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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Idioteque” by Radiohead is an experimental and atmospheric electronic song, released on the album “Kid A” in 2000. The chord progression of the chorus is fairly simple, yet features some distinctive chords which create a sense of tension and release. It incorporates modal mixture and chromatic mediants, which are typical elements found in Radiohead’s music.

The given chord progression is in the key of C Major and follows a simple, yet effective structure. It features a blend of consonance and dissonance, which creates a sense of resolution and tension simultaneously. This progression is characteristic of Radiohead’s unique sound and their ability to create emotive landscapes through their music.

The chord progression for the verse of “Kids” by MGMT is a simple and diatonic progression in the key of A major, following the vi-IV-I-V pattern. It is common in pop music and creates a sense of tension and release throughout the progression. The chords are played using predominantly major and minor triads, with an inversion in the V chord (E/G#).

Paranoid Android is a progressive rock song by Radiohead from their album “OK Computer.” The song features various time signature changes, complex harmonic structures, and a blend of distorted guitar tones and strings. The given chords belong to the first verse of the song. The overall tonality of the song is predominantly centered around the C minor key. However, there are some instances of borrowed chords and chromaticism in the chord progression, which adds tension and an unstable quality to the music.

“Jolene” by Dolly Parton is a classic country song written in A minor. Its chord progression is an iconic reflection of the country and folk genres, and is a study of simplicity and effective songwriting.

The chord progression of “Jolene” uses primarily diatonic chords but also includes a borrowed chord which introduces a touch of complexity to the harmonic structure of the song.

Radiohead – Idioteque – Verse

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Chord Progression

Cadd2/B, Em, Gm/Eb, C, Cadd2/B, Em, Gm/Eb, C, Cadd2/B, Em, Gm/Eb, C, Cadd2/B, Em, Gm/Eb, C

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
Cadd2/B (‘I’),
Em (‘iii’),
Gm/Eb (‘ivº’),
C (‘I’),
Cadd2/B (‘I’),
Em (‘iii’),
Gm/Eb (‘ivº’),
C (‘I’),
Cadd2/B (‘I’),
Em (‘iii’),
Gm/Eb (‘ivº’),
C (‘I’),
Cadd2/B (‘I’),
Em (‘iii’),
Gm/Eb (‘ivº’),
C (‘I’)
“`

Borrowed Chord(s):

“`

Gm/Eb (‘ivº’)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

While “Idioteque”‘s chord progression is quite unique, some other artists have employed similar harmonic devices.

1. “Exit Music (For a Film)” by Radiohead:
“`
Am (‘i’),
E (‘V’),
G (‘VII’),
D (‘IV’)
“`

Here, the G major chord can be seen as borrowed from the parallel major key, serving a similar purpose as the Gm/Eb chord in “Idioteque”.

2. “Space Oddity” by David Bowie:
“`
C (‘I’),
Em (‘iii’),
Am (‘vi’),
Cmaj7 (‘IM7’),
C (‘I’),
Em (‘iii’),
Am (‘vi’),
Cmaj7 (‘IM7’)
“`

This progression shares the I-iii movement found in “Idioteque” but does not have the borrowed ivº chord.

In conclusion, Radiohead’s “Idioteque” employs a creative and intriguing chord progression, effectively capturing the unique aura that has come to define the band’s style. Its innovative use of borrowed chords and harmonic movement elevates the song’s sonic landscape, making it a memorable addition to Radiohead’s discography.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression of Idioteque revolves around a repetitive cycle of the Cadd2/B, Em, Gm/Eb, and C chords. The progression starts with the Cadd2/B chord, a C major chord with an added 2nd and an alternate bass note (B), creating a sense of suspension. The progression then moves to the Em chord which is diatonic to the key, followed by the borrowed chord Gm/Eb, adding tension and intrigue.

The Gm/Eb, a first inversion G minor chord, is borrowed from the parallel minor key (C minor). It acts as a pivot chord, connecting the progression back to C major. The chord progression ends with the return to the tonic chord, C, effectively resolving the tension, before the cycle repeats.

Overall Analysis

“Idioteque” by Radiohead is a song with an alternative rock/electronic style, featuring an unusual chord progression that effectively creates a sense of tension and instability while still maintaining a familiar and consonant tonality. This can be attributed to the band’s creative use of borrowed chords and harmonic movement.

Style Analysis

Radiohead is known for their experimental approach to songwriting, and “Idioteque” is no exception, as it showcases their unique and innovative harmonic choices. The combination of the chords with the driving, syncopated rhythm creates a sonic landscape that defies expectation and adds a captivating sense of unease to the song. The electronic elements and atmospheric production enhance the chord progression’s emotions, making the song a prime example of Radiohead’s signature style.

Chords in the Verse section of Idioteque by Radiohead are:

Cadd2/B, Em, Gm/Eb, C, Cadd2/B, Em, Gm/Eb, C, Cadd2/B, Em, Gm/Eb, C, Cadd2/B, Em, Gm/Eb, C