Buckley - Grace

Question 1

date?

Answer 1

1994

Question 2

What instruments are used?

Answer 2

• tenor/falsetto vocals-overdubbed by Buckley in chorus and middle 8
• 2 electric, 1 acoustic and 1 bass guitar. (3rd electric guitar overdubbed in places)guitar’s bottom E string tuned down to D- ‘drop D tuning’
• drum-kit and synthesised strings

Question 3

What are the key signature and tonality?

Answer 3

• Key signature is E minor but tonality often unclear;
• Intro A- minor Intro B- major
• Verse and chorus- minor/modal
• Pre- chorus and middle 8- minor
• Outro- ends minor/modal

Question 4

What is the time signature

Answer 4

12/8 (the ½ beats are grouped in 3s.This creates 4 groups and a feel of 4 beats a bar)

Question 5

Describe the tempo

Answer 5

• 64 bpm = for each of the 4 main beats (opening semiquavers give a quicker feel)

Question 6

Describe the structure

Answer 6

• intro A and B- Verse 1- Pre-chorus 1- Chorus 1
• link(as intro A+B)-Verse 2-Pre-chorus2- Chorus 2
• bridge
• verse 3- Outro

Question 7

Describe the texture (through the whole piece +techniques used)

Answer 7

• Thinnest in intro A with 2 electric guitars only (but most of the piece polyphonic)
• Intro B filled out with the rest of the band but no vocals
• In chorus -overdubbing of vocals and synthesised string chords added
• Link- the bass guitar and drum kit and drop out.
• A mandolin effect on acoustic guitar is added.
• Verse 2- descending slide on guitar with delay and then synth strings copy
• Pre-chorus 2- pizzicato (plucked) synthesised strings added
• Middle 8- thickened texture of overdubbed vocal harmonies.
-homophonic in 1st half, polyphonic in 2nd with the main vocal of ‘telephone EQ’ effect. Synth strings emphasise chords.
• Link- acoustic guitar hits deadened strings
• Verse 3- more guitar effects
• Outro- Vocal overdubbing with references to the chorus, high vocal improvisation,
• swirling effect of flanger on guitar
• This mix of texture is for variety and is known as a ‘soundscape’. It also builds tension (compare thick textured end to very thin opening)

Question 8

Describe the melody

Answer 8

• Verse 1- Mainly syllabic step movement in Buckley’s lower register.
• A number of the vocal ideas in the song fall downwards putting across its melancholic mood; eg ‘die’ (a falling 4th) in verse 1
• Pre chorus 1- Vocal range becomes higher with some leaps. A word painting melisma on ‘love’