Mod of the Day

Love Is An Open Door (from “Frozen”)

Here is “Love Is An Open Door” from Frozen (2018). The music and lyrics are by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. The show is adapted from the 2013 film of the same name. Key change at 1:00.

Atlanta Rhythm Section | Spooky

Today’s featured tune is “Spooky,” a 1979 release by the Atlanta Rhythm Section – Band, a southern rock band which enjoyed a string of hits. A cover of a 1967 original by The Classics IV, ARS’s version adds a direct modulation early on (1:29) and continues from there. The two versions went to #17 and #3, respectively.

Jason Robert Brown | One More Thing Than I Can Handle

Here’s Jason Robert Brown‘s “One More Thing Than I Can Handle” from his new album How We React and How We Recover (2018).There are many key changes throughout which I won’t list here, but I highly encourage you to check out this whole remarkable album.

Janis Ian | At Seventeen

1975’s “At Seventeen,” the most successful single from singer/songwriter Janis Ian, went to #1 in the US and Canada. A biting commentary on Western beauty standards and their effects on young women, the tune was also used in multiple movies and television shows. The tonality switches from C major on the verses and C minor on the choruses (the first transition is at 0:47).

Fascinating Aida | Cheap Flights

Fascinating Aïda have been described as “Absolutely Fabulous meets Noel Coward, as sung by the Andrew Sisters.” Here’s their rendition of “Cheap Flights.” One of the key changes is at 1:25, but you have to watch the whole thing!

Touch Me With My Clothes On (from “Love Gilda”)

Known for her utterly original comedic style and her status as the first cast member chosen for the premiere season of Saturday Night Live in 1975, Gilda Radner was the first to say that her singing voice wasn’t exactly her strongest suit. But her unfussy, warm delivery always let her huge personality shine through. “Honey (Touch Me With My Clothes On)”, featured in the current biopic film Love Gilda, was part of the comedienne’s 1980 live solo show Gilda Radner Live on Broadway.

The music doesn’t start until 0:55 — but her poignant intro is worth a listen! Key change at 2:59.

Get Out and Stay Out (from “9 to 5”)

Here’s Stephanie J Block singing “Get Out and Stay Out” from the 9 to 5: The Musical. Modulation at 3:30, but this whole performance is just epic.

Leslie Gore | You Don’t Own Me

Released in 1963, Leslie Gore‘s “You Don’t Own Me” was a #2 hit in the US (also top 5 in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK). The tune has had a sustained half-life as a feminist anthem.

Produced by studio legend Quincy Jones, the tune packs multiple modulations into its two and a half minutes. The verse is in G minor, but transitions to G major for the chorus (0:31); the same pattern holds true for verse 2 and chorus 2; multiple direct half-step modulations follow at 1:03, 1:19, and 1:34.

Josh Groban + Celine Dion | The Prayer

Here are Josh Groban and Celine Dion singing “The Prayer” (2001). The tune was written by David Foster, Carole Bayer Sager, Alberto Testa and Tony Renis. The music begins at 1:40; the key change is at 4:25.

Nickel Creek | Doubting Thomas

Nickel Creek, an acoustic trio known for its polished Americana sound and a Grammy winner in the Contemporary Folk category, released “Doubting Thomas” in 2005. Chris Thile, now the host of the weekly radio program Live from Here, is featured on lead vocals and mandolin.

The bridge (1:59 – 2:25) modulates before the tune returns to its original key.