Bruce's Top "Long Songs" What are yours?

Long songs are hard to digest. Most of my favorite rarely exceed four minutes, but for those that do, it's usually due to an epic nature that warrants a long ass run time. I know that this thread is going to attract a ton of "Zeppelin" type answers, so let me list mine:

1. Purple Rain - Prince (8:41)

The guitar towards the end shows Prince's musicanship and the build up leading up to it is genius.

2. Heroin - The Velvet Underground (7:13)

Lou Reed takes you through a drug-induced noise adventure that will surely make you feel like you've been taking the drug for the seven minutes it lasts.

3. Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley (6:54)

Just under seven minutes, Buckley's swan song was a loose cover of an old Leonard Cohen song that big time Cohen buffs weren't too fond of to begin with. The vocal on this song is worth listening to throughout.

4. Enjoy the Silence - Depeche Mode (6:13)

Continuing with our theme of Heroin use, Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence" packs a ton of the repetitious synth that Violator was known for, every now and then gracing us with one of the best hooks in the history of music, "All I ever wanted, all I ever needed, is here, in my arms."

5. The New - Interpol (6:07)

Leave it to Interpol's Carlos D to lure you into a false sense of security. His soft bass combines with Banks' soft vocal until they decide to go back to being Interpol halfway into it and the song erupts into craziness following a tense pause that sounds like a heart pulsing.

6. Blind - Hercules and Love Affair (6:18)

Antony from Antony and the Johnsons decides to show you why he loves disco: I've always loved Antony's voice, but hated the music he often surrounds it with. Blind's vintage disco style suits Antony perfectly, meshing to create what was the best dance song of 2008.

7. The Killing Moon - Echo & the Bunnymen (5:47)

Ok, it's not THAT long, but at nearly six minutes, it's the longest 80's Post-Punk track that I seem to care for. I can think of a few Joy Division songs that top the five minute mark, but none really do as much with the time as Killing Moon. Almost a cliche amongst Post-Punk fans, its chorus is the defining moment, "Fate, up against your will, through the thick and thin; you will wait until, you give yourself to him." I don't mind hearing that for nearly six minutes in addition to the wonderful instrumentation.

8. The Carnival is Over - Dead can Dance (5:28)

Maybe the title of this blog should be "Bruce bends the rules for the sake of listing Post-Punk songs he likes." But anyway, The Carnival is Over is the best Dead can Dance track that will ever occupy your time; and it makes the list by being a song that I ALWAYS listen to at least twice in a row. My favorite moment, (Despite the whole thing being fucking brilliant) is the nod to Joy Division through the lyric, "The procession moves on, the shouting is over, the fabolous freaks are leaving town." Which, minus the fabulous freaks part, is a lyric taken straight from Joy Division's "The Eternal" if I can remember correctly.

9. All my Friends/Someone Great - LCD Soundsystem (7:37) and (6:26)

"You can sleep on the plane, or review what you said." A lyric that my ex should take to heart. Anyway, James Murphy's magnum opus if he ever had one is All my Friends. I've blogged in the past my love for this record so let me move on to "Someone Great". Whether you've lost a family member, or been in a hurtful relationship, this song will strike a loud chord with you. It seems that when Murphy wants to, he can ditch his dance-punk nonsense and really pull the strings on our emotions. It's a shame he only decided to do that three times on Sound of Silver.

10. Veridis Quo - Daft Punk (5:50)

I love Daft Punk. I'll say it again, I love Daft Punk. Discovery is in my top five albums of MY YEARS ON EARTH (18 if you're wondering) and I cannot get enough of that album whenever I'm in a mood for 2001 nostalgia. Veridis Quo is actually a combination of two other great DP songs, Something about Us, and Voyager. DP altered the pitch of both, reversed them, and born was Veridis Quo. While somewhat short at barely under six minutes, it takes you through a journey that is well enhanced by a nice set of HD speakers; this is ambient/house at its very best.

Long songs are hard to digest. Most of my favorite rarely exceed four minutes, but for those that do, it's usually due to an epic nature that warrants a long ass run time. I know that this thread is going to attract a ton of "Zeppelin" type answers, so let me list mine:

1. Purple Rain - Prince (8:41)

The guitar towards the end shows Prince's musicanship and the build up leading up to it is genius.

2. Heroin - The Velvet Underground (7:13)

Lou Reed takes you through a drug-induced noise adventure that will surely make you feel like you've been taking the drug for the seven minutes it lasts.

3. Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley (6:54)

Just under seven minutes, Buckley's swan song was a loose cover of an old Leonard Cohen song that big time Cohen buffs weren't too fond of to begin with. The vocal on this song is worth listening to throughout.

4. Enjoy the Silence - Depeche Mode (6:13)

Continuing with our theme of Heroin use, Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence" packs a ton of the repetitious synth that Violator was known for, every now and then gracing us with one of the best hooks in the history of music, "All I ever wanted, all I ever needed, is here, in my arms."

5. The New - Interpol (6:07)

Leave it to Interpol's Carlos D to lure you into a false sense of security. His soft bass combines with Banks' soft vocal until they decide to go back to being Interpol halfway into it and the song erupts into craziness following a tense pause that sounds like a heart pulsing.

6. Blind - Hercules and Love Affair (6:18)

Antony from Antony and the Johnsons decides to show you why he loves disco: I've always loved Antony's voice, but hated the music he often surrounds it with. Blind's vintage disco style suits Antony perfectly, meshing to create what was the best dance song of 2008.

7. The Killing Moon - Echo & the Bunnymen (5:47)

Ok, it's not THAT long, but at nearly six minutes, it's the longest 80's Post-Punk track that I seem to care for. I can think of a few Joy Division songs that top the five minute mark, but none really do as much with the time as Killing Moon. Almost a cliche amongst Post-Punk fans, its chorus is the defining moment, "Fate, up against your will, through the thick and thin; you will wait until, you give yourself to him." I don't mind hearing that for nearly six minutes in addition to the wonderful instrumentation.

8. The Carnival is Over - Dead can Dance (5:28)

Maybe the title of this blog should be "Bruce bends the rules for the sake of listing Post-Punk songs he likes." But anyway, The Carnival is Over is the best Dead can Dance track that will ever occupy your time; and it makes the list by being a song that I ALWAYS listen to at least twice in a row. My favorite moment, (Despite the whole thing being fucking brilliant) is the nod to Joy Division through the lyric, "The procession moves on, the shouting is over, the fabolous freaks are leaving town." Which, minus the fabulous freaks part, is a lyric taken straight from Joy Division's "The Eternal" if I can remember correctly.

9. All my Friends/Someone Great - LCD Soundsystem (7:37) and (6:26)

"You can sleep on the plane, or review what you said." A lyric that my ex should take to heart. Anyway, James Murphy's magnum opus if he ever had one is All my Friends. I've blogged in the past my love for this record so let me move on to "Someone Great". Whether you've lost a family member, or been in a hurtful relationship, this song will strike a loud chord with you. It seems that when Murphy wants to, he can ditch his dance-punk nonsense and really pull the strings on our emotions. It's a shame he only decided to do that three times on Sound of Silver.

10. Veridis Quo - Daft Punk (5:50)

I love Daft Punk. I'll say it again, I love Daft Punk. Discovery is in my top five albums of MY YEARS ON EARTH (18 if you're wondering) and I cannot get enough of that album whenever I'm in a mood for 2001 nostalgia. Veridis Quo is actually a combination of two other great DP songs, Something about Us, and Voyager. DP altered the pitch of both, reversed them, and born was Veridis Quo. While somewhat short at barely under six minutes, it takes you through a journey that is well enhanced by a nice set of HD speakers; this is ambient/house at its very best.

Delirium Cordia - Fantômas (1:14:17)

Over an hour of Mike Patton making the sounds of surgery without anesthesia.
I'm not sure what I'd consider more experimental, this or Suspended Animation.
You should at least try listening to it. Very interesting stuff.

I'm too lazy to make a list at the moment.

Shine On You Crazy Diamond (part 1) - Pink Floyd  [13:31]

I love long songs, preferably between 7 and 10 minutes. Some of those 20+ minute songs are too long for me. I've got other things to do...like listen to other songs.


Rime of the Ancient Mariner - Iron Maiden [13:34]

Funeral Hymn - Exodus [8:38]

...And Justice for All - Metallica [9:47] 

Black Horsemen - King Diamond [7:40] 

Flesh and the Power it Holds - Death [8:26]

Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin [8:02] 

I'm actually the opposite of you, half of the stuff I listen to is at least 5 minutes long, if not more.

A Little Piece of Heaven- Avenged Sevenfold [8:02]
Ministry of Lost Souls, Octavarium, Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence- Dream Theater [14:58, 24:00, 42:00]
The Coming Curse- Iced Earth [9:33]
The Clansman, Paschendale, Sign of the Cross- Iron Maiden [8:59, 8:28, 11:17]
Stairway to Heaven- Led Zeppelin [8:02]
Paradigm Shift- Liquid Tension Experiment [8;55]
Viscera Eyes- The Mars Volta [9:23]
Spitting Venom- Modest Mouse [8:29]
Cemetery Gates- Pantera [7:03]
Someone's In The Wolf- Queens of the Stone Age [7:16]
Lateralis- Tool [9:24]
The Court Of The Crimson King, Starless- King Crimson [9:24, 12:17]

Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Sleep [23:17]
Godspeed You! Black Emperor - East Hastings [17:58]
Mogwai - Mogwai Fear Satan [16:18]
Mogwai - My Father, My King [20:12]
Tortoise - Djed [20:57]
Bark Psychosis - Scum [21:15]
The Microphones - I. The Sun [17:11]
Can - Halleluhwah [18:28]
Pink Floyd - Echoes [23: 28]
Pink Floyd - Atom Heart Mother [23:44]

Or the HAARP version of Butterflies and Hurricanes, which is 5:56.

Hallelujah is a fantastic song, but I find Leonard Cohen's version far superior.

Justice - Planisphere 17:39 of  epic electro rip your own clothes off on a dance floor tune-age.

Weezer-Only in Dreams [7:59]

Tool - The Pot (6:23) 

Ghost Love Score - Nightwish - 10:02

I just love it >.>

Every long song off of Lateralus by Tool, pretty much, though my idea of long song seems to be different than most of yours. "Long" starts right around eight minutes. These six minute songs you guys are posting aren't really that long. Sure, they're not necessarily radio-friendly, but still. Also, Pigs (Three Different Ones) by Pink Floyd and La Villa Strangiato by Rush.

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, Iron Butterfly (17:02) Because it's funny
The Czar, Mastodon (10:54) Because it's haunting
Outlaw Torn, Metallica (9:59) Because James Hetfield's voice is showcased
Pull Me Under, Dream Theater (8:14) Because it's my favorite Dream Theater song

The entire "Shine on You, Crazy Diamond" by Pink Floyd

Dopesmoker by Sleep: (A little over an hour, this is one hour of doom metal. Heavy riffs, a sonic mindfuck. Awesome.)

Shine on you Crazy Diamond (Pts.1-5) by Pink Floyd (about 13 minutes)

Sorrow- Pink Floyd (8:48)

High Hopes (7:52, the version off of the "Pulse" DVD)

Dazed and Confused- Led Zeppelin (6:27)

Since I've Been Loving You- Led Zeppelin (7:24)

Stairway to Heaven- Led Zeppelin (8:00)

No Quarter- Led Zeppelin- (7:00)

Achillies Last Stand- Led Zeppelin (10:22)

One- Metallica (7:27)

Master of Puppets- Metallica (8:36)

Ride the Lightning- Metallica (6:36)

Fade to Black- Metallica (6:57)

Creeping Death- Metallica- (6:36)

The Leper Affinity- Opeth (10:23)

Face of Melinda- Opeth (7:58)

Serenity Painted Death- Opeth (9:13)

Dirge For November- Opeth (7:53)

Blackwater Park- Opeth (12:08)

The Funeral Portrait- Opeth (8:44)

Heir Apparent- Opeth (8:50)

(I could name more Opeth, but I won't)

Drought- Pelican (8:23)

March into the Sea- Pelican (11:36)

Autumn into Summer- Pelican (10:44)

The Last Baron- Mastodon (13:00)

Mogwai Fear Satan- Mogwai (16 minutes long, give or take)

La Villa Strangiato- Rush (about 9 minutes or more)

Nottingham Lace- Buckethead (6:33)

Erotomania- Dream Theater (6:44)

Chapter III- Notstalgic Mannerisms- The Fall of Troy (7:51)

Sledgehammer- The Fall of Troy (6:01)

Silver- Jesu (6:46)

Wolves- Jesu (8:29)

Rime of the Ancient Mariner- Iron Maiden (see other posts for the length)

Beelzeboss- Tenacious D (5:37)

I know that last one isn't THAT long, but that song is so kickass I had to get it in there:P.

I could add more to this list...but it is big enough already:D.

Desolation Row - Bob Dylan (11:21)

Is the first thing that comes to mind.

November Rain - Guns n' Roses (8:57)
Stan - Eminem (6:44)

" Dopesmoker by Sleep: (A little over an hour, this is one hour of doom metal. Heavy riffs, a sonic mindfuck. Awesome. "

" @TeflonBilly: I just listened to some of that, and it is honestly some of the most intriguing and strange music I've ever heard. Yet at the same time it's incredibly awesome."

"Fuck yes! Sleep, Boris, sunnO))), Electric Wizard and so on are all bands with awesome long sludgy stoner/doom metal riffs and bass that just rumbles through your system"

"@TeflonBilly said:

"Fuck yes! Sleep, Boris, sunnO))), Electric Wizard and so on are all bands with awesome long sludgy stoner/doom metal riffs and bass that just rumbles through your system"

Shit how could I forget to mention Monster Magnet and Kyuss which are way more well known than those.Man, now I gotta dig up some old, classic Monster Magnet.Spine Of God (8:02) is an awesome song of theirs, but it's even better if you hear Zodiac Lung (4:45) first and let it seep into Spine Of God effectively making it (12:47).MATH!"

Pretty much all of the long songs I like are by Coldplay.
Yes- 7:06
Death and All His Friends- 6:18
Lovers in Japan- 6:51
(all by Coldplay)

10. Mono - Com(?) (15:56)
9.  Isis - Weight (10:46)
8.  Explosions in the Sky - The Moon is Down (10:03)
7.  envy - A Will Remains in the Ashes (12:44)
6.  Thomas Kakusha and the Belcea String Quartet - Brahms: String Quintet #2 in G, Op. 111, movement one; allegro non troppo
5.  Pink Floyd - Shine On You Crazy Diamond Pt. 1-5 (13:31)
4.  Gregor Samsa - Even Numbers (10:06)
3.  Godspeed You! Black Emperor - They Don't Sleep Anymore on the Beach (23:18)
2.  The Mars Volta - Cassandra Gemini (32:31)
1.  Sigur Ros - Untitled #8 (Popplagio aka The Pop Song) (11:45)

Some of my favourite songs of all-time are on that list.

Here's a shortened version of Spine Of God by Monster Magnet I found on Youtube. The album version is longer and better, but it's a pretty sweet mix set to the old flick Rock and Rule which I remember scared the shit outta me as a kid.

Rhinoceros/ Hummer/ Soma - Smashing Pumpkins [6:33/ 6:57/ 6:39]
Good Morning, Captain - Slint [7: 39]
Soon - My Bloody Valentine [6:58]
Dreams Burn Down - Ride [6:04]
Freedom - Rage Against the Machine [6:05]
Hi Tech Jazz - Underground Resistance [8:10]

Nothing exceptionally long, but nevermind that

Thick as a Brick (part 2) - Jethro Tull [21:10]

Thick as a Brick part 1 & 2 together clock in at 43:50, that is truly and epic song.

Roseta Stoned- Tool (Around 11 minutes)
Throes of Perdition- Trivium (5:55)

The Past is a Grotesque Animal- Of Montreal (11:53)
You Are The Blood- Sufjan Stevens (10:14)
Sympathy For The Devil- The Rolling Stones (6:27)
Wash The Day- TV on The Radio(8:07)
Stuck Inside of Mobile With The Mephise Blues Again- Bob Dylan (7:06)
A Day In The Life- The Beatles (5:33)
I Want You (She's So Heavy)- The Beatles (7:47)
Sir Psycho Sexy- Red Hot Chili Peppers (8:17)

I think I can decipher that phonetically for you Englishspeakers.

The "æ" is pronounced like the middle of a sheep's "Bæææææh" if that makes sense.

So it's Læhter - ælooss

At least that's the closest I can describe it

Stella Was A Diver and She Was Always Down - Interpol (6:23)
Ball and Biscuit - The White Stripes (7:17)
Right in Two - Tool (8:55)
Hearts Alive - Mastodon (13:39)

 Also The Pot by Tool, which was mentioned earlier in the thread.

Goldie - Timeless: Inner City Life/Pressure/Jah (21:03)

Mad bold way to start an album. There are another 7 songs following this, but the expansive opener is the glorious centrepiece. Really, it's just three songs made into one, but the way they loop and snake back on themselves makes them gel together into a complete epic tune.