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.
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.
Maybe your New Year’s resolution is to read more during your free time, or maybe to spend less money on books. Either way, the answer is in Parsons Music Library. The library has a great selection of leisure-reading books you can check out and enjoy before the semester starts to feel a little heavier.
One book that immediately caught my eye, and that I would highly recommend, is When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole. This novel is a thriller, but it also talks about real-life issues such as gentrification, systemic racism, and economic displacement. The story follows Sydney Green, who begins noticing mysterious disappearances in her historically Black neighborhood. She teams up with her neighbor to investigate what’s really going on.
When No One Is Watching is an expertly crafted thriller that manages to be as informative as it is entertaining. It’s no easy task to unpack a large amount of American history within a suspenseful narrative, but the author does exactly that. What begins as a slow-burning mystery eventually builds into a heart-pounding reveal. While I found the story incredibly creative and necessary, my only critique is that the pacing felt uneven at times, and the ending seemed a bit too packed with information that might have been better spread throughout the novel.
Knowing that Alyssa Cole (the author) is also known for her romance novels, I was pleasantly surprised to see a subtle love story woven into the narrative. It felt like a welcome and thoughtful addition that helped deepen the characters and their relationships. Overall, this is a highly recommended read! Especially for those who may have all but given up on the thriller genre. This book is a must-read and may just restore your faith in a genre that can sometimes feel stale.
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.
While I was walking through the vinyl section of the library, I ran into a major throwback: the record featuring “Just the Two of Us.” It’s one of those songs that can totally lock you in or give you just the right amount of motivation at the beginning of the semester. Just you, the music, and your assignment lining up perfectly and locking in. That said, it’s way too early in the semester to be stressing about procrastination and deadlines when it’s literally only week one.
I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but with 2026 feeling like the new 2016, nostalgia is definitely in the air. Naturally, I had to bring this jazzy vinyl back into rotation.
For a little background: “Just the Two of Us” was released (as a single) in 1981 by Grover Washington Jr., featuring Bill Withers, and it’s one of those rare songs that blends jazz, soul, and R&B so smoothly that it never really goes out of style. AND it won a Grammy Award! In addition, this record has been sampled and referenced countless times since, which probably explains why it still feels so familiar even decades later.
This vinyl is perfect whether you’re listening in a library study room, vibing with your AirPods on (yes, you can do that in this library, kind of iconic if you ask me), or checking it out to play in your dorm and fully romanticize your evening. It’s low-key, timeless, and the kind of sound that makes studying, just existing, or feeling a little cooler.
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.
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.
We all have those songs. The ones that come on the radio and give you a pure hit of nostalgia. You might not know the name of the album, or even all the words, but you know the feeling. For me, a lot of those songs are by the Steve Miller Band. They bring me back to car rides with my dad, blasting music and trying to sing along to songs that are now forever engraved in my memory.
On my latest trip to the Music Library’s vinyl section, I wasn’t looking for anything in particular. That’s when I saw it: a compilation that looked like a greatest hits list from classic rock heaven, Steve Miller Band – Anthology. It was a two-record treasure chest and transported me back to those car rides with my dad. That feeling is something really special, especially since I don’t see a lot of college students thinking about their parents that often. But the truth is, as an international student, I’m always thinking of mine, and this album made me feel a couple of miles closer to home.
Moving past my personal anecdote, the great thing about these vinyls — whether it’s Miller or anything else in the Music Library — is that you can tap into that vibe without digging through your parents’ attic for a turntable. The library has that covered. I ended up taking a full-on study break to listen to the album, one hit after another. It’s a masterclass in 70s rock. There’s a reason these tracks have survived decades — they’re just pure, uncomplicated fun.
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So, if you need a break that actually feels like a break, I have a suggestion. Go to the Music Library. Find that call number or just wander the vinyl section until a familiar face (or album cover) winks at you.
Plug in your headphones, drop the needle, and take a 45-minute vacation. Or, if your dorm room needs a soundtrack, you can simply check it out.
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.
We all have our study traps: 8:15, tea, coffee, or the intense silence of the top floor of the main library. My go-to lately has been the Music Library, not just for the quiet, but for the escape.
I found myself in front of the vinyl section, and my eyes went directly to the Frank Sinatra – Strangers in the Night record. It felt like finding a classic novel you’ve only ever heard quoted. I pulled out the vinyl: the cover was cool but simple. It was just Sinatra, looking effortlessly detached. It felt like an invitation.
The best part is that I didn’t even need to own a record player to listen to it. And yes, I know I can find Sinatra on Spotify (hot take: I really don’t like Apple Music); but I sometimes like going to the source. There’s something about vinyl that makes the music feel more authentic —- but that’s just my opinion.
Anyways, back to the amazing players we have in the library (one in study room 1, one in the main reading room and a portable record player you can check out). I took the record over, plugged my AirPods into the player, and lowered the needle. An unmistakable trumpet began, and Sinatra’s voice cut through—smooth, clear, and completely transporting. I listened to the whole album. There’s an intentionality to vinyl that an algorithm can’t replicate.
This is the secret no one tells you about the Music Library: it’s not just a resource; it’s an experience. It’s a chance to connect with music the way it was originally meant to be heard — with intention. You’re not just clicking ‘shuffle’; you’re handling art, carefully placing the needle, and committing to an entire album’s journey.
So, whether you’re a vinyl veteran or just vibe-curious, I challenge you. Go to the Music Library. Find
that call number (in this case, RM 1630.18.S47), just browse the vinyl section until an icon calls out to you, or ask one of our friendly library staff to help you find something!
Plug in your headphones at the turntable station and have a private listening party. Or, if you’re like me and the experience was too good to leave behind, you can simply check it
out. Yes, you can take Frank Sinatra back to your dorm, just remember to bring him back to the Music Library too.
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Rocio (class of 2027). It features a multi-decade selection of songs.
Through the Decades: A Journey Through Time
This playlist spans across many different styles, from rock to soul, from grunge to pop, each representing the distinct culture of its time (1960s – 2020s).
1960s
The Beatles – “Here Comes the Sun” Genre: Rock/Pop
A perfect track to represent the cultural shift of the ’60s, full of optimism and innovation.
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.
One of my favorite items from the Music Library is the piano and vocal selections from Wicked, the beloved Broadway musical by Stephen Schwartz that has made its comeback since the movie and its iconic Broadway shows.
Not only is Wicked an iconic and transformative show in musical theater, but also its music is both emotionally powerful and technically engaging for performers.
Wicked is associated with a storyline of the wizard of Oz and basically describes who is wicked in the storyline or how does one become wicked. The songbook is full of catchy, dynamic numbers like “Defying Gravity” and heartfelt ballads such as “For Good,” each with its own unique, detailed vocal and piano arrangement. It’s a great tool for pianists and singers-be it preparing auditions, performances, or simply singing at home. It gives the musical theatre fan another way to access and enjoy the music, other than by simply listening to the cast album. The collection also provides insight into Stephen Schwartz’s ability to combine appealing, accessible, and singable melodies with deeper emotional themes, which will make this a great study for anyone into musical theater composition and performance.
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Rocio (class of 2027) which features music from the Bridgerton television series.
Bridgerton: A Regency Romance Playlist
Immerse yourself in the opulent world of Bridgerton with this curated playlist. Inspired by the lavish early 1800s London Regency era depicted in the series, each track captures the elegance, drama, and allure of high society. Experience the charm and sophistication of a world where love and ambition dance in perfect harmony.
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.
Maria “Masha” Vladimirovna Alyokhina (Russian: Мария Владимировна Алёхина[a]) is a Russian political activist and member of the anti-Putinist punk rock collective Pussy Riot. Alyokhina was born on June 6, 1988 in Moscow, Russia. Her mother works as a programmer and her father is a mathematics professor.
The book Alyokhina co-edited – Velvet Terrorism – Pussy Riot’s Russia – showcases the largest representation of the Pussy Riot artistic collective’s work up to this date. Alyokhina describes Pussy Riot as a way of life and a form of civic responsibility. Their art is their unique way of engaging in activism and she makes it clear to the audience that her goal is to fight against the oppression of Putin’s tyranny.
Alyokhina was arrested several times (August 2012, February 2014, January 2021, and February of 2022) due to “hooliganism motivated by religious hatred,” along with other acts that where treated as crimes due to her activist ideals and opposition to Putin. Because of her continued arrests and oppression she decided to flee Russia, disguising herself as a delivery driver. In exile she tours around Europe to support victims of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
