Favorite musical epics?

[3-LockBox]

While there have been many bands who have tried to create an "epic" song (every prog outfit worth its salt), in my mind only a few have succeeded in creating something I enjoy listening to over and over again without getting bored silly. This is especially true of songs that approach the 20-minute mark. Any band can noodle for a half-hour; it takes a great and talented band to write a composition of that length that can carry its weight and stay interesting throughout.

'That, That Is' by Yes is my most recent fave...rivals anything from their classic period IMO.

'Harm's Way' by Spock's Beard. Yes, The Beard does do epics very well, like 'The End Of The Day', but this one is by far their best writing effort lyrically.

'Pigs (3 different ones)' by Pink Floyd is one of this band's most compelling songs of any length.

'Terrapin Station' by The Grateful Dead is a long but sublime, trance inducing jam, and is really quite proggy, if I may use that term.

[progfan]

Genesis-"Supper's Ready" especially the live Archive Box version. Killer.
Yes-"Close to the Edge"
Jethro Tull-"Baker St. Muse" shorter than TAAB or APP but just as good, imo.
Pink Floyd-"Atom Heart Mother". Seriously!! Don't laugh!
ELP-"Karn Evil 9". It's fashionable to knock these guys, but I still love this epic.

A predictable list I guess, but I can't much get into the newer symph stuff. Listening to The Flower Kings or Spock's Beard makes me want to listen to Yes or The Beatles instead. But I do have a little bit of a soft spot for "Stardust We Are".

[ForeverAutumn]

Genesis-"Supper's Ready" especially the live Archive Box version. Killer.
Yes-"Close to the Edge"
Jethro Tull-"Baker St. Muse" shorter than TAAB or APP but just as good, imo.
Pink Floyd-"Atom Heart Mother". Seriously!! Don't laugh!
ELP-"Karn Evil 9". It's fashionable to knock these guys, but I still love this epic.

A predictable list I guess, but I can't much get into the newer symph stuff. Listening to The Flower Kings or Spock's Beard makes me want to listen to Yes or The Beatles instead. But I do have a little bit of a soft spot for "Stardust We Are".

Nice list. I haven't listened to Karn Evil 9 in years. Thanks for the reminder of a great song. Time to pull out my ELP.

[Troy]

I prefer the live version of Supper's Ready on Seconds Out. Musically, it's the tightest, most dramatic version.

Spocks Beard epics, I gotta go with "Time has Come". I love the whole junkyard thing in it. "Flow" is a strong one too.

Good call on "Baker Street Muse". And "Terrapin Station", the only Grateful Dead track that I enjoy.

[Dusty Chalk]

Nice list. I haven't listened to Karn Evil 9 in years. Thanks for the reminder of a great song. Time to pull out my ELP.

Or you can listen to this version. (Why couldn't my high school band teacher have been this cool? Actually, he was very cool, just not that cool.)

[Troy]

That version of Karn Evel #9 is really amazing. Any band with 8 vibes players is ok in my book. Yeah, rough in spots, but geez . . . that's a High School band? Wow.

[Dave_G]

I too like the Seconds Out version of Suppers Ready but when I saw The Musical Box do it I nearly fell out.

My whole body was one giant goose bump.

I cannot wait to see the Lamb gig.

Dave

[progfan]

Dave G said:

" I too like the Seconds Out version of Suppers Ready but when I saw The Musical Box do it I nearly fell out."

Look for the sobbing 30 something fool in the second row of the orchestra section at Nearfest!! I've never seen them before but everyone says their amazing. Can't wait!!