Hey all! Based on some comments I’m seeing, I just want to reiterate what I’ve already said in the video: *yes*, there are a lot of factors that make music sad, and *yes*, the chord that I’m talking about here is not exclusive to Elliott’s music by any stretch of the imagination (he just used it so frequently that it’s a prominent feature of his style). Comment below with your favorite instances of the E.S.C. in other songs :)
@richiesmith6376
3 жыл бұрын
Definitely love the heavy mood shift that a properly placed Major II chord can elicit! For me personally, I don't find it to be a sad emotional pull, necessarily. To me it feels like a "sun breaking through the clouds" type feeling if that makes sense. Maybe it has to do with the fact that the expected tonality of the ii chord is minor when speaking diatonically, and substituting the major there can make things seem "brighter". Cool video. Appreciate your enthusiasm!
@JohnDoe-dh8xc
3 жыл бұрын
I would love another video on how modal mixture is used on both Phoebe Bridger’s and Elliot Smith’s work
@rydogglessauldoggles7856
3 жыл бұрын
The song Punisher is specifically about Elliott Smith - she even mentions the Sniw White House because he used to live in one of the cottages where the Disney animators used to work. I used to live in the neighborhood and he would frequent the bars.. especially the Roost so she would hear stories about him still to this day. I feel like the whole album is a love letter to him and it was certainly in my top 3 albums of last year.
@saturatedneowax
3 жыл бұрын
based
@maxlove8894
3 жыл бұрын
Please do a video about Porcupine Tree (:
@soserious4738
3 жыл бұрын
Phoebe is unapologetically a huge Elliot Smith fan, so this makes sense.
@ooglemonster
3 жыл бұрын
I can’t imagine why anyone would be apologetic about being an Elliott Smith fan.
@UncleAnaesthesia
3 жыл бұрын
Totally perfect to mention Savior Complex; Elliott was the first thing i heard in that song.
@thebonscast8857
3 жыл бұрын
no one should have to apologize
@not.a.robott
2 жыл бұрын
When she was in high school she used to record overly sincere Elliot Smith covers and post them to KZitem. she dyed her hair red and thought you had to fill in your eyebrows with red makeup lmao. she's deleted them from KZitem
@oldaccount5217
Жыл бұрын
@@not.a.robott Elliott smith wrote Condor Ave. when he was 17
@DavidBennettPiano
3 жыл бұрын
Elliott Smith and Phoebe Bridgers... two of my favourite artists! Thanks for the video! 😃
@user-df9kd4kq7o
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your videos
@itmedana
2 жыл бұрын
i just came here from your secondary dominants video!! reminded me of this gem :)
@grrrlriot
2 жыл бұрын
mine too!!! plus conor oberst :-)
@scebsy6524
2 жыл бұрын
i love elliott smith, great to hear one of my fav channels does too
@oldaccount5217
Жыл бұрын
I like Elliott Smith. Not Phoebe really… because I’m a musician who admires Elliotts musical intelligence. Bridgers doesn’t seem authentic to me, Jason Molina, from “Songs:Ohia” seems legit chronically depressed at times like Elliott. His music is way better than Phoebes music as well imo. LOL
@jermyhopkisn9654
3 жыл бұрын
It always blows me the fuck away that he was apparently able to write Everything Means Nothing To Me in one sitting.
@yearnpill
3 жыл бұрын
From what I remember, blood was dripping from his arm and he was going through extreme stress when he sat down and wrote that song on the piano.
@Daneh97
3 жыл бұрын
@@yearnpill Where did you both hear about this? I've never heard of this before, and that's one of my favorite songs
@yearnpill
3 жыл бұрын
@@Daneh97 www.google.ie/amp/s/www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/elliott-smith-death-figure-8-album-suicide-anniversary-20-years-a9469326.html%3famp go to paragraph 24, it says the following- “Everything Means Nothing to Me” was born of a violent reaction, during a 48-hour mushroom trip, to the pressures of having to worry about the future of his “art”. “A lot of people from the label were telling him he needed to get it together,” producer David McConnell told Spin. “He was so sick of people talking about the future. So he carved the word ‘NOW’ into his arm with a knife. And he sat down at the piano and wrote ‘Everything Means Nothing to Me’ as the blood was dripping down his arm.”
@Daneh97
3 жыл бұрын
@@yearnpill thanks so much! That’s gnarly as hell
@yearnpill
3 жыл бұрын
@@Daneh97 yea, kinda disturbing yet fascinating that such a beautiful piece of music can come from such a tortured mental state.
@JuliaHope1
3 жыл бұрын
Nothing can ever beat Elliott Smith for me, but I keep hearing little nods to his music when listening through Phoebe Bridgers albums and I love it so much.
@JuliaHope1
3 жыл бұрын
The pissing contest/savior complex melody is 100% what sealed the deal for me too. Ugh SO GOOD.
@jordanhedington2421
Жыл бұрын
For me, the only thing that compared to what Elliot Smith made me feel was when I discovered Nick Drake
@jonebenfield
3 жыл бұрын
I don't think I've ever commented on a KZitem video before, but this has to have been one of the most intellectually and emotionally engaging videos I've watched in a very long time. Your willingness to attend to the complexity of this music and present it in a manner that is generous, compassionate, and relatable is awesome. I look forward to spending more time with your videos. Thank you for your care and attention.
@ChrisGarmon
3 жыл бұрын
It's amazing how a major chord, usually considered bright and uplifting, can rip your heart to shreds when used right. By the way, I love your excitement and enthusiasm. You have the attitude of everyone's favorite teacher about you.
@heatherjohnson5199
3 жыл бұрын
Well said. I concur.
@brendonleary
3 жыл бұрын
I find it amazing that people still fall for that basis stereo typing of Major scales happy/ Minor scales sad.
@brookelynch5225
3 жыл бұрын
me: so how can i be a sad lesbian AND learn more about music theory? brian: i've got you
@jo-du6km
3 жыл бұрын
i was going to comment this exact thing
@dreamstudios9887
3 жыл бұрын
@@jo-du6km is Brian gay?
@cecilia5093
2 жыл бұрын
Me!
@user-pt4ic1qu5q
2 жыл бұрын
@@dreamstudios9887 maybe he’s lesbian…
@senoreverything6366
3 жыл бұрын
This took WAYYYYY too long for this to be recommended to me
@ryanhingorani4019
3 жыл бұрын
I have too much of a crush on her to learn anything from this video. will come back in a month
@TylerJMacDonald
3 жыл бұрын
So...how's it going?
@AberdeenTheBand
3 жыл бұрын
AGREED. “Funeral” will break a heart into pieces
@eranavni-singer9189
3 жыл бұрын
Woah Aberdeen likes phoebe bridgers! I’m not surprised but it’s just good to know
@KaitlinGaspar
3 жыл бұрын
it’s my favorite song tBh
@AberdeenTheBand
3 жыл бұрын
@@eranavni-singer9189 *loves
@christinefletcher5805
3 жыл бұрын
Hey. This was some of the best self-care I've had for a while. Thanks for all of your work on it.
@BrianKrock
3 жыл бұрын
Hey, that makes me so happy to hear- thanks for letting me know.
@swatchcovers5401
3 жыл бұрын
Elliot Smiths resolutions do it to me every single time.
@yearnpill
3 жыл бұрын
Yeah, his chord progressions are just something else
@dougcarll6830
3 жыл бұрын
The way he resolves that final bridge (I guess the bridge?) into the last verse of Say Yes...guhhhh
@laradigar
3 жыл бұрын
Man, Savior Complex hits *right* in the feelings 🥲
@karaangan3660
3 жыл бұрын
love this video! actually, phoebe has said that the song Punisher is actually about Elliot Smith. i like that she’s bringing his music to a whole new generation of sad people :)
@Hamletshandle
3 жыл бұрын
Ahhhhhh Radiohead's Karma Police does this, as does loads of their material but that's what came to mind first
@nikolaisoerensen
3 жыл бұрын
Wait, so karma police is in am, so that would be the D major am I right?
@adamhanney
3 жыл бұрын
Great breakdown! Bridgers has been citing Smith’s influence in her music in interviews for nearly her whole career so the connection has been there for long time fans I think, which makes calling the secondary dominant the “Elliot Smith Chord” in reference to Bridgers music very appropriate. I’ve curiously always thought of Radiohead and other British bands (especially of the 90’s) to have distinctly used that chord a lot more for some reason and always think of that sound as the essence of 90’s Brit Pop haha. Would love to see you expand on this concept with other artists and chase down some of it’s origins in popular music!
@elkcibdej
3 жыл бұрын
Yeah I was thinking the whole time this chord has a very “oasis-y” Brit-poppy kind of flavor.
@kitpalmer1583
3 жыл бұрын
@@elkcibdej Oasis were obviously massively inspired by the Beatles, as was Elliott, so that makes sense
@jmoreno600
3 жыл бұрын
The II chord is not a secondary dominant if it resolves to IV.
@btat16
3 жыл бұрын
19:06 NEEDS to be said more! I write neo-classical music on a daily basis and people usually crap on pop or rap to me as a conversation starter, but I tell them it’s not fair to judge pop or rap by the standards of 18th century classical.
@Tantacrul
3 жыл бұрын
Very compelling an excellently explained :) Loved it.
@benjamin._.mcalister1698
3 жыл бұрын
Always happy to see you somewhere on KZitem, you’re one of my favourite youtubers
@youmothershouldknow4905
3 жыл бұрын
Ballad of Big Nothing ain’t nothin’: it’s the greatest song in the entire history of popular music.
@youmothershouldknow4905
3 жыл бұрын
0:39 to 0:41 of the song-not the video-is the greatest chord progression in all of music.
@danletras
3 жыл бұрын
AGREED!!!
@youmothershouldknow4905
3 жыл бұрын
@@danletras It’s a WTF chord progression in the most beautiful way.
@danletras
3 жыл бұрын
@@youmothershouldknow4905 EXACTLY!!! The weird feeling that: "I've never heard something like this before, but I feel like I've known it my whole life."
@youmothershouldknow4905
3 жыл бұрын
@@danletras Just to be sure, the progression starts with the chord played over the line, “Waiting for your brother to call.” This first chord, though beautiful, was played in earlier passages. It’s the next chord that evokes shock and awe, the one played over the line, “I saw him down in the alley.” This is one of the most beautiful moments in music, in a pure music sense. As far as lyrics, I don’t pay attention to that. With Elliot Smith, it’s probably some dark shit, nonetheless poetic. I’m just all ‘bout dem chords. For another transcendent chord progression experience, check out the song Transience by Steve Wilson off of the “Hand. Cannot. Erase.” album. Both Wilson and Smith may not be at the level of sophistication of Allan Holdsworth, but, wow, they create beautiful sound.
@AshleyFloyd13
3 жыл бұрын
I've been playing Kyoto every morning for the last 2 weeks like I needed to hear it, this makes sense. I need a cathartic release! Also my wife has a good ear and I played her Phoebe Bridgers and she said, "oh, it's like Elliot Smith". Thanks for the breakdown!
@lucawkaminski
3 жыл бұрын
oh my god. i'm a phoebe bridgers fan but i have never listened to elliot smith and my life has been changed. thank you.
@thebordenasylum7726
3 жыл бұрын
You have to check out Waltz#1, New Disaster, I Didn't Understand, and Can't Make A Sound if you haven't already
@lucawkaminski
3 жыл бұрын
@@thebordenasylum7726 haha i certaintly have, in the time since i posted this comment i have become a huge elliott fan. i like to think i know most of his songs, but then again he wrote so much its unbelievable. god, i love him
@perfectoid8376
3 жыл бұрын
@@lucawkaminski haha I've been a huge fan(extreme fan) of Elliott for almost 4 years and i was surprised to hear one song I haven't heard off a couple of months ago.. i would guess he wrote more than 130 songs or more. if you haven't heard them yet go listen to unlucky charm, somebody that i used to know, something to loose, no confidence man..
@georgierigby2576
2 жыл бұрын
hey luca this is cracking me !up!
@rphuntarchive1
3 жыл бұрын
Phoebe Bridgers is so awesome, and I love the attention she's getting now.
@bobsbigboy_
3 жыл бұрын
She isnt
@louieo.blevinsmusic4197
2 жыл бұрын
She is awesome. I wouldn’t mind making music with Conor Oberst.
@JesusGomez-ob2qt
2 жыл бұрын
You mean Elliott..
@PatrickNorris10
2 жыл бұрын
It’s crazy that I know all of these songs so well and felt like I had internalized them but I still get goosebumps when they hit those specific notes with certain lyrics.
@BrianKrock
2 жыл бұрын
I know, I feel the same! Was just yesterday listening to Roman Candle on the bus and frickin goosebumps the whole time
@bruh2843
Жыл бұрын
@@BrianKrock roman candle alwayss gives me huge goosebumps 💔
@kaitlynsimmons3742
3 жыл бұрын
this just makes the song ‘punisher’ even sadder considering phoebe wrote it about how much elliot smith means to her emotionally. she really loved that man so much that she carries him in her music. i’m speechless
@TrueNeutral
3 жыл бұрын
i didnt know i needed a reminder on why i love elliott smith so much
@Christopher.Marshall
3 жыл бұрын
There are not many music theory analysis videos for Elliott Smith's songs. Thank you for making this video! This is such a treat.
@MrFrankfurt13
3 жыл бұрын
"a musical trilogy I'm working on in D minor which is the saddest of all keys, I find. People weep instantly when they hear it"
@Peculate
3 жыл бұрын
My analysis of this harmony is a bit different. I think it all revolves around mode mixture involving the 6th scale degree. The emotional potential of mixing the major and minor sixth is huge, in both major and minor keys. What unites a lot of these songs you analyzed is they often have an ambiguous tonal center. It's debatable whether or not they're in the relative major or relative minor key; they kind of occupy both at the same time, which gives the bittersweet, "happy-sad" feeling. This is especially true for "Savior Complex" at 16:51. When I hear the F# major, to me it sounds like it is mode mixture in C# minor, and she is preparing for the famous IV-iv-i progression we hear so much in pop music (note that she ends the phrase singing the syllable "plex" on C#, implying a tonicization of the relative minor key). But the difference is that Elliott Smith and Phoebe Bridgers will tease us by temporarily tonicizing the relative minor key, and give us that IV mode mixture (major 6th scale degree), so we expect the iv to come next and it to resolve to the minor root chord, but instead they unexpectedly go back to the relative major root. The emotional tug at our heart strings comes from dashing our expectations in that way. It's clever, and for me it is all about the 6th scale degree, mode mixture, and the ambiguous area between relative major and relative minor.
@VRNocturne
3 жыл бұрын
Funny you say this because when he said the song was in F Major, I was thinking D Minor. Which is exactly what you're alluding to.
@ooglemonster
3 жыл бұрын
Yes! Well explained.
@kavonbakowski8358
Жыл бұрын
Its great once you learn how music theory works, and how people psychologically reacta certain way to certain chord patterns & little changes here and there. It's sort of like how Randy Newman just knocks out songs left and right, and though they sound the same they all still have the same effect--except they intend for a different mix of emotions. The ones who master the psychology of Music theory are the ones like the Beatles, Nirvana, etc where they can write a song on the toilet and it will be better than 99% of people who spend their entire lives trying to write a perfect song. Source: I just pulled all of that out of my ass, but in my head it sounds like it's gotta be right.
@rumpelRAINS
3 жыл бұрын
Just started getting into her music and then you drop this masterpiece. Thank you.
@evanphillips2126
3 жыл бұрын
Ballad of Big Nothing is one of my favourite Elliott tracks too! Great video
@FracturedFrames
3 жыл бұрын
You always make videos about music so close to my heart. I remember racking my brain over Elliot Smith's music before I studied music theory! I so desperately wanted to capture that incredible feeling you described. Amazing video as always!
@t1vannas
3 жыл бұрын
As a music teacher, I really appreciate the level of attention to detail in this analysis as well as your use of humor. This is really well done, and I look forward to checking out some of your other material. Take care.
@flyingchic3n
3 жыл бұрын
The way she drops into the those ESC and will linger on them for a few beats after the music changes chords again. UUGGGh it just feels so fucking much man
@lowellabellon7474
3 жыл бұрын
i'm no musician and can't read music, but i feel like there's always a "sad" descending chord progression before that chord offers a "happy" resolution?
@maxdekroon9487
3 жыл бұрын
Been listening to Elliott Smith for years and ponder over these chords. Thank you for explaining it, might start incorporating it in some songs myself now. I feel like there are still so many elements to Smith's songs that contain more of these gems.
@nadelique
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you Brian for making this video. I have cherished this exact chord in Elliott Smith's music for as long as I can remember, and up until now I have never met anyone who can talk about it the way you do. I feel blessed to be able to share this vulnerability with some dude across the internet that I've actually never met. "Angel in the snow" leaves me on the floor each time I hear it. I just wanted to share a little realization that I've had some time ago. You know how in jazz we sometimes tend to finish a minor tune on basically the IV7 chord (for example ending a Dm tune with a G13). That sound always hits the sweet spot for me, and I've never made the connection until recently but if you think of Dm as the relative minor of F, then you realize that it's the E.S.C in F! Basically two sides of a same coin! Much love from France, Nghia
@princessnerdfighter
3 жыл бұрын
wow... this was in my recommended and i clicked on it like i always click on lots of nonsense but this one hit me so hard. i'm low key at a loss for words. phoebe's music has really carried me through the last year and i deeply relate to the catharsis that you so eloquently and clearly explained in this video. i am really grateful for you for taking the time to go through this. i feel so inspired about expanding my own understanding of music composition/ theory now... when in the past it's always felt a little out of reach. thanks man.
@taifromyea
3 жыл бұрын
Wow! Fascinating video! I adore both these songwriters, but as someone who snoozed through music theory as a kid, it never would have occurred to me to look for similarities like that. Liked and followed!
@occamseraser
3 жыл бұрын
This is such a great video! The Band’s “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” drops this exact change right before the chorus, and it always gives me chills. If anyone is into modal/functional stuff one of the little hacks I’ve noticed is this chord change modulates the natural minor scale into the parallel dorian, lots of fun to play across.
@panayotismav
3 жыл бұрын
"trains" by porcupine tree is another example that haunted me for years because of the same reason.
@BrianKrock
3 жыл бұрын
Yo!!! Dude, if you watch the “Live From Somewhere” DVD- I’m in the front row! With long hair! They played trains that night, and Steven broke a string on his guitar, so they had to stop and start over because they were filming. I believe Robert Fripp opened the show with a solo set! This music is so close to my heart!
@panayotismav
3 жыл бұрын
@@BrianKrock I wasn't lucky enough to ever watch them live, so I've watched all their shows on YT countless times and I know exatly what you're reffering to. :) Awesome stuff! Wilson's songwriting has this effect that you talked about in the video in countless songs, so no wonder how much of fanbois we both are :D
@Cazametroides
3 жыл бұрын
@@BrianKrock I've watched that 100 times, very cool to know you were there. Great video btw! You got another subscriber
@alexknowlton4038
3 жыл бұрын
@@BrianKrock one of my favorite live videos of all time
@grungepants
3 жыл бұрын
I wonder if they were inspired by elliot smith?
@danielkillorin9742
3 жыл бұрын
That’s weirdd I just buried my head in a blanket and cried to Elliot smith like two days ago now I’m seeing a video telling me to do just that
@nathannakadegawa-lee8737
3 жыл бұрын
Love this chord! I was just talking about it in the Beatles You Won't See Me and I'll Follow the Sun and probably a better example of the feeling you are describing in Yebbas Where Do You Go. Great video as always 👍
@sdw-hv5ko
2 жыл бұрын
I've also called this "the Elliott Smith Chord" for a while so this video was vindicating. Awesome stuff!
@LongaresiLucas
3 жыл бұрын
Dang, you mentioned Toninho Horta as a "Great Brazilian Master Songwriter!" This made my day, Toninho is a genius!
@BrianKrock
3 жыл бұрын
He is!! I have the good fortune of playing with and becoming friends with Brazilian percussionist Rogerio Boccato (and his daughter and nephew who are also wonderful musicians). The three of them turned me on to so much great Brazilian music!
@MikeY-es9pi
3 жыл бұрын
Saw “Elliott Smith chord” on the thumbnail and already knew what you were talking about!
@Matabang1
2 жыл бұрын
I met E.S. In 1993. He was actually a very funny and happy person. Nice observations you have about the emotional impact of even the most seemingly simple chord placed in the right way. It’s like magic. Alchemy.
@parkourguy4567
3 ай бұрын
Can you tell us about the interaction?
@ThisIsWideAngle
3 жыл бұрын
I could not listen to Elliott Smith for the last 15 years, because I heard the self-titled album on the day I lost a friend to cancer. It helped me back than, but it still hurts quite allot when I hear Elliott Smith today.
@seanmatthewking
2 жыл бұрын
You can’t listen to the self-titled album, or you can’t listen to any Elliott Smith?
@ThisIsWideAngle
2 жыл бұрын
@@seanmatthewking Any. But especialy the self-titled one.
@SirCommoner
2 жыл бұрын
Omg I love that you cited João Gilberto and Toninho Horta
@KennyCarlile
3 жыл бұрын
This is really, really good. Thanks for doing this. (This is my first discovery of your videos.) My first thought was, "That's just a V of V," as you mentioned, but since it doesn't resolve to the V and it resolves to the I, it's really functioning differently and that's key, as you know. Anyway, great work on this video. I look forward to checking out your others. :)
@sethie_shots
2 ай бұрын
It’s the punch we don’t see coming that knocks us out. Thank you for explaining the punch.
@poolsidejoe
3 жыл бұрын
this might be the best video i have ever seen, it somewhere made her music even MORE devestating
@lb2696
6 ай бұрын
This video puts into words something I knew about Elliot’s music but didn’t know the theory. I would say “somehow he makes major chords sound melancholic.” But I didn’t understand how he did it. I also noticed this type of progression in his songs that have this same feeling but I didn’t know what that is called or why it works. I appreciate this.
@moopinboopin
3 жыл бұрын
what i think is so interesting about this chord is the music theory around it. the third in a major ii chord is the tritone, like you so beautifully demonstrated, and it’s for this reason (at least for me) that whenever i hear a major ii, i immediately think of lydian, the fourth mode of major. lydian is the brightest of the seven modes of major, so to utilize a chord that (again in my opinion) so explicitly implies the brightest mode, and to use it in a context that is meant to carry a huge amount of melancholic baggage, it just WRECKS me. it feels in a way very bittersweet, with the harmony feeling like it’s meant to be a suddenly uplifting moment but then the second you tune in to the lyrics they just tear you down. it’s that juxtaposition that makes it so fucking heart breaking for me, especially since lyrics usually lead into each other it’s like you know the lyrics are going to be sad, you expect that much, but that sudden body slam of this bright, lydian tonality just makes it hit that much harder. this was an absolutely fantastic video and i cant wait to binge the rest of them!!
@feinkevi
3 жыл бұрын
^^nailed it. This.
@feinkevi
3 жыл бұрын
I’ll take that and add, you’re getting a taste of this, the brightest happy chord, but it feels somehow wrong or out of place, those notes don’t belong, like a reminder of happiness while explicitly telling you that it doesn’t fit with you and you don’t get to have it. Oof.
@BelaCurcio
3 жыл бұрын
thank you shane madej for talking about phoebe constantly to the point where I had to see what was up. way before she got super famous
@ediechunn4530
3 жыл бұрын
yes... this is good. the line "i used to light you up, now I can't even get you to play the drums" is always the part of the song that gets stuck in my head! --> catharsis
@matcanary
3 жыл бұрын
You're very coherent in speaking! I don't understand music terms but you make me feel like I do, wishing you great power!
@thelevicole
3 жыл бұрын
The chord that guts me the most in Elliott's music is the "Ab" (I use quotes because it's an Gb/F# chord since the guitar is tuned down a whole step) in the chorus of Between the Bars. To me, it's less about the major two as whole, and more about the descending chromatic voice leading that the major two gets him. In that particular part of Between the Bars the bass goes F# -> F -> G# -> G. I love that so much, and it seems like Elliott did too :) This is the first video of yours I've seen, but I'm all about Elliott Smith harmonic analysis content :P
@samcartermusic
3 жыл бұрын
Love that Between The Bars moment too. This bass chromaticism via lots of inversions is very much a part of his style. I Better Be Quiet Now is another great example. It's a very pianistic approach to harmony. My guess is that his classical piano lessons influenced him here.
@joemaddock5387
3 жыл бұрын
I feel like the thing that makes this use of the chord distinctive is that it’s not being used as 5 of 5... but as a chromatic move to the 4 chord. Like... if the song is in D... the G# in the major 2 (E) falls to G, the 4.
@joemaddock5387
3 жыл бұрын
Rewatching the video, though, I think you’re really on to something unique with this. It’s not necessarily that it resolves to the IV... in Say Yes it doesn’t.... it’s that he hits it when the fuller meaning of the song is revealed.... (and it hits the Tritone!)... yeah, pretty magical. Elliott Smith was such a genius...
@EbeJay1
3 жыл бұрын
@@joemaddock5387 Been playing around with this, and it does draw you to the IV chord. Good shout
@EbeJay1
3 жыл бұрын
And when you land on that IV chord, it doesn't seem as happy as it would if you got there another way.
@howardmitnick8582
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the great content. The structure of "Say Yes" is traditionally called a "Tag Line Song"
@okstew
3 жыл бұрын
does this just mean the song has a refrain at the end of each verse or is it different?
@jeffirwin7862
3 жыл бұрын
I heard this chord in The Beatles' "You Won't See Me". It even resolves to IV in the same way.
@jamlemon
3 жыл бұрын
Probably where Elliott got it from as he was a massive Beatles fan.
@andyfrost8656
3 жыл бұрын
Yes indeed. Similar device used in 8 Days a Week. I think the Elliot Smith approach is really about the phrase kind of landing on that maj 2 chord after some development. Just my take on it.
@suburbanindie
3 жыл бұрын
I've been on KZitem since 2005 and this is the first video I've seen of someone analyzing Elliott Smith's material. I'm surprised it hasn't happened sooner. He was a genius
@mikegrossmanmusic
3 жыл бұрын
Really great analisys. Thanks for this. ESC = Basically a mini modulation. Great use of tension.
@sarahelizabethsmith9906
4 ай бұрын
Brilliant. Thank you for such a helpful and thorough explanation of this music.
@johnwitha
3 жыл бұрын
The script was so well written. Neither too formal nor relaxed and perfect word choice. Very enjoyable to listen to.
@henrypowell3708
3 жыл бұрын
no joke i’ve been calling this chord the same exact thing whenever i hear it in phoebe’s music! great minds. love the video by the way
@liffever
3 жыл бұрын
I recently fell in love with Phoebe Bridger's music after hearing her play with Conor Oberst in B.O.C.C. and now I feel like I need to revisit Elliot Smith, as I haven't listened to much of his stuff.
@jimvandersteege
3 жыл бұрын
Interesting watch, also looking forward towards the video on the book! Also almost all my christmas presents were books from your book reccomendation video! The Rest is noise, Anatomy of the Orchestra and Tristan
@BrianKrock
3 жыл бұрын
This is so cool, let me know how you like the books!
@MissAbril3
2 жыл бұрын
You have no idea how many times I've watched this video in the past year. Your love for music is contagious and I find myself thinking about things I've heard you say quite often. I wish I knew as much as you do, thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion ♥
@Anteksanteri
2 жыл бұрын
If we're talking about virtuosic right hand technique, angeles is probably the best example of his I've seen. I have played fingerstyle guitar for 7 years, and I can do the right hand 1-3-2-3 thumb bass pattern, but man am I impressed that he can do it at a consistent 236 bpm while singing, nevermind that he also wrote the piece. I would probably have to practice for 4 hours to get anywhere close to getting a good run through the song while singing and he just rips it out live.
@johanna_vargas
3 жыл бұрын
I loved this video! Also, i also think she's said before Punisher is very much about Elliot and now that you're explaining the use of 'his' chord in her songs it made me think of the phrase in that song "either im careless or I wanna get caught"
@BrianKrock
3 жыл бұрын
Hmm that’s interesting, thanks for the info!! Glad you dug the video :)
@logangarza9343
3 жыл бұрын
Brian, this was awesome man. Huge ES and Phoebe fan, so this was interesting and entertaining just for that. But I think what I loved most about the video is your perspective on music, melancholy music especially, and the eloquence you possess to be able to put those thoughts and feelings into words. WHY it's important. Why it's necessary. I don't think I've ever posted on a KZitem video, but what you have to say about music is important and needs to be heard. Please keep it up.
@nottaj
3 жыл бұрын
I've spent the last couple days exploring why the I-II7-IV-I and I-II7-bVII-IV-I progressions of songs like The Beatles - You Won't See Me and The Seatbelts - Gotta Knock A Little Harder hit me so hard, so the timing of this video is pretty wild. Thank you, well done.
@jessievasser6293
3 жыл бұрын
oh man, did you have to go with "stab you in the heart".... too soon? idk maybe it is just me. lol
@808_rafa
3 жыл бұрын
This chord gives me early 2000’s vibes
@alexandermjh3528
3 жыл бұрын
Love this! More songwriting tips/functional harmony/songwriting analysis! Please!
@jillianschrbr7830
Жыл бұрын
wow. this video is incredible. i appreciate the depth and the connections and the everything about it. holy shit. pls never apologize for being so thorough ever again
@jessedubin5028
3 жыл бұрын
Aside from the modal theory, there’s just something about a really sad lyric over a happy/bright major chord. It’s like “everyone’s depressed when depressing things are happening, but being depressed in good times is a whole other level”
@rotroom
Жыл бұрын
im so glad you made this video because i absolutely love elliott mith and his songwriting has fascinated me and his use of major chords. perfect vid
@dontwren
Жыл бұрын
wow... music theory is so cool... its like listening to a quantum physicist talk but i definitely know my ear has caught this chord before. like an "elliott smith sound" to certain parts of certain songs, that's so cool. i thought i was just making random associations, but this might be exactly what i was hearing! thanks so much for your explanation, i support the minting of your coinage
@anthonydary
3 жыл бұрын
There's this lovely, interesting song called Noble Heart by Phox that ENDS on the E.S.C, over the lyrics "you know it's been a while since I've felt anything at all." Leaves you feeling like you'll never know if everything will be okay. OOF.
@chadfavre
3 жыл бұрын
First of your videos I’ve seen. Keep carrying yourself away, man. Loved it.
@yenneved
3 жыл бұрын
you're hands-down my new favorite music educator. Thanks!
@brendanhazel8965
3 жыл бұрын
Duuuuude! This video kicks ass! The style, progression, and of course, your infectious passion! Keep it up! I can't stop punctuating with exclamation points!!!
@thebordenasylum7726
3 жыл бұрын
"People sink your boat, When you cut a tragic figure, They drink their lemonade, And throw you a line" "So you must play the comic, if they want one, And describe their moment, when they're in one..." "I'd rather spend the day, Blank as hell by the window, Looking out of my stained glass eyes" These Elliott lyrics really hit you in the feels
@Salparadise12
3 жыл бұрын
Just hearing you talking about say yes was enough to make me tear up as well. 💔 so precious
@profitnadeem
2 ай бұрын
Pretty dope analysis of the track! I heard the change over but I didn’t understand much till you said it
@EvanGolfs
3 жыл бұрын
You’ve helped me musically figure out something that felt so intangible before, thank you so much. Amazing video!
@svetislavveselinovic8840
3 жыл бұрын
savior complex was one of my favorites as well much love Brian
@ektopia
8 ай бұрын
It took me a while for the penny to drop but when it did, it hit hard. Thanks for all the hard work you put into this one.
@culverculver922
3 жыл бұрын
I can see why that chord sounds sad-happy, but to me it usually feels more hopeful, though maybe with a slight bittersweet tinge. Not to say anything in the video is wrong, it’s just interesting that such a basic musical element can have such different emotional effects!
@FalardeMusicaeLegal
3 жыл бұрын
Man, you're really REALLY GOOD at what you do.
@Mass_Tone
3 жыл бұрын
This was beautifully put. I never knew what it was about Elliot Smith's music (or Bridgers) that made it so heartwrenching. Thank you
@peterpersson9883
3 жыл бұрын
Brian singing is a beautiful thing and I am honored you shared it with us.
@JamesStrassburg
3 жыл бұрын
Wow! Great video. When you started talking about 'If We Make it Through December' I thought the video was headed towards something that hit me in that song. It makes use of the IV iv but when the harmony goes iv the melody sticks on the major 3rd of the IV. The world (harmony) is trying to pull the singer down (IV iv, to the minor) while the singer remains hopeful and pulls the song back by hanging on that major-3rd. Great stuff...
@BenjaminJBromley
3 жыл бұрын
Love that you mentioned the W.A. Matthieu book-looking forward to your video on it!
@mrmanning6098
3 жыл бұрын
I got really excited that you went up the harmonic series, because I was hoping you would get to triad that can be built on the 9th harmonic (including the fundamental) since the 11th harmonic is close to the 3rd of the "Elliot Smith" chord and the 13th and 14th surround the 5th very very closely. My opinion is that this chord accentuates 2 upper harmonics(its root and third), while creating a NASTY rub with the 5th and the nearby harmonics. It feels like distortion at the harmonic level, if you are still maintaining the tonic as a static fundamental. You are so right that it is nothing like a secondary dominant, and (correctly) playing in just intonation would certainly reveal its magic trick. Love this video. Thanks for starting a great discussion.
@hap3567
3 жыл бұрын
You are an incredible explainer of these concepts. I have learned so much about two of my favorite artists that brings me so much more of a love for their music, and i can really see how much you care about it. From the editing to your playing, thank you so much. Great vid!
@charlesnevsimal9235
3 жыл бұрын
Absolutely wonderful video. Thank you for going all in. I am enthralled by this and have been wondering myself at the connective tissue between Elliott and Phoebe. I'm glad this wasn't just a short video. Keep up the great work!
@linseyspolidoro5122
3 жыл бұрын
Oh, man Elliott Smith was my depression fix for a long time as well but there are certain albums I can barely even listen to anymore because of how much it reminds me of how bad of a time I was going through. I had a physical reaction to the song Miss Misery, I used to listen to Miss Misery (early version) constantly on a mix CD of his songs in my car when I was like ~19. I think my favorite one of his songs though has gotta be King’s Crossing though, it’s so good and there’s that prosody of the lyrics and backward guitar part right beforehand.
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