Killer Queen 2 2021 (based on nearpod)
Context
Performed and written by Queen/ Freddie Mercury (band formed in 1970)
Featured in the album 'Sheer Heart Attack'
Lyrics are about an upper class prostitute
Killer Queen reached number 2 in the charts
Structure
Verse 1, chorus 1, instrumental, verse 2, chorus 2, guitar solo, verse 3, chorus 3, outro
Performing forces
Vocal part performed by Freddie Mercury
High male voice- tenor- frequently sings falsetto
Lead vocals
Backing vocals in close harmony
Piano and over-dubbed honky-tonk piano
Four electric guitars- techniques:
Bass guitar
Drum kit
Slides
Bends
Pull-offs/hammer ons
Vibrato
Recording techniques and effects
Multi-tracking
EQ (equalisation)
Flanger
Distortion
Reverb
Wah-wah
Panning
Overdubbing
Harmony
Root position chords
Some dissonance
Seventh chords
Altered and extended chords
Circle of fifths
Pedal
Melody
Mainly syllabic
Backing vocals use vocalisation
Starts mainly conjunct, small leaps of a 3rd or a 4th.
Descending sequence
Verse and chorus combine conjunct and angular leaps.
Tonality
Eb major (3 flats)
Opening in C minor and ending on Eb major chord
Tonality is sometimes ambiguous
Passing modulations through different keys
Texture
Homophonic
Imitation
Layering
Three-part texture during guitar solo
Use of panning
Antiphonal