Student Development and Inclusion Spotify Playlist
Looking for new music to add to your playlist? Add the SDI Curated playlist and get to know Student Development and Inclusion ... through music!
Featured Director Picks
Clare Lemke: “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton is one of my favorite all-time artists for not only her music but also
for her keen sense as a businesswoman, as someone whose advocacy and philanthropy
has made major impacts for her community, and as a larger than life cultural icon.
The song “9 to 5” comes from the album 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs, which I have joked is
one of the greatest leftist texts in U.S. history. I think the lyrics of the song
“9 to 5” cover some pretty deep topics…everything from worker exploitation, to sexism
in the workplace, to the dreams that keep people going! As the daughter of a Union
organizer, I’m here for Dolly Parton’s take on labor politics.
Stan Inman: “Who’s Laughing Now” by Ava Max
I was introduced to this song by my daughter, who makes me listen to her music anytime
we are in the car together. We have this thing where she plays songs and gets me
to rate them 1-10. She said: “You will like this song!” And I did! It’s so catchy
and fun (especially the whistling!). Now this is our new thing together, we listen
to it in loops & I whistle along with her! I’m really not hip enough to come up with
this song on my own, but now I’m hearing it everywhere – even in the grocery store!
Ann House: “Blackbird” by Paul McCartney
Though it has been sung by other artists through the years, my favorite rendition
is sung by Paul on the Beatles' White Album. I was a young teen learning to play the
guitar when the song came out in 1968. I loved “Blackbird” the first time I heard
it because of its sweet and pretty melody, with simple words and chords that I could
play and sing. The words were both sad and hopeful. It wasn’t until years later that
I heard the story of how Paul had come to know about the race riots during the Civil
Rights Movement in the US, and I learned that the song is about the struggle Black
individuals have had in this country.
Kyle Ethelbah: “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” by Credence Clearwater Revival
Growing up, Credence Clearwater Revival was one of our family’s go-to artists for
relaxing music. I recall Sunday afternoons in particular were when my grandmother
would cook our Sunday meals outside (just like she’d experienced growing up) and this
song was one that almost always played. I was raised by my grandmother and she passed
a couple of years ago, and this song has now become not only one my favorites because
of the memories, but because I feel like it connects me to her. The lyrics speak of
rain on a sunny day; in the heaviness of her absence (rain), the sun is still out
and that speaks of her impact on my life.
Featured Center Picks
all: “Shelter” by Porter RobinsonI chose “Shelter” because of its melancholy hopefulness. I think it captures feelings of loneliness but also the comfort that there is always someone there for you. The song demonstrates this not only through its lyrics but also through its mix of electronic rhythms and beautiful vocals. The music video is an animated story of a young girl who is the sole survivor of an apocalyptic event because her father sent her into space in the last escape pod. The music video and song never fail to make me emotional. I think this song is especially important now because with COVID, it’s easy to feel isolated and alone, but it’s important to remember we are in this together and others are still there to support you even if it isn’t in person.
Dan Moseson: “Mojave” by Afro Celt Sound System“Mojave” is one of the most beautiful pieces of music I’ve ever heard, for starters. It’s especially good to listen to when crossing the meadow in Fort Douglas while the moon comes up over the mountains. It’s also an example of people from different cultures creating something incredible together. This song, for me, is a suggestion of what’s possible. It reminds me of the Celtic-infused contemporary music projects I grew up on, like the Broadway production Riverdance, and albums by the fiddle player Eileen Ivers (who appears on several Afro Celt Sound System tracks). These artists have been important to my own life as a musician.
Francine Mahak: “Sound of Silence” by DisturbedThe vocals of this version are extraordinarily beautiful and this singer conveys the real (and quite dark) meaning of the song. I came of age when Simon & Garfunkel’s version came out, but the lovely way it was sung then never gave a clue of the somber warning. With Draiman (who has a highly trained voice), you can’t miss it. Yet the beauty of his singing is so powerful that I keep coming back to listen. I care about what is real, not just what sounds nice: this is deep and very substantial, but I find it sobering and uplifting. This is likely what art is meant for. This song also reminds me that the sublime can come from any unexpected source (like a heavy metal band). I love that kind of surprise.