Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad? Flashcards
Describe the features of the vocal samples
The vocal samples are from a recording of a gospel choir in 1953. Moby didn’t change any background noises from the sample.
What is the piece made up of?
The piece is made up of samples. Moby used samples of a gospel choir and a hip hop drumbeat (he altered the tempo of he drums)
What is the structure of the piece?
It is divided up into 8 bar sections. Intro Verse Chorus Verse Bridge (only 1 bar long) Chorus Verse Outro
How do the instruments layer up?
To begin there is only the piano playing, then a hip hop drumbeat, synthesizer and sub bass come in. The strings come in and create melodic interest during the vocal rest. On the third time, the synthesizer strings are added playing long notes
Describe the key features of the chorus
The ‘these open doors’ sample is played 2wice - once with rests between the phrases and once on loop. In the background both synth string parts are playing with the drumbeat, the sub bass and rhythmic piano chords.
How does the second verse differ from the first?
There is an echo part on the vocal sample
What happens in the bridge?
The bridge is only 1 bar long. It sounds as if the music has stopped but if you listen carefully, you can hear a low pedal point.
What happens after the bridge?
‘These open doors’ is heard again with a reverb effect. Accompanied by long notes of synth strings. Then this loop is heard again over piano chords, sub bass, drums and the synth strings notes. The piece finishes with the first vocal sample, over organ notes.
What chords does Moby use?
The 8 bar verse= Amin Emin Gmaj Dmaj
The first time ‘these open doors’ is sung= Cmaj Amin
When looped= Fmaj Cmaj
Both samples are in A minor but they are harmonised differently - the first is harmonised with minor chords and the second with major.
