Tag Archives: vinyl LP

Arachnophonia: Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra, Volume 1

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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 Sophia (class of 2028) and features her impressions while listening to a vinyl LP of the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra. Thanks, Sophia!

Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra, Volume 1

Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra, Volume 1

The first piece on this album (“Symphony no. 2, The seal of the three laws by Robert Jager) begins in a lively way, almost like the opening for a Disney movie. As the piece goes on, the rhythm builds faster and faster, then gradually slows down before picking up the speed again. The sound of drums, trumpets, and trombones makes it feel like a rollercoaster ride, constantly going up and down. The pitch follows the same pattern, jumping from very high notes to suddenly dropping into very low ones.

My overall impression of this piece is that it reminded me of one of my favorite childhood cartoons, Tom and Jerry. The fast-paced rhythm feels like the chase scenes where Tom will run after Jerry and suddenly stop. The suspense rhythm reminds me of when one of them starts to plot something sneaky.

I would recommend this album to anyone who enjoys lively, playful music or who wants to experience a rollercoaster ride filled with sounds and imagination.

Arachnophonia: Kaytranada “BUBBA”

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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 Kaytranada’s 2019 album BUBBA on vinyl. Thanks, Laeticia!

Kaytranada
BUBBA

Kaytranada - BUBBA

Why Kaytranada’s BUBBA Deserves A Spot in Every Vinyl Collection

If you’re into groove therapy or just love music that makes you move without even trying, then Kaytranada’s BUBBA deserves a spot on your shelf.

Kaytranada, whose real name is Louis Kevin Celestin, is a Haitian-Canadian DJ and producer from Montreal. His music mixes electronic, funk, R&B, and house in a way that just makes you feel good. He started making beats in his bedroom and built his name by creating songs that are perfect for summer nights, long drives, and heating up a dance floor, all at once.

His album BUBBA is one of those projects that instantly lifts your mood. This album feels like movement. It’s vibrant, warm, and effortlessly smooth with every song rolling into the next like a perfect DJ set. It’s full of songs that make you want to move, but also just chill and listen at the same time. I think “10%” is probably the song most people know, but tracks like “What You Need” and “Midsection” are just as catchy. What I love most is how the album strikes a balance between dance floor energy and deep reflection. It really just vibes.

Now, let’s talk vinyl. The BUBBA vinyl isn’t your regular spin, it’s an immersive experience. It sounds warm and alive, like you’re right there in the studio. Kaytranada is known for being open about who contributes to each track, giving the record a sense of collaboration that’s rare in electronic music. Plus, if you’re into samples, you’ll have fun figuring out where some of his sounds come from. If you’re curious about who he works with or which classic tracks he’s flipped into his own, the vinyl cover breaks it all down. It even includes a poster that ties the whole aesthetic together.

The mood of BUBBA is pure good energy. It’s perfect for when you’re just chilling, getting ready, or turning a lazy Sunday cleaning session into a mini dance break. It’s for anyone who loves music that moves with purpose and personality. If your vinyl shelf doesn’t have Kaytranada yet, it’s time to make some space because BUBBA doesn’t just play, it feels alive.

Arachnophonia: Ariana Grande “Eternal Sunshine”

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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 Mia (class of 2026) and features Ariana Grande’s 2024 album Eternal Sunshine on vinyl. Thanks, Mia!

Ariana Grande
Eternal Sunshine

Ariana Grande - Eternal Sunshine

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!

Arachnophonia: Discover the Magic of Vinyl

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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 Nikoloz (class of 2026) and features the Music Library’s collection of vinyl records. Thanks, Nikoloz!

Discover the Magic of Vinyl

Record Player

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!

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

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!

Arachnophonia: Chappell Roan “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess”

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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 Susanne (class of 2026) and features Chappell Roan’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess on vinyl. Thanks, Susanne!

Chappell Roan
The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess

Chappell Roan "The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess"

We have more new vinyls to share with you, including Chappell Roan’s hit 2023 album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. Roan’s debut studio album has really fun pop elements while exploring themes related to queer relationships, identity, and leaving home as a young adult.

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.

Arachnophonia: Prince and the Revolution “Purple Rain”

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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 Griffin (class of 2027) and features Prince and the Revolution’s classic album Purple Rain (available on vinyl and CD at the Music Library). Thanks, Griffin!

Prince and the Revolution

Purple Rain

Purple Rain album cover

How did Prince’s legacy we honor today as an international pop superstar begin? For starters, it comes from this record smashing album that is one of the most iconic records from the 80s. Already making quite a significant headway in the music industry from earlier songs like “1999” and “Little Red Corvette” that got Prince to the peak of some mountains, this album was the ship that blasted off Prince into the stardom we know today. Earning Prince best album of the year, song of the year, and movie of the year, and awarded 4th place on Apple’s 100 best albums list, Purple Rain brought forth the future of music as we know it.

Released in 1984, the album broke the rules of the music genre like never before. This is unsurprising for Prince who always fought against being bound to any one particular label and its restrictions (literal music labels as well as the metaphoric ones). The album mixed pop, soul, funk, R&B, rock, gospel, and neo-psychedelia into an unpredictable sonic experience. This fusion found new ways of expression through music and sent waves of influence into the present landscape of music.

As for the content, Prince explores themes of love, lust, identity, alienation, loss and spirituality. Singing with raw emotional depth, the topics give a profound view into the artist’s life and speaks to the human experience. Through “I Would Die 4 U”, Prince challenges ideas of masculinity and sexuality, becoming one of the first artists of color to champion gender-fluidity on the global stage. Purple Rain also influenced how albums were sold because of its content. The track “Darling Nikki” spurred public backlash for its sexually explicit themes, creating the rule in the music industry that albums with child-unfriendly material must have Parental Advisory stickers.

Overall, Purple Rain was one of the most culturally significant albums created and the magnum opus of the late artist formerly known as Prince, and you can check out the vinyl at the Music Library today!

Arachnophonia: Billie Eilish “Hit Me Hard and Soft”

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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 Susanne (class of 2026) and features Billie Eilish’s 2024 studio album Hit Me Hard and Soft. Thanks, Susanne!

Billie Eilish
Hit Me Hard and Soft

Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft

Great news, music library people! Our vinyl collection is expanding and we have some exciting new(er) records to share with you all. One addition that’s been super exciting to me is Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft.

Eilish’s third studio album was released just last year on May 17, 2024 and was co-authored by her brother, Finneas O’Connell. The album features 10 tracks, most of which you’ve probably heard on the radio, on social media, or out in public. Hit Me Hard and Soft was widely praised and received two Grammy nominations for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album. It explores themes of love, heartbreak, insecurity, and queer identity and relationships.

When I first listened to the album I jumped between songs a bit, not realizing the musical and narrative elements that flowed between each track when played in order. Each song blends into the next, creating a really cool, cohesive listening experience which, in my opinion, is even better when using physical music like a record instead of a streaming platform. My favorite songs have shifted a lot since the album was released, but as of right now I would recommend “Chihiro,” “The Greatest,” and “Bittersuite.”

Hit Me Hard and Soft is at times humorous and snarky, occasionally heartbreaking, and always vocally and musically superb. Definitely check it out (literally, at the library!) and enjoy this album that has so much to offer.

Arachnophonia: The Steve Miller Band “Anthology”

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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 Rocio (class of 2027) and features the vinyl set Anthology by the Steve Miller Band. Thanks, Rocio!

From Space Cowboys to Study Breaks: My Ride with the Steve Miller Band

The Steve Miller Band Anthology

Steve Miller Band - Anthology

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.

Arachnophonia: Kids See Ghosts

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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 Ibrahim (class of 2028) and features Kids See Ghosts, a 2018 collaboration between Kanye West and Kid Cudi on vinyl. Thanks, Ibrahim!

Kids See Ghosts

Kids See Ghosts album cover (2018)

KIDS SEE GHOSTS is the first and only collaborative studio album by Kanye West and Kid Cudi, released in 2018. It marked a bold change for both artists, blending hip-hop with rock, psychedelia, and experimental sounds. This album includes some of their most acclaimed tracks, such as “Reborn,” “Fire,” and “Cudi Montage.” KIDS SEE GHOSTS deals with themes of mental health, healing, and resilience, making it a powerful and personal favorite among fans.

What makes KIDS SEE GHOSTS unique is its raw honesty and creative production. Songs like “Reborn” repeat a mantra of moving forward, offering listeners a message of growth and renewal. “Cudi Montage” layers Kid Cudi’s reflective lyrics over a haunting guitar sample, showing how music can carry both pain and hope at the same time. Whether you’ve followed Kanye West and Kid Cudi for years or are just discovering their work, this album offers a moving and unforgettable listening experience.

The Parsons Music Library has KIDS SEE GHOSTS available on vinyl, so you can immerse yourself in its striking sound. Whether you want to reflect on its messages, enjoy its bold style, or simply let it play in the background, fans agree that KIDS SEE GHOSTS is a transformative listen.

Arachnophonia: Frank Sinatra “Strangers in the Night”

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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 Rocio (class of 2027) and features a vinyl record by Frank Sinatra. Thanks, Rocio!

Finding an Old Soul in the Stacks: My Afternoon with Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra - Strangers in the Night (1966 album cover)

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.