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Related Music Theory Alchemy

Verse 3 of Radiohead’s Motion Picture Soundtrack features a melancholic and non-functional chord progression that showcases the band’s use of interesting chord voicings as well as the mixture of major and minor modalities. The progression revolves around the G major, and shifts between borrowed chords and non-conventional chord extensions such as the sus2 chord. This approach is typical of alternative rock bands like Radiohead, which often stray away from traditional norms in favor of innovative and evocative harmonies.

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.

“Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones, off their 1971 album Sticky Fingers, is in the key of C major, and primarily uses the chords C, F, G and Bb. This song showcases the band’s blues rock influences, built on a repetitive, riff-driven chord progression. The use of I, IV, V, and a borrowed bVII (Bb), which is common in the blues, creates an appealing and familiar sound, helping the song resonate with listeners.

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“Don’t Look Back In Anger” uses simple yet effective chord progressions common in pop/rock music. It incorporates both major and minor chords, showing some classic pop sensibilities. The song is situated in the key of C Major. Embedded within this progression are instances of borrowed chords – the E7 for instance, is a secondary dominant, often used to inject a bit of tension and to give strong resolution leading into the next chord.

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“Glory Box” by Portishead from the album Dummy (1994) presents a haunting and somewhat melancholy ambience commonly found in their trademark trip-hop style. This song, in particular, draws from a palette of jazz-influenced harmony. The chords used, their extensions, and inversions, conjure complexity beyond basic triadic harmony. The chord progression listed appears to be in the key of D minor and employs common jazz techniques like ii-V-I progressions and usage of the half-diminished chord.

Radiohead – Motion Picture Soundtrack – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

G, Csus2, Bmadd9, Csus2, G, Csus2, Bmadd9, Csus2

Chord Progression Analysis

1. G Major (I)
2. Csus2 (IVsus2)
3. Bmadd9 (iii(add9))
4. Csus2 (IVsus2)

This progression continuously oscillates between G major, the tonality established in the piece, and Csus2 (used as a borrowed chord), a suspension that resolves back to G major.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Coldplay – “Yellow”:
1. B Major (I)
2. F#sus4 (V7sus4)
3. G#m (vi)
4. E Major (IV)

2. U2 – “With or Without You”:
1. D Major (I)
2. A Major (V)
3. Bm (vi)
4. G (IV)

These two examples show a similar approach to the use of suspensions and oscillation between harmonies found in Radiohead’s “Motion Picture Soundtrack”. While they are not an exact match, they showcase the power of blending suspense and emotion through the use of suspended chords and unconventional chord progressions.

Musical Analysis

The use of sus2 chords and the added 9th in Bmadd9 adds a unique and ethereal quality to the song. The oscillation between G major and the suspended chords creates tension, while the Bmadd9 chord adds a layer of complexity to the progression while still giving it a sense of stability. The suspension in the chords, along with the mix of major and minor tonalities, creates a sense of longing and emotion, typical of Radiohead’s atmospheric and melancholic style.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression featured in Radiohead’s “Motion Picture Soundtrack” Verse 2 is a four-chord loop that moves from G major to C major (acting as a suspension) and B minor (with an added 9th), creating an interesting mix of tonalities and suspensions. The progression establishes G major as the tonal center but continually moves away from it, creating a sense of ambiguity.

Style Analysis

Radiohead is known for their experimental and unique approach to songwriting, often using suspended chords and unconventional chord progressions to create a rich, emotional sound. Their harmonic language sometimes borrows from classical music and jazz without adhering strictly to either genre. The result is a distinct sound that is expressive and emotionally evocative, which the chord progression in Verse 2 of “Motion Picture Soundtrack” perfectly exemplifies.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Motion Picture Soundtrack by Radiohead are:

G, Csus2, Bmadd9, Csus2, G, Csus2, Bmadd9, Csus2