’s campus. And unlike her past albums, Grande uses less of her impressive vocal abilities such as her vocal range and runs. Instead, she focuses on the themes of the movie and her lyrics, allowing for a more vulnerable and emotional sound. Critics believe this is her most mature sounding album of her career and shows experimentation and vulnerability.

Parsons Music Library carries a copy of Eternal Sunshine on vinyl. The vinyl record allows for a more rich and deep sound of the R&B songs featured in this collection. Additionally, the sides follow more closely with the themes of the album with the A side focusing on more of the heartbreak and the B side allowing for healing. I personally recommend giving it a listen on vinyl at Parsons!

Arachnophonia: Discover the Magic of Vinyl

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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 Nikoloz (class of 2026) and features the Music Library’s collection of vinyl records. Thanks, Nikoloz!

Discover the Magic of Vinyl

Record Player

In a world of digital streams and instant downloads, it’s easy to forget the rich, tactile experience of music. But tucked away on the shelves of the Parsons Music Library is a collection that offers just that: our incredible vinyl collection. If you’ve never dropped a needle on a record, you’re missing out on one of the most authentic and immersive ways to listen.

So, what exactly is vinyl? A vinyl record is an analog sound storage medium, a physical disc with grooves that a stylus reads to reproduce sound. But to reduce it to just a “storage medium” misses the point entirely. Vinyl is an experience. It’s the ritual of sliding the record out of its iconic sleeve, placing it on the turntable, and carefully cueing the needle. It’s the warm, rich, and often deeper sound that movies almost exaggerate. In an age of disposable digital files, vinyl demands your attention and makes listening to an album an event.

The best part? You don’t need to invest in your own expensive setup to experience it. The Music Library has a couple of turntables that students can use for free! They are located in study room W201A and the main reading room, providing the perfect quiet space to get lost in the music. We also have a portable record player that can be checked out and used outside the library.

Record display in main reading room with blu-ray record player on the left hand side of the picture!

Record display in main reading room with blu-ray record player on the left hand side of the picture!

Here’s how you can dive in:

Explore Our Collection: Choose from hundreds of albums that are already on our shelves. We have a diverse collection spanning decades and genres: from classic rock and jazz to modern indie and classical. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover something new or finally hear a legendary album the way it was originally meant to be heard.

Vinyl records in the Music Library stacks

Vinyl records in the Music Library stacks

OR, Bring Your Own Vinyl: Have a cherished collection at home or just picked up a new record from a local shop? Bring it in! Our turntables are ready for you.

Why Not Give It a Spin?

Next time you’re in the Parsons Music Library for a study session, take a different kind of break. Reserve a study room, pick out a record (or bring your own), and discover the unique magic of vinyl. It’s more than just listening; it’s connecting with music on a whole new level. Our friendly staff is always happy to help you get started and find the perfect album for your mood. Come and experience the sound that started a revolution!

Parsons Playlists: Quiet Resonance

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Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Madelyn (class of 2028) and features some violin pieces she enjoys listening to while studying.

Quiet Resonance

Hello everyone! This playlist is a compilation of diverse calming violin pieces that I greatly enjoy while studying. This playlist is designed to create a serene space of focus and reflection. With these soothing yet powerful harmonies, I hope this playlist will allow your mind to stay grounded and focused while studying or reading. Hope you enjoy it!

Dramatic Violin – “Black Swan”

Joel Sunny and Dramatic Violin – “Middle of the Night”

Dramatic Violin – “Running Up That Hill”

Dramatic Violin – “Arcade”

Dramatic Violin – “Another Love”

Dramatic Violin – “Young and Beautiful”

Dramatic Violin – “War of Hearts”

Dramatic Violin – “Train Wreck”

Dramatic Violin – “Dandelions”

Dramatic Violin – “Fairytale”

Dramatic Violin – “Under the Influence”

Dramatic Violin – “Runaway”

Dramatic Violin – “Mystery of Love”

Joel Sunny – “Into the Woods”

Dramatic Violin – “Slow Dancing in the Dark”

Dramatic Violin – “The Night We Met”

Dramatic Violin – “Summertime Sadness”

Dramatic Violin – “As the World Caves In”

Dramatic Violin – “Telepatia”

Dramatic Violin – “Desert Rose”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube:

And here it is on Spotify:

WDCE Charts 11-12-25

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WDCE 90.1 Logo

WDCE 90.1: UR Radio is the voice of independent radio in Richmond, VA and has been student-run and operated since 1960.
Students have used it as a launching pad for careers in radio or other mass communications, and also as an engaging extra-curricular activity. Community members and UR alumni also continue to play an important role in the station.

We’re sharing chart information from WDCE as reported to the North American College and Community (NACC) Radio Chart.

Here’s the WDCE Top 30 from 12 November 2025 (click the image to see a larger version):

WDCE 11-12-25

For comparison, here is this week’s national NACC chart (click the image to see a larger version):

NACC 11-12-25

You can stream WDCE live here: https://live365.com/station/WDCE-90-1-FM-a39711

WDCE Collage 11-12-25

The top four albums played on WDCE this week were:
* Snocaps – Snocaps
* The Belair Lip Bombs – Again
* Snooper – Worldwide
* Eliza McLamb – Good Story