Spring is finally here! That means it’s time to roll your windows down and start blasting some beautiful new tunes. Check out some of my favorite new songs on this month’s playlist:
Music
April Movie and Music Releases
some of the top movies and music albums coming out this month. Place your holds today!
My Personal List of Women in Music: March Playlist
Considering March is Women’s History Month, I figured the entire playlist should pay homage to women in music. Many of the songs included in this list have been released by the artists pretty recently, but not all of them. Towards the end I started to include some of my all time favorite songs from female vocalists/musicians/songwriters from over the years.
My love for women in music started with Carole King. ‘I feel the Earth Move’ was my first favorite song, and consequently prompted me to purchasing her album Tapestry as my first CD. I still find myself seeking out this album for comfort on occasion.
In college I was exposed to a much more broad spectrum of music from independent artists, but still drawn to female singers. Rilo Kiley was and probably still is one of my favorites bands, with front woman, Jenny Lewis, singing her (and my) heart out.
Jenny has gone on to pursue a solo career as a singer/songwriter and is still producing heartfelt, beautiful music.
Tegan & Sara are also right up there with Rilo Kiley for me, and always have been. These Canadian twins produce some of the most beautiful songs of the heart I’ve ever heard.
All of these women in music have played a huge role in cultivating my love of women in music and I continue to enjoy their work regularly, as well as seeking out other amazing women changing the music landscape every day.
Happy listening!
Beth
February Playlist
I’ve decided to start making a monthly playlist of songs to share with you. Here’s my list of February Favorites. Some of these are being released on albums coming out this month, but some are just on heavy rotation in my life. You can listen to them through the link above then place the album on hold from RRPL.ORG, or download most of the albums featured from Hoopla Digital.
Happy Listening!
Beth
I’d rather Listen!
Are you going on a trip in the car this weekend? What about walking at the park or going hiking? Have you ever thought about taking a book, not to read but to listen to? I have a 5 hour drive to see my parents when I go home for the holidays, so I always stock up on audiobooks. I also try and go on walks at the parks and around my neighborhood. I also use the Hoopla and OverDrive applications on my phone to listen to books. In addition, Hoopla has a variety of music albums that can be listened to.
Come check out the New Audiobook display, or the ones in the general collection here in the library. We have a Playaway collection too.
Need help getting familiar to the Hoopla and OverDrive applications? A staff member at the reference desk can assist you or use the Digital Library page to find instructions for your device.
Have fun reading, or rather listening!
-Gina
Listen up!
I’ve been listening to a lot more music lately than I have in a long time. Driving with the windows down often encourages me to want to pump up the jams, so I do. We have an awesome music collection here at RRPL and it just keeps getting better. We have been focusing on building a collection that our public wants. That means we are getting a lot of classic rock, and iconic albums. We are also trying to curate the best of the newly released music, some of it from the hottest artists, and some from the lesser known artists. Check out some of the best new albums we’ve added to our collection!
Lemonade by Beyoncé
Place it on hold
Pure McCartney by Paul McCartney
Place it on hold
A Moon Shaped Pool by Radiohead
Place it on hold
Dreamland by Wild Belle
Place it on hold
Happy listening!
Beth
Get your music on
I know most of you probably have this circled on your calendar already, but if not, let me remind you that Thursday , September 25th is One-Hit Wonder Day! Yes, there is a day for just about everything, but hey at least this is a fun one, and you don’t need to buy anyone a gift for it either. One-Hit Wonder Day was started in 1990 by music writer Steven Rosen. There is really no consensus on what constitutes a one-hit wonder, although you can check out this article from Huffington Post on some ideas: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/24/national-one-hit-wonder-day-2012_n_1904606.html.
What is your favorite one-hit wonder? Maybe “Tainted Love,” by Soft Cell, or “Steal My Sunshine,” by LEN? Chances are whatever it is we have it in our collection, either on CD or available in hoopla for streaming!
-Steve
Mistaken lyrical identity
You know how we often interpret emails and texts differently that they may have been meant? Tone of voice and gestures can create totally different meaning. And who hasn’t heard lyrics differently, not just meaning but the completely wrong words. Like hearing the classic Jimi Hendrix lyrics from “Purple Haze”: Excuse me while I kiss this guy. No wait, back it up, that’s: Excuse me while I kiss the sky.
And the Bonnie Tyler song, “Total Eclipse of the Heart?” First of all, how many remember it?? And then did any of you know she was singing: Living in a powder keg and giving off sparks? I never had a clue…it became “hmmm hmm hm hmmm” and then hop back in with: I really need you tonight, forever’s gonna start tonight…
Anyway, my latest is the Bastille song, “Pompeii“, I really thought they were singing: I’m beginning to be an optimist about this. Well, that misconception was just corrected for me to the detriment of my outlook. It’s really: How am I going to be an optimist about this. Of course, the video and the rest of the lyrics aren’t terribly upbeat, so I should’ve seen it didn’t fit…. Oh well, I think I’ll keep singing it with my interpretation!
— Julie
Handel this!
Was just listening to Danielle de Niese singing arias written by Handel, the composer of one of my favorite works, Water Music. I can understand the accolades she has received in the classical world. And in addition to the music, I enjoyed the lyrics as well – some were so dramatic! Not surprising for operas, I suppose… anyway, here are a couple:
“Da tempeste” (Giulio Cesare in Egitto – Act III, Scene 6; lyrics – Nicola Francesco Haym)
If a ship, buffeted by storms,
then reaches safe harbor,
it no longer knows what to wish for.
Thus the heart that finds solace
after enduring pain and despair
brings joy once more to the soul.
“Tornami a vagheggiar” (Alcina – Act I, Scene 14; lyrics – anon.)
Look with love on me again,
you alone will
this faithful soul adore,
my sweet beloved.
I have given you my heart,
my love will be constant;
never shall I be cruel to you
my beloved hope.
May your Friday reach operatic heights!
— Julie
Grammy’s anyone?
So what did you all think of the Grammy’s? I have to admit, I am not a big awards show viewer by any means, but I did watch most of Sunday’s show, although I began to doze off near the end. I don’t think I missed much though, maybe that crazy performance with Nicki Minaj. And am I the only one who is annoyed with Taylor Swift’s “surprised look” response to an audience’s appreciation. She always has this look like, “oh my, are they clapping for me?” I’m not saying she doesn’t have talent, it’s just she has a tendency to irritate in that regard. And what about the singer from The Civil Wars, I had to do a double-take, he looks just like Johnny Depp, well maybe a poor man’s version of Depp. Enough of my complaining, check out our selection of Grammy artists from our cd collection. One of my recommendations would be Foster the People’s Torches album. It includes the infectious “Pumped Up Kicks,” as well as a slew of other great songs. Or maybe grab an oldie and kick back with some Beach Boys after seeing their reunion performance at the Grammys.
– Steve
Read it or Weep 