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.
K-pop Dance: Fandoming Yourself on Social Media by Chuyun Oh explores how K-pop fans use dance and social media to express themselves and build global communities. Oh shows how fans on platforms like YouTube and TikTok recreate choreography, form connections across cultures, and blur the boundaries between performer and audience. Through this lens, K-pop becomes more than music, it transforms into a shared cultural practice that unites people through creativity and participation.
I was drawn to this book because I enjoy K-pop and often see K-pop dance videos online. Reading it helped me understand that these dances are not just entertainment but meaningful acts of self-expression and identity. The book reveals how social media shapes the way people connect, create, and find belonging within global pop culture.
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 album is inspired by Roan’s experiences moving to Los Angeles from Missouri to pursue her music career. Her Midwest Princess Tour propelled Roan into global fame and positive reception, culminating in her Grammy win for Best New Artist in 2025.
She writes some of the catchiest choruses you’ve ever heard, including in viral songs like “Pink Pony Club” and “HOT TO GO.” The upbeat pop songs are staples in my playlists, but I also love the more emotionally candid songs like “Kaleidoscope.” Roan’s music truly sticks with you and reveals something new in each listen. It’s definitely a no-skip album with a lot of heart and relevance for young LGBTQ+ listeners.
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.
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Griffin (class of 2027) which features some songs karaoke-d at a recent party.
Karaoke Songs
I recently hosted a karaoke night event, and thought it would make a good playlist as a reference for the future, as well as a memento of the songs that night. Below are the songs that were sung, plus a few more that were queued up, but we ran out of time. Hope you enjoy!
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 * AFI – Silver Bleeds the Black Sun … * Flock of Dimes – The Life You Save * Fionn – Scum.
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 Stranger is easily my favorite album by American pianist and singer-songwriter, Billy Joel. I grew up hearing his music blasting from the radio and my dad’s speaker, and while this album contains several of his popular, more up-beat hits such as “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)” and “Only The Good Die Young,” I have to admit that “Vienna” and “She’s Always A Woman” have my heart.
Easily recognizable by its iconic piano introduction, “Vienna” leaves the listener with a gentle reminder to stop and smell the roses as a young adult; life doesn’t end with old age!
“She’s Always A Woman” is, I think, one of the most beautiful love songs out there. While it’s certainly mellow, the complexity of Joel’s melody and instrumentation make it stand out in a crowd without losing its approachability.
I’ll always jump at the chance to use my CD player, and for me, I found The Stranger to be the perfect soundtrack for a rainy day study session. With a stellar group of songs perfectly representing a wide variety of emotions, this album truly has something for everyone.
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.
Finance bros and Swifties (Taylor Swift’s fans) usually don’t mix. One’s busy crying to heartbreak songs, the other’s checking the stock market a bit too much. But the book titled There’s Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift by Kevin Evers might just bring them together. It’s the rare book that proves that Taylor Swift is not just on top of the charts, but she is also running a billion-dollar brand.
The author Kevin Evers is an editor at Harvard Business Review and this book has been featured in Rolling Stone, People Magazine, US Weekly, USA Today, The Financial Times, and more. The book was named to the Financial Times “What to Read in 2025” list and was also named one of the “Thirty books we’re excited to read in the first half of 2025” by The Sydney Morning Herald.
There’s Nothing Like This unpacks the calculated plan behind Swift’s every move, from re-recording her albums to forming a direct relationship with her fans that beats any thriving company’s customer loyalty strategy. Her fans will love seeing how her methods fit into the business world and anyone interested in marketing or entrepreneurship will be surprised by her strategy.
This book connects two worlds: pop culture and business. It’s written in a way that is fun, easy to follow and you don’t have to have any prior knowledge of marketing to get it. Whether you are a Swiftie who wants to learn more about the behind the scenes of what she does or a finance bro who admires good and successful business strategies, this book shows that Taylor Swift’s success isn’t just luck, it’s a combination of smart moves and understanding of marketing. She truly is a mastermind.
