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.
The top four albums played on WDCE this week were: * Snocaps – Snocaps * Snooper – Worldwide * Eliza McLamb – Good Story * The Belair Lip Bombs – Again
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.
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!
* “Agbadza Dance – Volta Region of Ghana” Agbadza is an Ewe music and dance that evolved from a very old war dance into a very popular recreational dance. Today the dance is often performed at weddings, funerals, and parties.
* Bizung Students – “Bamaya Dance”
Bamaya (which means “the river (valley) is wet”) is a traditional dance popular in Northern Ghana. The dance tells the story of an ancient drought and a desperate prayer sent up to the gods to bring rain. It is said that the gods listen to women’s prayers first, so the men dress as women to perform this dance.
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.
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!
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
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!
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!
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.
The top four albums played on WDCE this week were: * Snocaps – Snocaps * The Belair Lip Bombs – Again * Snooper – Worldwide * Eliza McLamb – Good Story
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Rocio (class of 2027) and features some fall vibes, Gilmore Girls style!
The Perfect Fall (Gilmore Girls Vibe) Playlist
The La’s – “There She Goes”
○ Genre: Jangle Pop, Britpop
○ Why: This is the ultimate Stars Hollow anthem. It’s upbeat, nostalgic, and perfectly captures that feeling of magical, small-town charm.
Fleetwood Mac – “Landslide”
○ Genre: Folk Rock, Soft Rock
○ Why: A classic for a reason. It’s pure, heartfelt emotion—perfect for a Rory-and-Lorelai moment or a reflective walk through falling leaves. Or it might even be a vibe you might catch on as you walk to class during our fall Richmond weather.
Simon & Garfunkel – “The Only Living Boy In New York”
○ Genre: Folk Rock
○ Why: That melancholic, autumnal harmony is pure East Coast fall. It sounds like a rainy day in Hartford or a thoughtful moment on the Richmond campus.
The Bangles – “Eternal Flame”
○ Genre: Pop Rock, Power Ballad
○ Why: For the Lane Kim vibe. This is a perfect 80s power ballad that would have her and her bandmates air-drumming in Mrs. Kim’s garage.
Patti Smith – “Because the Night”
○ Genre: Punk Rock, Rock
○ Why: A little edge for Lorelai’s rebellious side. It’s passionate, powerful, and perfect for a late-night drive in her Jeep with the top down.
Sam Phillips – “Reflecting Light”
○ Genre: Baroque pop, Folk
○ Why: This is the song that played during Liz and TJ’s wedding and the iconic Luke-and-Lorelai dance. It’s soft, magical, and utterly Stars Hollow.
The Pogues (ft. Kirsty MacColl) – “Fairytale of New York”
○ Genre: Celtic Punk, Folk Punk
○ Why: While a Christmas song, its folk-punk energy and bittersweet feel are so Gilmore. It makes you think of a festive fall festival in the town square.
Joni Mitchell – “River”
○ Genre: Folk, Singer-Songwriter
○ Why: Melancholy and beautiful, this song is for those introspective fall day It’s the soundtrack to Rory studying at her window with a cup of coffee.
The Beatles – “Here Comes The Sun”
○ Genre: Folk Rock, Pop
○ Why: A hopeful, cozy tune for a sunny autumn morning. It’s the musical equivalent of the first cup of coffee at Luke’s.
Norah Jones – “Come Away With Me”
○ Genre: Jazz Pop, Soft Jazz
○ Why: Smooth, cozy, and intimate. This song feels like a warm blanket and perfectly fits the show’s softer, more romantic moments.
The Shins – “New Slang”
○ Genre: Indie Pop, Indie Folk
○ Why: An early-2000s indie gem that would definitely be on Rory’s college playlist. It’s a little quirky, poetic, and perfect for a new season.
Billy Joel – “Vienna”
○ Genre: Piano Rock, Soft Rock
○ Why: A wise, piano-driven ballad that feels like advice from a wiser character (maybe even Richard Gilmore). It’s about slowing down, which is a perfect fall message.
Alexi Murdoch – “Orange Sky”
○ Genre: Indie Folk, Acoustic
○ Why: This song is the sound of peaceful contentment. It’s acoustic, warm and feels like the credits rolling on a perfect autumn day in Stars Hollow.
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.
The top four albums played on WDCE this week were: * Snooper – Worldwide * Eliza McLamb – Good Story * AFI – Silver Bleeds the Black Sun … * Flock of Dimes – The Life You Save
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.
A revolutionary figure in the Jazz genre, Miles Davis is the most influential figure in Jazz since Louis Armstrong. The British documentary The Miles Davis Story follows the artist throughout his career, beginning from high school up until his death. The film explores the man behind the music through a collection of interviews from his close musician colleagues, family, friends, past relationships, historians and rare interview footage of Miles himself.
What I found very interesting was how popular Miles Davis became outside America. Europeans were much more accepting and interested in Jazz than back home, where the scene for the genre was dying in New York. They held Davis to a higher regard as well, treating his music as high-class art, and he wasn’t scrutinized for drinking or smoking like he would in the U.S. for “indecent behavior.” Another topic I found surprising was the amount of direct conflict Miles Davis faced with segregation. I have never thought of the artist as very political, but it was unavoidable for him not to confront these truths, partially from the flamboyant lifestyle that many did not approve of. Aware of these cultural tensions, he often supported other black artists and figures. Davis was incredible at finding new talent to play alongside and drive for new innovations in sound throughout his entire career. This is proven by just how many bandmates were interviewed.
The artist didn’t come without his flaws. The documentary explores every facet of his pioneering career, which includes issues with his romantic affairs and struggle with drugs that ultimately played a part in his untimely death. Throughout it all, one thing was certain: Miles Davis had a gift to constantly innovate his music at every age and cared more passionately about his work than anything. His story is quite reminiscent of another late and great legend of music, Prince, who would follow in remarkably similar footsteps. The film’s interviews add great layers to who this artist really was, on top of the beautiful music, and some gorgeous photography and cinematography of Miles Davis throughout his life. Check out The Miles Davis Story from the music library today to see it for yourself!
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.
The Blueprint 3 is Jay-Z’s eleventh studio album, released in 2009. It marked a new era for the legendary rapper, showcasing his growth as an artist while embracing modern production and collaborations. The album includes some of Jay-Z’s biggest hits, such as “Empire State of Mind,” “Run This Town,” and “D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune).” The Blueprint 3 explores themes of success, ambition, and legacy, all set against sleek, forward-thinking beats that bridge hip-hop’s past and future.
What makes The Blueprint 3 special is its blend of confidence and reflection. Jay-Z celebrates achievement but also examines what it means to stay relevant in a changing world. “Empire State of Mind” became an anthem for perseverance and pride, while songs like “Young Forever” remind listeners of the fleeting nature of fame and time. Whether you’re a longtime hip-hop fan or new to Jay-Z’s music, this album captures both the sound and spirit of an artist at the height of his influence.
The Parsons Music Library has The Blueprint 3 available on CD, so you can experience its powerful mix of beats and ideas yourself. Whether you want to reflect on its lyrics, study its production, or just enjoy its energy, The Blueprint 3 remains one of Jay-Z’s defining works.
