The Longest Rock Songs: From '7 Skies H3' to 'Sing Joy'
The world of rock music has always been full of extremes. One such aspect that pushes the boundaries is the length of songs. The longest recorded song in rock music is a breathtaking journey into the sonic abyss. Let's dive into the world of these extended compositions and explore the longest rock songs ever recorded.
The Mars Volta 'Et Ruina Amor'
Leading the charge in the realm of long songs is The Mars Volta and their track 'Et Ruina Amor'. This epic piece from their album The Bedlam in Goliath released in 2008, clocks in at an astounding 33 minutes and 12 seconds. It's a testament to the band's innovative approach to music and their ability to weave intricate layers of sound into a cohesive and sprawling narrative.
Jethro Tull 'Aqualung'
Before 'Et Ruina Amor' made its mark, the song that challenged the longevity of a rock song was 'Aqualung' by Jethro Tull. Released in 1972, this track was originally presented as a continuous piece on the album of the same name. While not the longest ever recorded, it certainly held a prominent place in rock history and continues to be celebrated for its duration and composition.
The Flaming Lips '7 Skies H3'
Another notable entry is '7 Skies H3' by The Flaming Lips. This song is particularly notable for its title alone, as it stretches the boundaries of auditory experience. Clocking in at around 24 hours, this is a project that defies typical listening sessions but is a groundbreaking exploration of sound and endurance.
Sorabji's 'Opus Clavicembalisticu'
While not a rock band, the composer Karel Husa's work 'Opus Clavicembalisticu' by Samuel Francis Sorabji deserves mention. This piece is recorded at a staggering four and a half hours, pushing the envelope of what a single musical composition can be. It is a testament to the complexity and depth that can be achieved through classical and avant-garde compositions.
Quick Silver and Acid Rock
In the early 1960s, Quick Silver, an acid rock band, released a full-length LP with just two songs on it. Each side of the record featured different compositions, showcasing their innovative spirit and willingness to push the boundaries of rock music.
Thick as a Brick by Jethro Tull
Another notable mention is Thick as a Brick by Jethro Tull, which Ian Anderson created as one long song. This track is approximately 45 minutes long, providing a narrative that spans a continuous history of a boy who believes he is the thickest person in the world.
Buzzy Linhart's 'Sing Joy'
There's also a rock song that has a very long history and came up in the conversation—a song with roots in the 1960s, recorded by Buzzy Linhart and his band The Seventh Sons. The song is called 'Sing Joy' and it can stretch for hours, reflecting the free-form and jam-oriented spirit of early rock music. Buzzy created and performed this song since the mid-1960s, and it holds a special place in the alternative rock scene.
Longest Versions of 'Sing Joy'
The studio version of 'Sing Joy' is 18 minutes and 44 seconds long, and this reflects the limitations of 1960s vinyl technology. However, the live version of the song, performed by Buzzy and The Seventh Sons, can stretch to about 31 minutes, showcasing the natural live jamming experience that traditional vinyl could not capture fully.
Today, with digital formats, there are virtually no limits to the length of a song. This allows artists to push their creative boundaries even further, but as we've seen, the vinyl era laid down some interesting precedents. Whether it's through innovative composition or simply the willingness to explore the limits of what is possible, these long songs remind us of the incredible diversity and endless potential of rock music.
These songs offer a journey into the depths of musical composition, pushing the limits of what is perceived as a single song. From the sprawling narratives of Et Ruina Amor to the pure auditory art of 7 Skies H3 and the enduring legacy of Sing Joy, these songs are a testament to the limitless creativity of rock musicians.