I'v always wandered if there was a reason for the length of the song. Was he making a statemnt about America. Or is it just a long song that came across to me as very repetitive and did not vary much musically within the 20 plus minutes. Other extended versions would jam, change beat, and move scales, but not this one.

Is there a story/reason that prince gave or any one else as to the reason for the length of the song. Or was he just having fun?

Actually, quite good album version if you haven't heard it for awhile.

I must confess that I only listened to the long version once as it was totally boring as it just didn't change at all.

He did it cuz he could. It is repetitious, but then again; listen to band rehearsels.

Hai

I dont think he was really making a statement. It was just an extended jam that somehow got released as a 12 inch.
A lot of songs (most of em?) were recorded with long outro's or extended jams. Most of the times these parts were edited out/chopped of when the songs were completed for inclusion on albums

ie: pop life/anotherlonelyxmas/let's go crazy/take me with you/ darling nikki/ computer blue/purple rain

just to name a few from the 83-84 period.

What kind of a statement on anything would that be? "America just goes on and on and on..."?

Novabreaker said:

I think the jam might have been recorded becuz Prince had the feeling he should fill one side of a 12" to the max, which is what he did.

The original jam is even longer. Go figure.

Prince wasn't kidding when he commented on Soul Psychedelicide's length on Joy In Repetition. That song first got jammed on with The Revolution, of which a version circulates that lasts up close to an hour.
These jams were often just for the sake of getting a feel, or getting it right.
[Edited 12/30/05 2:23am]

HamsterHuey said:

cause they was FONKIN !!!

i heard he was even making a cake whilst recording it

The reason America is over 20 mins long is simply cuz that's how long a reel
of regular 2" analogue tape lasts when recording on normal speed. he just
jammed until the tape ran out, that's all.

i thought the extended version was kinda repetitive too, until i had a chance to listen to it in the car once when we were on a long drive through the country right as the sun was setting...ever have a moment when the music was absolutely perfect for the occasion? this was one of those moments. i've appreciated the 'america' 12" ever since.

I don't know about the long version, but the video was done during a break from filming Under the Cherry Moon, and I can only speculate he was in no hurry to get back to the set.

You people...(tsk, tsk).

I love that about 5 seconds ago, I just finished reading a post how the new single ("te amo...") is too short, and has no b-side. Then I read this post & people are complaining that the america single (1985) is too long and boring...

whatever douche bags....you guys are never ever pleased.

Nero

He was tryin 2 show how patriotic he is lol

1 of my all-time fav 12" extended versions. It is a deep Blue, hypnotic, electro-funk jam, that is capable of putting 1 into a trance. I jammed with that cut over and over again. I was even inspired 2 record my own instrumental version on my 4 track.

G.
[Edited 1/24/06 12:57pm]

Man, this is one hell of a jam! I love it!

Never heard the long version, but I think the song rocks? But I personally can't imagine listening to the same song for 20 minutes!

neronava said:

BorisFishpaw said:

As usual, Boris hits a home run. The song was recorded on Monday, July 23rd 1984. The Revolution participated in the recording and they literally jammed until the tape ran out. There was an attempt to add the sound of the tape running out to the recording, but it wasn't something they decided to keep.

With the advent of digital recording, they aren't limited to the 20-30 minutes of 2 inch tape. They could jam, literally for hours.

Additional work on America (mostly editing) was done on Friday May, 3 1985 (the same day he was working on All Day, All Night).

Overall, a pretty repetitive and boring 12 inch. It might have jammed as a live performance on the Purple Rain tour (since it was recorded before that tour started), but as a 12 inch release, it is one of those that you'll probably turn off after 10 or 15 minutes.

madhouseman said:

Now that is an explanation for a fan website. I really mean it, thanks. Since he has never done that before or since on any single or remix. I have wondered that for the past 15 years, since I first heard it. There had to be some reason for it. This threads time of death 12:46 p.m.
[Edited 12/30/05 14:11pm]

HamsterHuey said:

for.real!?!?!?!?

btw how long is the original jam? i love the 20minute+ version, but its not one of those that i can just put on, i gotta be in the mood for it

Moonwalkbjrain said:

Uhp. It's still alive. I see breath on the mirror. I think America album version was about 3 1/2 minutes. If that's what you're asking. Tambourine kicked ass on that album.

setyrmindphree said:

Tambourine is one of my all time favorite songs.

M

MIGUELGOMEZ said:

Miguel? Why can't I quit U? That actually would be a great prince song title.

setyrmindphree said:

It would be a great country tune with Bonnie Rait playing slide guitar. Prince would have to wear that overall getup (Muppet Show) in the video.


M

MIGUELGOMEZ said:

Did you see the muppet Show show?

setyrmindphree said:

I'm not sure if you are being sarcastic, but if not, then thanx.

madhouseman said:

Actually, I'm being very sincere. I have always wondered about that release and could never find info. My comment about the thread dying was a compliment. Meaning. Your insight was the end o the story. You murdered a thread man.

setyrmindphree said:

Hahahaha. Thanx. Have a great New Year.

I love the 20-minute edit. I usually listen to it when I'm getting ready to go somewhere or ironing in the morning, etc. It's always a jam.