It is time to revive this theme that was kicked off my Hive account@slobberchops, inspired by #MetalWeekend that Hive account@detlev does. The idea is to feature music from outside the mainstream. That will mean different things to different people, but such is the variety of #music.

I was talking to Hive account@slobberchops the other day and that prompted this particular post. As a fan of progressive rock I am used to long songs, but some really take it to the limit. Whether that makes for good music is down to the quality of the musicians.

One of the first prog bands I got into was Genesis. Their best know long song may be Supper's Ready. It has lots of parts with a mix of moods. I found this early live version where Peter Gabriel riffs on some surreal themes before the song starts. Dig those multipl e 12 string guitars! I wish I could have seen them back then. The early 70's were full of experimental music.

Supper's Ready - Genesis (Foxtrot - 1972)

Misplaced Childhood - Marillion (Misplaced Childhood - 1985)

In the mid-1980's I discovered Marillion, who I first took to be a sort of Genesis clone, but they had their own thing. I have to say that I have not followed them since Fish left. I saw them on the tour for this album (Birmingham NEC I think). They played various songs and then about half an hour or so Fish announced that the next song would be the last. Happily it was the whole album, which does flow together and so I am counting it here. Kayleigh was the big hit single.

A friend recently shared this old documentary about the working lives of roadies on a Marillion tour.

Milliontown - Frost* (Milliontown - 2006)

Skipping forward a few decades I discovered a new wave of prog bands via the now defunct Dividing Line podcasts. One of those is Frost*. Their epic is Milliontown. I have seen then play this live a couple of times and they just such good musicians. Between songs they like a good laugh.

This version was recorded at the renowned Rockfield Studios.

The Underfall Yard - Big Big Train (The Underfall Yard -2009)

Another band I first heard on The Dividing Line was Big Big Train. I think the first song may have been The Underfall Yard and when I heard it was available as a free download I grabbed it and have since acquired most of their albums. I also thought they had a bit of early Genesis about them, especially when they include some flute. This song is abould Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It is named after part of Bristol docks.

Nearly two hours of music in four videos! That should keep your busy.

I have seen all these bands in some form live. I would hope we can get back to enjoying live music again soon.

What are your favourite long songs?