A simpler way to describe the difference in keys between Tweezer and Tweeprise would be to say that Tweeprise is up a 4th or Perfect 4th up from Tweezer. Though the terminology used is not quite clear I think the reviewer's point is well made about the tension aspect of Tweeprise being in a higher key. As ascending musical lines have the natural effect of giving the music direction toward a resolution, I think since the key of A is so well established in the original Tweezer groove the transposition of Tweeprise helps to create that same type of effect. In this case, the key of D as it relates to to the original key of A is also brighter sounding, a fact that is clearly not lost in Kuroda's presentation. Trey also utilizes this same technique in the melodic content of Tweeprise. The composed part of Tweeprise, before the vocals enter, features Trey playing an ascending d minor scale in octaves. When the vocals enter Trey shifts up (ascending again) to the highest position on his guitar to play D in octaves. That in combination with the driving rhythmic pattern he plays is the reason we all need to pump our fists like a Jersey Shore cast member on crack when Tweeprise is coming home.

That being said, this was one of the better reviews I've read on Phishnet. Thanks for your thorough and thoughtful review.

@CorPhish said:

@stufunk said:

I'm very sorry to be critical, as I do appreciate the work you guys do at phish.net, but as a musician and music educator your statement about Tweeprise vs Tweezer make no sense musically:

Musically, D is four steps higher on the scale than A. So the underlying pitch for �Tweeprise� is higher than for �Tweezer,� and this elevation increases that sense of tension. Never forget that these guys are learned, well versed musicians.

Simply playing something "higher", on its own, doesn't add tension. Saying "the scale" is technically incorrect as well. What type of scale are you referring to? There are many. If you are referring to an A major then yes D would be the higher pitch in ascending order, But if it is a C major scale, then A would be higher than D when ascending the scale.

Either way, I bring this up because I enjoy the reviews on this site, but tend to cringe when I see the references to music theory because many of them are not true. Please be more careful in the future and keep up the good work.

Agreed on the music theory. To say that the D is four (whole-steps) higher than A is true but it is also 5(whole-steps) lower. It's not one fixed note. If they modulated from one key to another during a song, you might (might) "hear" some of what you describe. Starting it in a certain key (D, A or otherwise), would not register in one's ear unless one had perfect pitch. Even then, it would not provide the aural occurrence you describe.

Love the rest of the review though.

Indiana University and Manhattan School of Music theory'd