Arachnophonia: Billy Joel – The Definitive Biography

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 Elina (class of 2029) and features a biography of Billy Joel. Thanks, Elina!

Billy Joel: The Definitive Biography by Fred Schruers

Book cover for Billy Joel: The Definitive Biography by Fred Schruers

Billy Joel is one of those artists, whose music has shaped many lives for over five decades, but how much do you actually know about the man behind hits like “Piano Man”, “Vienna” and “We Didn’t Start the Fire”. This book by Fred Schruers is a biography of Billy Joel, and it provides an answer to that exact question. It was written with Joel’s cooperation and tells a story about the career that took him from a rough childhood in Long Island to becoming a global superstar. What makes this book even better is the fact that it doesn’t hide the ugly sides of the story, the failed marriages, financial problems, battles with addiction and creative doubts that overtook even the biggest hits.

It’s worth picking up this biography because the author manages to capture Joel’s voice perfectly, so as a reader you can not only find out about his accomplishments but also find out why he walked away from music more than once. For longtime fans, this book is a way to finally connect the dots between the songs and the inspirations behind them. And for newcomers, it shows that behind the man who wrote all of the iconic songs, there’s also a person who is much more complicated than he seems.

Be sure to pick up Billy Joel: The Definitive Biography by Fred Schruers at Parsons Music Library!

Arachnophonia: Marvin Gaye “What’s Going On”

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 Griffin (class of 2027) and features Marvin Gaye’s classic 1971 album What’s Going On. Thanks, Griffin!

Marvin Gaye

What’s Going On

Marvin Gaye’s critically acclaimed album, What’s Going On, has been around my music rotation apparatus for some time now. Whether it’s playing in shops, in my mom’s playlist, or playing the album on a long car drive to save my sanity, I’m familiar with Gaye’s magnum opus. That being said, when I saw the vinyl for this album newly shelved at the Parsons Music Library I made sure to sit down and give the full album a listen again (when I wasn’t 5 hours deep staring at asphalt and yellow lines). Although I shouldn’t have been surprised, it is still amazing how magical this album feels even 55 years since its release.

Marvin Gaye’s beautifully emotional voice and tonal range make it impossible to not be a pleasure for the ear. His soothingly melodic vocal performance contrasts the very serious topics covered in the lyrics. Discussing the Vietnam war, race, poverty, peace, religion, environment, the whole album makes social issues the focus. Finally, maybe the most iconic piece of this album is its extraordinary orchestral production. It truly gives the feeling of a huge production and captures magic in a bottle. It’s satisfying picking out all of the instruments being used. (For any fans of the Silk Sonic album, the production is reminiscent of this album.) I highly recommend everyone give What’s Going On a listen, and check out this vinyl at the Parsons Music Library!

Arachnophonia: “It Had To Be You”

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 Julie (class of 2028) and features a vinyl collection of popular music played on piano from around the Prohibition era of the 20th century. Thanks, Julie!

It Had to be You: Popular Keyboard from the Days of the Speakeasy to the Television Era

Album cover for "
It had to be you : popular keyboard from the days of the speakeasy to the television era"

It Had to be You: Popular Keyboard from the Days of the Speakeasy to the Television Era is a cozy, charming, and thoughtfully-curated collection of piano renditions of popular music from the Prohibition Era. The dreamy atmosphere of the recordings transports the listener back to the Roaring Twenties where the pianist was always the life of the party. The most favored speakeasy pianists played popular music of the time as it was written and without much theatrical flair to emphasize the melody for the benefit of the customers. As a result of those preferences, the music is easily recognizable and creates the perfect ambiance for cooking, crafting, homework, or, of course, hosting!

My personal favorite tracks are “Kitten on the Keys” by Zez Confrey, a fast-paced ragtime composition; “Aquellos Ojos Verdes” by Nilo Menendez, a Cuban song with a mellow Latin rhythm; and a jazzy rendition of “La Vie En Rose” by Louiguy and Edith Piaf, which is a lovely version of the well-known tune. Each of these piano covers blends seamlessly into the next, leaving the listener wanting nothing more than to spend an evening chatting and dancing away.

Arachnophonia: Noah Kahan “Busyhead”

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 Jillian (class of 2027) and features Noah Kahan’s 2019 album Busyhead. Thanks, Jillian!

Noah Kahan

Busyhead

Noah Kahan - Busyhead

Noah Kahan is an American pop/folk singer-songwriter raised in Strafford, Vermont. Starting his musical career at the age of eight, Kahan uploaded his songs to SoundCloud and YouTube, soon after getting his first guitar at the age of 10. Navigating through high school, small venues, and his own mental health, Kahan released his first studio album, Busyhead, in 2019.

Busyhead explores the inner workings of Kahan’s mind and how difficult it can be to find one’s way in life. Featuring themes of growth, self-doubt, anxiety, and overthinking, songs from this album quietly and softly touch its listeners. Songs such as “False Confidence” and “Mess” dive into the struggles of imposter syndrome and discovering that not everyone sees you the same way you see yourself, while “Sink” and “Tidal” focus on depression and overcoming it. His single “Hurt Somebody,” featuring Julia Michaels, achieved a placing of 24 on the Billboard Hot 100, accelerating his career to national prominence.

In 2023, Kahan started the Busyhead Project, a foundation dedicated to raising money and awareness for mental health and supporting accessible care. This project continues today and has raised over $6 million since 2023.

The Busyhead Project logo

Kahan continues to explore the theme of personal growth with his subsequent albums, I Was/I Am (2021), Stick Season (2022), and The Great Divide (2026), reaching international fame after his single “Stick Season.”

Arachnophonia: Bad Bunny “Debí tirar más fotos”

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 Rocio (class of 2026) and features Bad Bunny’s 2025 studio album Debí tirar más fotos aka DtMF. Thanks, Rocio!

Bad Bunny

Debí tirar más fotos

Bad Bunny -  Debí tirar más fotos  (DtMF) album cover

As an international Latin student, it makes me so happy to see Debí tirar más fotos not only as part of our vinyl collection, but also as one of the staff picks. This album is more than iconic; it is an activist album that speaks to the many injustices Puerto Rico has experienced throughout its history. It is a Latin album rooted in unity, culture, and mucho sazón.

One of my top songs is “Weltita” because it invites people to visit Puerto Rico while also reminding them to respect the island. It does this through a playful, flirty, and loving song. Although it is only mentioned in one line, I especially love the story of Jacinto. Jacinto’s Well is a famous natural sinkhole located at Jobos Beach in Isabela, Puerto Rico. Legend has it that a farmer named Jacinto was herding his cow near the rocks, with the animal’s rope tied around his waist. A loud thunderclap frightened the cow, causing it to fall into the well and drag Jacinto down with it, resulting in both of them drowning. I love how the song can feel cute and romantic while also incorporating a piece of Puerto Rican history and folklore. Benito leaves many references throughout the album that feel especially meaningful to Puerto Ricans and islanders.

Another song I really loved because of its activism is “Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaii.” In the song, Benito references how Hawaii was taken by force and how its people have been mistreated. He draws a connection between Hawaii and Puerto Rico, warning about what could happen to Puerto Rico as a U.S. territory if its history and people continue to be overlooked. I especially liked how Benito incorporated Ricky Martin into the song when he had the opportunity to perform it at the Super Bowl.

I’ll end with my third pick, “La Mudanza,” which emphasizes how many Latino families are forced to migrate to the United States or other parts of the world. Benito tells the story of a family moving somewhere new while still holding on to their roots and identity. I think this is something many Latino families can relate to, including those who have had to leave their homes in search of better opportunities.

I invite everyone not only to speak up for what is right, but also to listen to the album, pay attention to the small details, and dance it out if you can. DtMF is an album that celebrates Puerto Rican culture while inviting us to think about history, identity, unity, and action.

Arachnophonia: 2001 – A Space Odyssey soundtrack

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 2028) and features the soundtrack album for the classic film 2001: A Space Odyssey. Thanks, Danny!

2001: A Space Odyssey soundtrack

2001: A Space Odyssey original MGM soundtrack

I saw 2001: A Space Odyssey for the first time at a midnight showing, which, like most surreal, feverish movies, is a pretty good time to watch it. 2001 is best known for its striking imagery, but just as important to the viewing experience is its memorable soundtrack. Filled with classical and orchestral pieces, the film helped revolutionize the way science fiction cinema approached music. Director Stanley Kubrick initially hired composer Alex North to write an original score for the film, but later scrapped it entirely in favor of existing classical music he had been using as temporary tracks during the editing process.

Who would’ve thought to bring classical music into a space opera? But it worked. The film helped popularize pieces such as Richard Strauss’ 1896 symphonic poem Also sprach Zarathustra and Johann Strauss II’s 1866 Blue Danube Waltz, and generations of film and television have drawn on the association between these pieces and space travel ever since.

If you’re looking for some beautiful classical music to relax to, or just something that makes you go, “Wait, I’ve heard this somewhere before,” I’d encourage you to check out the 2001: A Space Odyssey soundtrack here at the Parsons Music Library!

Arachnophonia: Gris

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 Sophia (class of 2028) and features the soundtrack to the video game Gris on vinyl. Thanks, Sophia!

Berlinist

Gris

Gris soundtrack

The first vinyl piece started off with meditative sounds, which immediately relaxed my mood and body. Then, slowly soft violin and a faint piano start to play. Everything sounded very high-pitched, but it gave off a relaxing vibe. The violin would slowly stop playing and then gently start again. I would recommend this first piece if you are feeling stressed and want to listen to some relaxing music.

The second vinyl piece was a completely different vibe. It started with a very fast-paced string instrument that sounded like a cello. It gave off the feeling of an intense chase. The string instruments slowed down, giving me the feeling that I had run into the forest to hide. Then the rhythm started to speed up again. But this time, instead of running away from danger, it sounded like I was running towards safety. This piece gave me a very deep sense of meaning and emotion.

The Gris soundtrack can be found in Parsons Music Library’s vinyl collection.

Arachnophonia: “Antonio Vivaldi – The Red Priest of Venice”

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 a biography of the Baroque composer Antonio Vivaldi. Thanks, Nikoloz!

Antonio Vivaldi: The Red Priest of Venice by Karl Heller

Antonio Vivaldi: The Red Priest of Venice by Karl Heller

Antonio Vivaldi was an Italian composer born in Venice in 1678. He was also a priest, known for his red hair, which earned him the nickname “The Red Priest.” For much of his career, he worked at the Ospedale della Pietà, a girls’ orphanage and convent with a renowned music program. There, he served as violin teacher, composer, and music director, writing a vast amount of music for the talented students to perform.

Vivaldi was incredibly prolific. He is best known for his set of violin concertos called The Four Seasons, which uses music to paint scenes of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. But that’s just a small part of his output. He wrote over 500 concertos for various instruments, nearly 50 operas, and many sacred choral works. His music is famous for its bright, energetic feel, memorable melodies, and dramatic contrasts.

Arachnophonia: John Denver “Rocky Mountain High”

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 John Denver’s Rocky Mountain High album on vinyl. Thanks, Mia!

John Denver

Rocky Mountain High

John Denver - Rocky Mountain High

The Rocky Mountain High album was created to reflect the immense beauty of Colorado and the vast amount of love and appreciation John Denver has for the state. After changing his last name from Deutschendorf to Denver in the early 60’s, his love and passion for the state was further emphasized through this album. The folky vibes really encompass the natural beauty of Colorado and are reminiscent of sitting around a camp fire, as the title track so eloquently points out, and the warm vibes draw people together to celebrate their love.

This album is further enhanced by listening to it on vinyl. This form of media highlights the warmth of the song and the sounds of the instruments. It also seems more conversational between artist and listener as on vinyl it isn’t as refined as through other media types. Especially within this genre, vinyl highlights the common instruments of folk music such as the acoustic guitar and natural vocals which I personally really appreciated when listening.

This album’s release in the early 1970s gained popularity due to the rising environmental awareness of the time. His album was an inspiration to many to go out and enjoy nature and the beauty of the world. He encourages his audience to see the world and its beauty as a transformative experience, rather than by merely recognizing the scenery.

Arachnophonia: “Sinners” soundtrack

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 Daniel (class of 2028) and features the soundtrack to the 2025 film Sinners on vinyl. Thanks, Daniel!

Sinners

Sinners soundtrack album

After Ludwig Göransson recently took home the Academy Award Best Original Score at the 98th Oscars for his work on Sinners (2025), I went back to revisit the soundtrack for the vampire horror film. I’d forgotten how much the music shapes the viewing experience, immersing you deeper into the world of the film.

My favorite track by far is “I Lied to You,” written by Göransson and Raphael Saadiq, and performed beautifully by Miles Caton, who stars in the film as Sammie. It was just as striking to hear it performed live onstage by Canton and his co-stars at the Oscars.

If you’re looking for a captivating, melodic soundtrack that transports you to 1930s Mississippi Delta, Sinners is well worth a listen.