Monday, December 27, 2010

Already Gone

The song is in the key of G until 3:19 when the Eagles fly all the way to C. Joe Walsh is the bomb.com.
-Nick

Touch Me

This song starts on a min and resolves to G maj when the verse begins. The verse follows a I, iii, IV pattern repeating in different keys. The first transition is an Eb IV of Bb maj. It repeats the same IV transition going to Gb to Db major. The B section stays in Db, then goes back to a minor buildup.
-Joe Smith

Jump Jive An' Wail

I haven't seen this video in years but I'm so excited to post it. Great song. Great key change. Take away Brian.
-Tony Trov

Monday, December 13, 2010

Freddie's Dead

"Freddie's Dead" from the soundtrack to Superfly is a great minor key funk groove. Curtis and the boys start in C#min, move it up a half-step to Dmin completely unexpectedly somewhere in the middle, and then bring it BACK DOWN to C#min again. It catches you off guard every time, and it's a testament to Mr. Mayfield's vocal control that he can adjust so quickly, in addition to have the slickest voice ever.

And for what it's worth, I'll bet that this song is what gave Flea his inspiration for the bass line to "If You Have To Ask." Bass players, listen for the triplet-sixteenths in the breakdown.

-Mike

It's Alright

Just when you think things couldn't get more alright, J.J. jumps from A to Bb around 1:48 and makes it even better.
-Nick

Monday, December 6, 2010

Working My Way Back To You Babe

I saw Jersey Boys a few weeks ago and heard so many key changes. Here's one that happens in the last chorus.
-Tony Trov

In The Year 2525 And In the Year 252525

I was first introduced to this song by the parody of it on Futurama and then I heard the original on satellite radio and noticed that the year 6565 it jumps up a half step. And then it does it again in the year 9595. It seems as though the level of helium in the atmosphere increases every few thousand years. If you haven't seen the episode of Futurama, you have to catch it. I couldn't find a video but I included the audio link.
-Nicholas


Zager & Evans:


Futurama: