Killer Queen Flashcards

1
Q

What is OVERDUBBING?

A

Layering technique used in songs where multiple tracks are recorded and put over previously recorded music

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2
Q

What is the key of this song? Why is it unusual for a rock song?

A

E flat major but changes frequently + Uses harmonic sequences to create harmonic interest
Unusual because rock music is not often written in flat keys (Queen usually uses unusual keys for rock music)

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3
Q

Name the studio technique that is used to record the layered guitar parts

A

Overdubbing

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4
Q

Explain the 12/8 time signature

A

Refers to dotted crotches rather than singular crotchets
The music is swung, as it has a triplet feel to it

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5
Q

What is PANNING?

A

Giving sounds different levels in the left and right speakers, which makes it sound like they are coming from a separate direction

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6
Q

What is FLANGING?

A

Effect which creates a swirling or swooshing sound

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7
Q

What is WAH WAH?

A

Filter effect where the player’s foot movement on a rocker pedal causes the filter’s peak to shift up and down the frequency spectrum

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8
Q

What is REVERB?

A

Effect which creates the impression of being in a physical space by giving it an echo.

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9
Q

What guitar playing techniques can you hear. Give examples from the score

A

Use of panning for guitar parts in bars 55-61

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10
Q

Write of the structure of KILLER QUEEN using less than 30 words

A

Verse-chorus song structure
Has unusual phrase lengths
Wise reuse of phrases in different sections

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11
Q

List different features of Heavy Rock and Songs from Musicals that fall under the elements of ‘Killer Queen’

A

Heavy Rock:
Stays rooted in the tonic key
Guitar effects (like Wah Wah)
Multi-tracking/Overdubbing

Songs from musicals:
Harmonically adventurous
Motifs
Sung live

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12
Q

Where is a circle of fifths used in Killer Queen?

A

Bar 19, Beat 4. It goes from A to Dm in Bar 20 then G7 to C in Bar 21 and back to B♭ in Bar 22

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13
Q

Describe how music technology is used in this song

A

The use of multi-tracking/overdubbing to create a complex and interesting sound
The use of reverb creates an echo-like effect
Guitar panning (Bar 55-61, Guitar line)
Sound of a flanger on the whole mix (bars 77-78)
Word-painting (“Laserbeam” Bar 17)

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14
Q

What elements of KILLER QUEEN reflect Freddie Mercury’s love of the theatrical?

A

The lyrics provide vibrant imagery. With lines like “She’s a killer queen, gunpowder, gelatine, dynamite with a laser beam” and “Drop of a hat she’s as willing as, playful as a pussy kitten,” These theatrical lyrics create a sense of drama and whimsicalness.

The wide range of Mercury’s vocals is a memorable feature of the piece. Vibrato and other operatic styles add a dramatic and theatrical feeling to the piece. The harmony also plays a vital role in creating lots of drama and energy, which furthermore emphasise Mercury’s love of the theatricals

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