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"Epic" compositions worth giving a spin

Not concept albums, but a single LP side consisting of a work with some sort of unity/continuity.  Possibly with one or more recurring musical themes or ideas.  Could be vocal or pure instrumental and I would think in the 20-30 minute duration.  What made me think of this is "Supper's Ready," by Genesis, which I've listened to a few times recently.  It seems challenging to put together a piece that has repetition and variety such as this and I think they pulled it off nicely.  I especially like the concert version with the added visual interest of Peter Gabriel's costumes, gestures and mime routines, but for me this one works well with just the music.  Does anyone have a favorite one-side long-form piece to throw out?
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Showing 4 responses by tostadosunidos

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tostadosunidos OP
1,197 posts
 
How about Miles Davis:  "Bitches Brew" (the track, on the LP of the same name) and "Right Off" (side 1 of "A Tribute to Jack Johnson"). 
tostadosunidos's avatar
tostadosunidos OP
1,197 posts
 
Looks like a lot of "whole albums" and at least one double album as opposed to long songs listed there (although many are favorites of mine).

tostadosunidos's avatar
tostadosunidos OP
1,197 posts
 
bdp24, I liked the Kinks (more 60's and early 70's than later, but some good things happened later on) and the British prog-rock bands, to a degree.  I liked Yes through Close to the Edge and Genesis up until The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.  DIdn't like them after Gabriel left and Phil took over.  I felt King Crimson was usually interesting and good no matter what the lineup.  For a less indulgent and more rock-based sound try the Yes album, my favorite of theirs.
As far as the thread prescription goes, I think any side of Yes' Topographic Oceans fits better than a side of Tommy.
tostadosunidos's avatar
tostadosunidos OP
1,197 posts
 
Nutty, the original idea was one LP side, more or less.

I'm impressed with the number of contributions (some of which are actually longer than described, but it's still fun, right?).  Glad to see Procul Harum's "In Held 'Twas in I" get a mention.  Anyway, I'm grateful for more leads than I could ever hope to follow up.
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