[Rick and Roll]

The "Overrequested long song" issue has reminded me that there is a problem of songs that tie together but are split for airplay here.

Seems that an artist can make a long tune and it can be included in whole (or in the case of the two Tull epics, one side each). In fact, a tour-de-force can be constructed of semi-related parts. Examples of this are the Oldfield pieces or ones such as the hour long piece by that bass player about water on the moon (can't recall his name at the moment).

What gets forgotten is that some songs are meant to be together but are split for airplay. I think the reason is that the songs aren't familiar to who is adding it. I know there are technical reasons, but a little carefulness and research would fix the problem.

Here's an example: on the Sonus Umbra "Snapshots From Limbo" CD, the last piece is called "Insects". It's split into three parts, each about 3-5 minutes. It is meant both lyrically and musically to be as one. I really like the cut, but have not requested this because having one of the three parts play lessens the experience of the song, and really doesn't make sense. What is confusing to me is that Rush's "Fountain of Lamneth" is one piece on the Moon, yet is split exactly like the Sonus Umbra. It may be as one because we all know Rush.

I'm sure there are other examples, but I can only think of a few without consulting the playlist. Mister Class and Quality/Three friends by Gentle Giant may also be one (that's marginal).

The other one that comes to mind (if it's still split) is a Discipline tune that is inexpliciably split in half. It's one song but is carved in two. Seems unfair if Oldfield can have it all as one.

Any thoughts?