Killer Queen

Question 1

When was this released and on what album?

Answer 1

1974 on Sheer Heart Attack

Question 2

What musical style inspired this piece?

Answer 2

Glam Rock

Question 3

What is overdubbing?

Answer 3

One part is recorded and another part is recorded over it afterwards

Question 4

What word painting is used on ‘laser beam’?

Answer 4

Flanger is used

Question 5

What is flanger?

Answer 5

An effect that creates a whooshing sound

Question 6

What is distortion?

Answer 6

A timbre effect that distorts a signal

Question 7

What is wah-wah?

Answer 7

A filter effect giving the guitar a “wah wah” soubd

Question 8

What is panning?

Answer 8

Allows the stereo field to become a three dimensional space - sound can move from the left to the right

Question 9

What is the time signature of this piece?

Answer 9

12/8

Question 10

What does the 12/8 time signature create?

Answer 10

A swung feel

Question 11

What is the tempo?

Answer 11

Moderato

Question 12

What kind of rhythm is used?

Answer 12

Syncopation

Question 13

What is the structure?

Answer 13

Verse/chorus plus an intro, 2 guitar solos and an instrumental section

Question 14

What is the introduction comprised of?

Answer 14

6 finger clicks

Question 15

How would you describe the vocal line?

Answer 15

Mainly syllabic with conjunct and disjunct movement

Question 16

How are the backing vocals created and what did they do?

Answer 16

-would have been recorded and overdubbed in the studio
-adds colour, texture and queens signature gospel-like quality

Question 17

What is the name for the tone or colour of a sound or instrument?

Answer 17

Timbre

Question 18

What instruments feature in this piece?

Answer 18

-vocals
-piano
-electric guitar
-drum kit
-jangle piano
-bass guitar

Question 19

What is the texture of this piece?

Answer 19

It’s a mixture of homophonic and polyphonic with some antiphony

Question 20

What does antiphonal mean?

Answer 20

Call and response

Question 21

What key is this piece in?

Answer 21

Eb major

Question 22

Why is the pieces key ambiguous at the beggining?

Answer 22

The piece begins with repeated C minor chords but it’s written in Eb major

Question 23

What are the modulations of this piece based on?

Answer 23

Circle of fifths

Question 24

What is the harmonic rhythm until the chorus?

Answer 24

2 chords per bar

Question 25

How is an unusual ending created?

Answer 25

The piece ends in the key of Bb major but finished with a repeated Eb major chord

Question 26

List the guitar effects used in this piece

Answer 26

-string bends
-hammer ons
-pull offs
-virbrato
-slides
-distortion

Question 27

Backing vocal sing …..

Answer 27

Vocables (ooh and ahh)

Question 28

What does every verse begin with?

Answer 28

Anacruzis