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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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“Sour Times” by Portishead is a song with a complex and intriguing chord progression. It blends minor key tonality with modulations and chromaticism to give it a mysterious and brooding atmosphere. The song is primarily in the key of C# minor and features some borrowed chords and inversions that color the overall progression.

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“Glory Box” by Portishead is primarily in the key of D minor, with some moments of modal interchange. The chord progression contains a distinct spice of jazz influence while remaining in the realm of synthesized trip-hop sound characterizing the band’s style.

“Electric Feel” by MGMT is a funky and psychedelic pop song with an infectious groove and memorable hooks. The chorus consists of a chord progression that features a variety of diatonic chords along with a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key. The progression is based around oscillations between minor and major tonalities, which adds a sense of tension and release. This, combined with the rhythmic syncopation and psychedelic production, contributes to the iconic and unique character of the song.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Sexx Laws” by Beck is a non-diatonic chord progression that features chromatic and unexpected chords. The progression seems to be based in the key of E major, but the chords used are not strictly within the E major scale, providing a distinctive sound and style characteristic of Beck’s music. The progression contains some parallel major chords, giving it a distinct classic rock vibe.

“Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls is well-known for its unique tuning and chords which adds a certain tenderness and emotional depth to the song. The song is in D Major and utilizes a repeated chord progression that is relatively simple but effective.

Portishead – Sour Times – Chorus

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Chord Progression

[‘F#m7’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘D#7’, ‘F#m7’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘D#7’, ‘C#m’, ‘D#7’, ‘G#7’]

Chord Progression Analysis

The following is the chord progression analysis for the chorus:

“`
F# minor 7 (ii7),
E Major 7 (I7),
D# Dominant 7 (vii7),
F# minor 7 (ii7),
E Major 7 (I7),
D# Dominant 7 (vii7),
C# minor (vi),
D# Dominant 7 (vii7),
G# Dominant 7 (#V7)
“`

The G# Dominant 7 is a borrowed chord, it is typically absent from the key of E major and thus lends a more complex and unique character to the song’s arrangement.

Similar Chord Progressions

1) “Creep” by Radiohead also employs a similar progression with shifting from a minor 7th to a Major 7th and also features a borrowed Major 7th chord:
“`
G Major (I),
B Major (#III – borrowed chord),
C Major (IV),
C minor (iv – borrowed chord)
“`

2) The Beatles’ “Something” also uses a descending progression with seventh chords:
“`
C Major (I),
C Major 7 (I7),
C7 (I7),
F Major (IV)
“`

3) “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen follows a similar progression and includes a Major 7th chord:
“`
C Major (I),
A minor (vi),
C Major (I),
A minor (vi),
F Major (IV),
G Major (V),
C Major (I),
G Major (V)
“`

Musical Analysis

In “Sour Times”, the usage of F# minor 7 to E Major 7 provides a smooth descending progression that introduces an element of resolution to the chorus. The transition from D#7 to F#m7 reintroduces some tension which is then diffused again by returning to the E Major 7, creating a satisfying and distinctive cyclic pattern. The progression concludes with the C#m, D#7, to the borrowed G#7, providing a unique flavour and an unexpected turn to the song.

Overall Analysis

“Sour Times” by Portishead is characterized by dark, brooding sounds and melancholic melodies that gives the song its distinct feel, largely due to the specific chord progression that is used throughout the song. Written in the key of E major, the song makes use of a diverse selection of chords that offers a wider blend of harmonic options to navigate through different moods and tonal landscapes.

Style Analysis

Portishead is known for their unique sound that fuses elements of trip-hop, electronica, and jazz and “Sour Times” is no exception. The song’s unorthodox chord arrangement showcases Portishead’s signature style – a complex arrangement of moods and tones that evoke a sense of drama and melancholy. The usage of seventh chords contributes to its jazzy feel and trip hop’s signature gloomy ambience.

Chords in the Chorus section of Sour Times by Portishead are:

[‘F#m7’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘D#7’, ‘F#m7’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘D#7’, ‘C#m’, ‘D#7’, ‘G#7’]