Hello, My Favorite Song of the Day is Loquat’s Shaky Like The Flu. It’s main progression is G, EbMAJ7, Bb, D7. I have been trying to understand this from the perspective of the Circle of Fourths and Fifths. After the initial G, I’d expect a C or a D, but they go to a EbMAJ7, which I think sounds lovely especially because of how the bassist emphasizes it; however, I don’t understand theoretically why these chords work. Are all of these chords in a particular key? Perhaps someone strong in music theory can offer insight. Thanks.
G: G B D D#maj7: D# G A# D A#: A# D F D7: D F# A C
None of these chords share a key, since G Major only has an F# and not a D# or an A# (the last of which would be written as Bb in a minor key.) However, I see a few trails that keep the progression solid: 1: G > G > F > F > then it loops; it’s a climb from the b7 to the subtonic to the tonic in a satisfying resolution 2: G > D > D > D… a simple I V I loop 3: D is an ostinato and since it is the V it keeps you in suspense, but also the D > D# > D > C dances around that to make it interesting 4: B > A# > A# > A… between the third and the ninth almost like a I V I 5: This is in no particular key, but jumping from G to D is boring, so they added tension with the bVI which invokes a spacey or nostalgic feeling, at least for my ears; also, A# to D# is a fourth like D to G so it doesn’t sound super jarring.
I hope that makes sense.
Edit: The shakiness can be derived from the unstable key center, to allude to the track title. The lyrics depict a character who has just gone through a breakup I presume, so they feel “blue” like a blue note doesn’t fit in the key.
jumping from G to D is boring
Isn’t that the truth!
A# to D# is a fourth like D to G
That’s a very good point! Thanks!
No problem.
I’m new to this instance and I beg your pardon for the hijack but I have to say, if this is the kind of posts I can expect on the local feed, I’m going to love it here. What a lovely song, fantastic question, and thorough analysis.
You all rock!
