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Related Music Theory Alchemy

Radiohead’s “Fake Plastic Trees” is an alternative rock ballad from their 1995 album, “The Bends.” The moody and atmospheric track is characterized by its emotive vocal delivery, contrasting dynamics, rich arrangement, and engaging chord progression. This progression, in particular, features an interesting mixture of diatonic and borrowed chords that create a sense of tension and resolution throughout the piece.

The given chord progression for the ending of Radiohead’s “You And Whose Army?” is in the key of A major. There are four chords in the progression: A, C#m, B-5, and B-5. Overall, it follows a relatively simple harmonic structure that incorporates power chords and a chromatic neighbor tone in the bass.

The chord progression in the outro of “After The Storm” by Kali Uchis is a relatively simple and concise one, having just three chords: G#m7, A#m7, and D#aug. Considering that the key of this song is G# minor, the progression makes use of diatonic and non-diatonic chords. Moreover, incorporating an augmented chord lends a feeling of tension and anticipation that makes the outro stand out.

“Dazed and Confused” by Led Zeppelin is an iconic rock song that features a descending bass line and bluesy chord progressions. The outro takes on a more aggressive tone and the chords are power chords, which give the song a heavy sound. These power chords, mixed with the syncopated rhythm and the blues-rock influences, contribute to the song’s unique character.

The outro chord progression of “Are We Still Friends” by Tyler, The Creator has an interesting and somewhat unconventional structure. It’s composed of four chords and follows a pattern that showcases chromatic motion, a key element often found in the music of Tyler, The Creator. The vamp is harmonically ambiguous, relying on the dynamic interplay between the chords to create tension and resolution.

Radiohead – Fake Plastic Trees – Outro

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Chord Progression

Bm7add11, A, E6, Bm7add11, A, E6, Bm7add11, A, E6, Bm7add11, A

Chord Progression Analysis

Bm7add11 (ii7add11) – A (I) – E6 (V6) – Bm7add11 (ii7add11) – A (I) – E6 (V6) – Bm7add11 (ii7add11) – A (I) – E6 (V6) – Bm7add11 (ii7add11) – A (I)

Similar Chord Progressions

Musical Analysis

The progression starts with the Bm7add11, a supertonic chord, creating a sense of anticipation and building tension. The following chord, A major, acts as the tonic, providing a sense of resolution. The E6 chord in the progression is the dominant, giving a powerful sense of forward momentum within the harmony. This sequence of ii – I – V (supertonic, tonic, and dominant) is commonly used in popular music to build a sense of forward momentum and expectation.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the outro of “Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead utilizes some common and some less common harmonic devices. The piece employs diatonic chords with some added extensions, giving a sense of tension and release. Furthermore, the progression is in the key of A major, which contributes to the overall tonality and harmonic structure.

Style Analysis

The overall style of “Fake Plastic Trees” is characterized by its melancholic tone and lush harmonic textures. The use of extended chords, such as the Bm7add11, creates a sense of depth and complexity to the harmony. Additionally, Radiohead is known for experimenting with unconventional chord progressions, which broadens the emotional landscape of their music.

Similar chord progressions by other artists and their chord progressions:

1. Coldplay – “Clocks”
Chord Progression: Dmaj9 (IVmaj9) – Am7 (ii7) – Em7 (v7) – G (I)

2. U2 – “With or Without You”
Chord Progression: D (IV) – A (I) – Bm (ii) – G (V)

3. The Beatles – “Let It Be”
Chord Progression: C (I) – G (V) – Am (vi) – F (IV)

These examples don’t have the exact same chord progression as “Fake Plastic Trees” but share similarities in terms of the use of extended chords, diatonic progressions, and the ii – I – V movement seen in Radiohead’s song. The emotional character and style may also bear some resemblance.

Chords in the Outro section of Fake Plastic Trees by Radiohead are:

Bm7add11, A, E6, Bm7add11, A, E6, Bm7add11, A, E6, Bm7add11, A