Music fans who grew up on radio grew accustomed to a radio format for delivery of popular music. Up to the 1960’s, it was extremely rare for any song to last any longer than 3 minutes and closer to 2 was preferred. It was good for business – let radio get more songs on the air, with more time for commercials, and let artists sell 45’s of their hit singles.
But this is a modern phenomenon. Prior to pop radio, prior to any kind of radio, people had much longer attention spans. Since they couldn’t just spin a dial to get music, music lovers had to go to concerts, or recitals. It was a commitment of a whole evening, so symphonies and operas often spanned several hours – even 5 or 6 hours what not uncommon.
The entertainment was designed for audiences who had nothing else to do, and didn’t mind immersing themselves in a marathon music experience. That doesn’t mean people didn’t squirm or even fall asleep during these events – I’m sure they did.
The music was written with themes that could take quite a while to develop and transition from one movement to the next.
Compare this to two-minutes ditties on pop radio. A catchy melody and a memorable line or two, especially delivered by an artist whose skills could convey the emotions in a manner that made an immediate impression and you’re set.
There’s nothing wrong with this, certainly. I have very fond memories of hit songs on the radio I loved, and would revel on that 2 minutes and 34 seconds of bliss.
But some artists told longer stories. In 1959, Marty Robbins released El Paso, which was over 4 and ½ minutes long and it was a monster hit, despite the misgivings of producers and record executives. Nobody listening to Marty singing song wants it end any sooner than it does!
Of course, in the late 60’s and early 70’s, there arose music that did not seek to deliver its message in neat 3 or 4 minute pieces. The Beatles caused a ruckus when they released the 7+ minute single “Hey Jude” – it was becoming a brave new (or maybe old) world.
Taking a page from old time music (and bluegrass, blues, jazz and perhaps, Indian ragas), many artists began creating music wanted to take the listener on a long journey, and if AM radio couldn’t dig it, FM listeners and concert goers sure did. This long form became stock in trade for bands like Pink Floyd, the Allman Brothers Band, the Grateful Dead and Led Zeppelin – all whom eventually had hits on the radio too!
I learned to love music like this, and if you’re at a musical venue some fine day (or night) and the performers offer up some music that will take a little time to take in, don’t fight it – relax and let it wash over you!
