Killer Queen Flashcards
1
Q
Rhythm, Metre & Tempo (9)
A
- metric shifts from 12/8 to 6/8 –> elongate phrase length
- hocketting effect
- syncopation
- 6 finger clicks –> syncopation
- anacrusis –> build-up
- swung rhythm –> relaxed feel, unusual for pop
- moderato –> relaxed feel
- triplets
2
Q
Structure (1)
A
Verse-Chorus form
3
Q
Melody (9)
A
- syllabic –> emphasise pulse
- vocables in close harmony –> replace sax
- portamento
- falsetto –> theatre music
- backing vocals –> emphasis
- spoken notes –> theatre music
- sequences
- uneven phrases (3 + 5)
- disjunct
4
Q
Guitar techniques (5)
A
- slides
- bends
- pull-offs
- vibrato
- palm-muting
5
Q
Music technology (9)
A
- multi-tracking –> record Mercury’s dual roles at once
- overdubbing –> added effect of vocables
- reverb –> artificial sense of space
- distortion –> gritty tone
- equaliser –> balanced instruments
- flanger –> word-paint
- wah-wah –> added effect
- panning –> movement of sound
- overdrive –> max amplification
6
Q
Instrumentation (8)
A
- Freddie Mercury –> vocals, grand piano, jangle piano
- Brian May –> electric guitar
- John Deacon –> bass guitar
- Roger Taylor –> drum kit
- Frontal line: vocals, piano, guitars
- Rhythm section: triangle, chimes, drum kit
- old sixpence as pluck –> different timbre
- 100 yr old mahogany –> different timbre
7
Q
Tonality (2)
A
- Eb maj –> joyful
- Ambiguous –> use of C min chords
8
Q
Harmony (10)
A
- cycle of 5ths
- 7th chords
- extended chords –> jazz influence
- marcato & staccato chords
- perfect cadences –> functional
- diatonic
- functional
- parallel shifts –> move to new keys
- pedal –> reinforce key
- dissonance –> clash then resolution
9
Q
Texture (6)
A
- homophonic –> highlight main vocal line
- imitation
- layering –> typical of pop
- 3 part texture
- antiphony
