As a music enthusiast, you may have asked yourself at some point: “What is the longest song in the world?” While it’s relatively easy to find out the longest song in terms of commercial release, the question becomes more complicated when you delve into the realm of experimental and avant-garde music. In this article, we will explore the longest songs ever recorded, the artists behind them, and the stories that brought these extraordinary pieces of music to life.
The Longest Commercially Released Song
The title for the longest commercially released song goes to the progressive rock band “The Flaming Lips” for their song “7 Skies H3”. This song, released in 2011, has a running time of a staggering 24 hours.
The Flaming Lips are known for their experimental music and unique approach to songwriting. The band was formed in Oklahoma City in 1983 and has since released 17 studio albums. Their music is characterized by psychedelic sounds, eccentric lyrics, and unconventional song structures.
The Story Behind “7 Skies H3”
“7 Skies H3” was initially released on a limited-edition hard drive encased in an actual human skull on Halloween in 2011. Only 13 copies of this unique release were made, each selling for $5,000. The song was later released digitally and as a condensed 50-minute version for Record Store Day in 2014.
The Longest Song in Classical Music
In the world of classical music, the longest song title goes to Erik Satie’s “Vexations”. Composed in 1893, this piece is just over a minute long. However, Satie’s instructions state that the piece should be repeated 840 times, resulting in a performance that lasts around 18 hours.
Satie was a French composer and pianist known for his eccentricities and his influence on the minimalist school of the 20th century. His works are characterized by their simplicity and repetitive nature.
Performances of “Vexations”
The first public performance of “Vexations” took place in 1963, organized by the American composer John Cage. The performance involved a relay team of pianists and lasted over 18 hours. Since then, it has been performed several times, often as a fundraising event.
The Longest Song in Experimental Music
In the realm of experimental music, the longest song is “The Long Player” by Jem Finer. This piece of music began playing at midnight on the 31st of December, 1999, and is designed to continue without repetition until the last moment of 2999, making it a 1000-year-long song.
Jem Finer is a British artist, musician, and composer. He is best known as one of the founding members of the band “The Pogues”.
The Concept of “The Long Player”
“The Long Player” is a piece of algorithmic music designed to explore the concept of long-term thinking. It is based on a 20-minute piece of music that is processed through a computer algorithm to create a unique and evolving soundscape.
The Longest Song in Electronic Music
In the genre of electronic music, the longest song is “Everywhere at the End of Time” by The Caretaker. This song, released in six stages between 2016 and 2019, has a total running time of 6 hours and 30 minutes.
The Caretaker is the alias of British musician Leyland Kirby. His music explores themes of memory, nostalgia, and the passage of time.
The Concept of “Everywhere at the End of Time”
“Everywhere at the End of Time” is a concept album that represents the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Each stage represents a different phase of the disease, with the music becoming more distorted and fragmented over time.
The Longest Song in Pop Music
In the world of pop music, the longest song is “Apples and Oranges” by P-Funk All-Stars. This song, released in 1982, has a running time of 45 minutes and 58 seconds.
P-Funk All-Stars is an American funk and soul band led by George Clinton. They are best known for their energetic live performances and their influence on the development of funk music.
The Story Behind “Apples and Oranges”
“Apples and Oranges” is a live recording of a jam session. The song is characterized by its improvisational nature and the interplay between the band members.
The Longest Song in Rock Music
In the genre of rock music, the longest song is “Dopesmoker” by Sleep. This song, released in 2003, has a running time of 63 minutes and 36 seconds.
Sleep is an American doom metal band formed in 1990. Their music is characterized by slow tempos, heavy distortion, and lyrical themes related to cannabis.
The Story Behind “Dopesmoker”
“Dopesmoker” is a single-track album that tells the story of a caravan of stoners crossing the desert. The song is considered a seminal work in the genre of stoner rock.
The Longest Song in Jazz Music
In the world of jazz music, the longest song is “November” by the Danish jazz band “The Necks”. This song, released in 2007, has a running time of 60 minutes.
The Necks is an experimental jazz trio known for their improvisational performances. Their music is characterized by slow build-ups and repetitive motifs.
The Concept of “November”
“November” is a single-track album that showcases the band’s improvisational skills. The song evolves gradually over the course of an hour, with each member of the band contributing to the sonic landscape.
The Longest Song in Hip Hop Music
In the genre of hip hop music, the longest song is “The Rap Monument” by various artists. This song, released in 2014, has a running time of 42 minutes and 11 seconds.
“The Rap Monument” features verses from 36 different rappers, including Pusha T, Danny Brown, and Raekwon. The song was produced by Hudson Mohawke, S-Type, and Nick Hook.
The Story Behind “The Rap Monument”
“The Rap Monument” was a project organized by the music platform Noisey. The song was recorded in three different cities (New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta) and took over a year to complete.
In conclusion, the world of music is filled with fascinating records and exceptional pieces of art that push the boundaries of what is considered a “song”. From the 24-hour-long “7 Skies H3” to the 1000-year-long “The Long Player”, these songs challenge our perception of time and music. They remind us that music is not just a form of entertainment, but also a medium for expressing complex ideas and exploring new territories.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through the longest songs in the world. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. If you’re interested in more music-related articles, don’t hesitate to check out other pieces on our website.