Arachnophonia: “Love & Theft: Blackface Minstrelsy and the American Working Class” by Eric Lott

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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 Madelyn (class of 2028) and features a book about the racism and cultural appropriation inherent in blackface performance. Thanks, Madelyn!

Love & Theft: Blackface Minstrelsy and the American Working Class by Eric Lott

Love and Theft by Eric Lott

During the 19th century, minstrel shows were key sources of entertainment, featuring songs, dances and comedic routines based on stereotyped depictions of Black individuals, by white actors with blackened faces. Using these real-life events as a foundation for the book, Love & Theft, Eric Lott delves deeper into the minstrelsy musical to portray and extract the hidden fascination and fear of Black culture and its ties with the complicated cultural performance. The title, Love & Theft reflects a deeper juxtaposition on Lott’s view on how although the American working class were fascinated by the African American language and music, they however stole and distorted these significant cultural forms and transformed them into models for their very own entertainment.

Actor Thomas Rice Playing “Jim Crow” in Blackface, New York City, 1833.

This book by Eric Lott explores the path within which minstrelsy was introduced during a period of social change, especially among the urban white working class. Lott provides a very thorough and fascinating explanation on how numerous working-class white men felt politically and economically powerless and as a result of this, the hope of Blackface performances became a medium through which they could express their frustrations, rebel against upper-class norms and forge a new shared identity. Nonetheless, in doing so, this new identity relied heavily on degrading stereotypes of Black people, through which Lott reveals how these performances influenced enduring racial stereotypes and its impact on American culture. I felt very inspired by this book as it revealed such a deep and complicated contradiction of white American’s admiration for Black culture whilst also reinforcing white supremacy in the same vein. Including how American culture has been molded by complex and unequal racial interactions. I believe Love & Theft will deeply push readers to comprehend how racism can especially coexist with cultural fascination and the certain influence of entertainment on social attitudes. I highly recommend checking out this book at the music library.

Arachnophonia: Samara Joy “Portrait”

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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 Samara Joy’s 2024 album Portrait. Thanks, Laeticia!

Samara Joy

Portrait

Samara Joy - Portrait (album cover)

Samara Joy’s Voice Is the Jazz Revival We Needed

I have always loved jazz. The problem is, I only ever reached for the classics: John Coltrane, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, etc. My relationship with the genre lived comfortably in the past, and I had convinced myself that is just where great jazz existed. Then I put on Samara Joy’s Portrait vinyl, and suddenly the future of jazz felt exciting.

Samara Joy is a 25-year-old vocalist from the Bronx who has been sweeping award shows and proving that jazz is not a museum piece, but is still evolving. Coming from a gospel background, she channels the spirit of the legends I grew up listening to, but she does not imitate them. She is carrying the tradition forward in her own voice, and that distinction matters.

Listening to tracks like “A Fool in Love (Is Called A Clown)” and “You Stepped Out Of A Dream” on the Portrait vinyl reminded me why I fell in love with jazz in the first place. That warmth, that intimacy, the way a vocalist can make you feel like they are singing directly to you. It is all there. But what really struck me was realizing I had been missing out on this entire generation of artists because I had stopped looking forward. Samara Joy reignited something I did not realize had dimmed within me. I was reminded of how one’s soul comes alive through soul full music.

Samara-Joy-Portrait1

The vinyl experience made it even more powerful. This was not just background music. It captured my attention and encouraged me to be intentional with how I consume jazz music. Hearing the depth of her voice, the live-room feel of the recording, the deliberate space in the arrangements, it all reminded me that jazz sounds best when you are fully present for it. No shuffling playlists, just sitting with the music the way it deserves.

What gives me hope is that artists like Samara Joy are introducing jazz to younger audiences while respecting what made the genre great. She’s proof that jazz is not stuck in the past. It is just waiting for the right voices to carry it into the future. If you, like me, have been living in the archives, Portrait by Samara Joy is your invitation to care about contemporary jazz again.

Parsons Playlists: Charlie Brown Season – A Peanuts Playlist

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Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Sophia (class of 2028) and features an assortment of “Peanuts” themed music.

Charlie Brown Season – A Peanuts Playlist

It’s officially CARLIE BROWN SEASON (at least for me). Pour a warm drink, get comfy, and let this playlist wrap you in soft jazz and cozy nostalgia.

Jayd Deroché, Hattie Kragten, and cast – “Best Time Ever” (from Snoopy Presents: A Summmer Musical)

Jayd Deroché and cast – “Leave It Better” (from Snoopy Presents: A Summmer Musical)

Hattie Kragten – “A Place Like This” (from Snoopy Presents: A Summmer Musical)

Jayd Deroché, Hattie Kragten, and cast – “When We Were Light” (from Snoopy Presents: A Summmer Musical)

Jayd Deroché – “Look Up, Charlie Brown” (from Snoopy Presents: A Summmer Musical)

Hattie Kragten – “It’s The Small Things, Charlie Brown” (from It’s The Small Things, Charlie Brown)

Megan Trainor – “Better When I’m Dancin'” (from The Peanuts Movie)

Megan Trainor – “Good To Be Alive” (from The Peanuts Movie)

Christophe Beck – “Fifi’s Theme” (from The Peanuts Movie)

Christophe Beck – “Snow Day” (from The Peanuts Movie)

Christophe Beck – “Christmastime Is Here / Christmas Is Coming” (from The Peanuts Movie)

Ensemble – “Opening – You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” (from You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown)

Ilana Levine – “Schroeder” (from You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown)

Roger Bart, Kristin Chenowith, and Ilana Levine – “Snoopy” (from You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown)

B.D. Wong – “My Blanket And Me” (from You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown)

Anthony Rapp – “The Kite” (from You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown)

Illana Levine and Anthony Rapp – “The Doctor Is In” (from You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown)

Stanley Wayne Mathis – “Beethoven Day” (from You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown)

Ensemble – “The Book Report” (from You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown)

Kristin Chenowith – “My New Philosophy” (from You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown)

Anthony Rapp and cast – “T.E.A.M. / The Baseball Game” (from You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown)

Ensemble – “Glee Club Rehearsal” (from You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown)

Ilana Levine – “Little Known Facts” (from You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown)

Roger Bart – “Suppertime” (from You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown)

Ensemble – “Happiness” (from You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown)

Ensemble – “Bows” (from You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown)

Vince Guaraldi Trio – “Pebble Beach”

Vince Guaraldi Trio – “Blue Charlie Brown”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube:

And here it is on Spotify:

WDCE Charts 2-18-26

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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 18 February 2026 (click the image to see a larger version):

WDCE chart 2-18-26

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

NACC chart 2-18-26

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:
* Ratboys – Singin’ To An Empty Chair
* Mon Rovia – Bloodline
* Fuzz – Fuzz’s Fourth Dream
* Lande Hekt – Lucky Now

Arachnophonia: “Sinners” soundtrack

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

Sinners

Sinners soundtrack album

The soundtrack of the 2025 vampire horror film Sinners features powerful renditions of known songs from the 1930s and early 1940s that bridge the gap between tradition and modernity. Guided by intentionality, historical accuracy, and his own experience with American blues music, producer Ludwig Göransson drew from various genres, including blues, Irish folk, gospel, jazz, and soul. Through its attention to technical detail and inventive blend of styles, the soundtrack alone is enough to make the movie worth watching.

One of my two favorite tracks on the album, “Rocky Road to Dublin,” starts off more slowly and quickly evolves into a lively mixed-meter jig with strong vocals and even stronger energy. In contrast, the other, “Will Ye Go, Lassie Go?” is captivating with its simple melody and rich harmonies that manage to sound like home, even while being sung by a band of mildly-threatening vampires.

In vastly different ways, these two songs (along with all the others on the soundtrack) capture the heart and soul that was put into the film, as well as the hearts of listeners and viewers alike. The masterful musicians of Sinners have truly earned their place in Parsons Music Library.

Parsons Playlists: “Dearest Reader, Love is in the Air”

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Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Rocio (class of 2027) and features some Bridgerton-esque selections for your Valentine’s Day enjoyment.

“Dearest Reader, Love is in the Air”

A Bridgerton-inspired Valentine’s playlist (classical elegance meets modern romance)
Best enjoyed while pretending you’re exchanging longing glances across a ballroom.

Duomo – “Wildest Dreams”

Midnite String Quartet – “Lovely”

Kris Bowers ft. Hillary Smith – “Strange”

Vitamin String Quartet – “Good Luck, Babe!”

Vitamin String Quartet – “Die With A Smile”

Brooklyn Duo – “Halo”

Brooklyn Duo – “Romantic Flight” (from How to Train Your Dragon)

Vitamin String Quartet – “Shallow”

Vitamin String Quartet – “Perfect”

Brooklyn Duo – “Yellow”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube:

WDCE Charts 2-11-26

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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 11 February 2026 (click the image to see a larger version):

WDCE chart 2-11-26

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

NACC chart 2-11-26

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

WDCE Collage 2-11-26

The top four albums played on WDCE this week were:
* Dry Cleaning – Secret Love
* Mon Rovia – Bloodline
* This Is Lorelei – Holo Boy
* Radium Dolls – Wound Up

Arachnophonia: Laufey “A Matter of Time”

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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 Joyce (class of 2027) and features Laufey’s 2025 album A Matter of Time. Thanks, Joyce!

Laufey

A Matter of Time

Laufey - A Matter of Time

I chose A Matter of Time by Laufey because her music is a combination of genres that I have always been drawn to. I like jazz, and Laufey’s sound blends that style with pop in a way that feels both modern and timeless. I think her music is especially compelling to me because of its classical influence. She often sings with an operatic tone, and her background in classical music as a cellist shapes the structure and emotional depth of her songs. That classical foundation gives her music a richness that sets it apart from typical pop albums.

This album is important to me because it feels versatile and comforting. My favorite song, “Lover Girl,” is especially catchy and lively, and I think it is good to listen to in everyday moments. It is the kind of song I enjoy playing while going on a walk or cleaning my room. Overall, I think this studio album captures why I appreciate Laufey as an artist. She creates music that is approachable and fun, yet grounded in a strong classical background.

Parsons Playlists: The Ultimate Romantic Dancing Playlist!

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Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Julie (class of 2028) and features some romantic hits from the past.

The Ultimate Romantic Dancing Playlist!”

romantic dancing

This affectionately-curated playlist features classic romantic hits of the 1930s through the 1970s that are sure to get you feeling sentimental. Whether you too enjoy a slow dance or could use some sweeping orchestral interludes as your background music, this playlist offers a glimpse into the past and into a different era of romance.

Glenn Miller & His Orchestra – “Moonlight Serenade”

Frank Sinatra – “Somethin’ Stupid”

Billie Holiday – “I’ll Be Seeing You”

Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass – “This Guy’s In Love With You”

The Carpenters – “(They Long To Be) Close To You”

Kitty Kallen – “It’s Been a Long, Long Time”

Nat King Cole – “L-O-V-E”

Doris Day – “Dream a Little Dream of Me”

The Platters – “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes”

Ritchie Valens – “We Belong Together”

Harry James & His Orchestra – “I’ve Heard That Song Before”

Jo Stafford – “You Belong To Me”

Dean Martin – “Everybody Loves Somebody”

Frankie Valli – “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube:

WDCE Charts 2-4-26

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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 4 February 2026 (click the image to see a larger version):

WDCE chart 2-4-26

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

NACC chart 2-4-26

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

WDCE Collage 2-4-26

The top four albums played on WDCE this week were:
* Melody’s Echo Chamber – Unclouded
* Mon Rovia – Bloodline
* Fuzz – Fuzz’s Fourth Dream
* Westside Cowboy – So Much Country ‘Till We Get There