EP808: The Rise & Fall of the Double Album

The Loudini Rock and Roll Circus

The rise and fall of the double album in popular music is a fascinating journey that reflects changes in artistic ambition, technology, and the music industry itself. Here’s an outline of key developments:

Billy Joel Killed the Double Album???

History of the Double Album (wiki)

I. Introduction

• Definition of a double album: Typically a collection of two LPs or CDs, often featuring a cohesive concept or theme.
• Overview of its significance in popular music.

II. The Rise of the Double Album

1. Early Examples (1950s-1960s)

• Introduction in jazz and classical music as a way to showcase longer compositions.
• Examples: Miles Davis's Sketches of Spain (1960).
• First Double album of all time: Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Songbook

1. The Concept Album Movement (Late 1960s)

• The Beatles’ The White Album (1968): A landmark in the double album format, showcasing diverse musical styles.
• Pink Floyd’s The Wall (1979) and other progressive rock bands embrace the format for storytelling.

Artistic Expression and Ambition

• Double albums seen as a canvas for ambitious concepts and themes.
• Notable examples: The Rolling Stones' Exile on Main St. (1972) and Bob Dylan's Desire (1976).

Commercial Success

• Major sales: Double albums often topped charts and received critical acclaim.
• Increased visibility of artists willing to take risks.

III. The Peak of the Double Album

1. Cultural Impact (1970s-1980s)

• The double album becomes a symbol of artistic integrity and ambition.
• Festivals and concerts: Artists using double albums to frame their live performances.

Mainstream Adoption

• More artists from various genres (rock, pop, R&B) begin to experiment with the format.
• Examples: Fleetwood Mac's Tusk (1979) and Prince's Sign o' the Times (1987).

IV. The Decline of the Double Album

1. Changing Industry Dynamics (1990s)

• The rise of the CD as a dominant format: convenience led to a preference for shorter albums.
• Economic considerations: Record labels focused on singles rather than lengthy projects.

Shift in Listening Habits

• The emergence of MTV and music videos: Visual media shifted focus from album artistry to hit singles.
• The rise of radio formats emphasizing shorter songs.

Digital Era and Streaming (2000s-Present)

• Playlist culture: Listeners favor curated collections over lengthy albums.
• Shorter tracks dominate streaming platforms, leading to a decline in the production of double albums.

V. Resurgence and Evolution

1. Recent Trends (2010s-Present)

• Some artists, like Taylor Swift (The Double Album), explore the format, appealing to nostalgia and artistry.
• Conceptual storytelling continues in fragmented forms (e.g., extended play releases or singles).

Legacy of the Double Album

• Influence on modern artists: Many still draw inspiration from the narrative and artistic ambitions of classic double albums.
• Critical appreciation: Recognition of double albums as significant artistic statements.

VI. Conclusion

• Reflection on the evolution of the double album in the context of broader changes in popular music.
• Enduring legacy: While its prominence may have waned, the double album remains an important part of music history, embodying the struggle between commercial viability and artistic expression.

The greatest double albums of all time:

https://www.google.com/search?q=the+most+important+double+albums+of+all+time&sca_esv=9e556a6b58aef874&sxsrf=ADLYWIKkcUDDNCKglv7ygX8kIkbP2CWZhg%3A1728351563421&source=hp&ei=S40EZ_GjF9DaptQP16upMA&iflsig=AL9hbdgAAAAAZwSbW6lgun8H7EM64J1LyNVRvReuIRSd&oq=the+most+important+double+albums+&gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6IiF0aGUgbW9zdCBpbXBvcnRhbnQgZG91YmxlIGFsYnVtcyAqAggAMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYnwUyBRAhGJ8FMgUQIRifBTIFECEYnwUyBRAhGJ8FMgUQIRifBUi6lQFQ-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-vbAw&sclient=gws-wiz

New & Notable:

Loudini: Flying Joes; Black Stone

Mr Pittsburgh: Tiny Warz; Walking On Clouds

The rise and fall of the double album in popular music is a fascinating journey that reflects changes in artistic ambition, technology, and the music industry itself. Here’s an outline of key developments:

Billy Joel Killed the Double Album???

History of the Double Album (wiki)

I. Introduction

• Definition of a double album: Typically a collection of two LPs or CDs, often featuring a cohesive concept or theme.
• Overview of its significance in popular music.

II. The Rise of the Double Album

1. Early Examples (1950s-1960s)

• Introduction in jazz and classical music as a way to showcase longer compositions.
• Examples: Miles Davis's Sketches of Spain (1960).
• First Double album of all time: Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Songbook

1. The Concept Album Movement (Late 1960s)

• The Beatles’ The White Album (1968): A landmark in the double album format, showcasing diverse musical styles.
• Pink Floyd’s The Wall (1979) and other progressive rock bands embrace the format for storytelling.

Artistic Expression and Ambition

• Double albums seen as a canvas for ambitious concepts and themes.
• Notable examples: The Rolling Stones' Exile on Main St. (1972) and Bob Dylan's Desire (1976).

Commercial Success

• Major sales: Double albums often topped charts and received critical acclaim.
• Increased visibility of artists willing to take risks.

III. The Peak of the Double Album

1. Cultural Impact (1970s-1980s)

• The double album becomes a symbol of artistic integrity and ambition.
• Festivals and concerts: Artists using double albums to frame their live performances.

Mainstream Adoption

• More artists from various genres (rock, pop, R&B) begin to experiment with the format.
• Examples: Fleetwood Mac's Tusk (1979) and Prince's Sign o' the Times (1987).

IV. The Decline of the Double Album

1. Changing Industry Dynamics (1990s)

• The rise of the CD as a dominant format: convenience led to a preference for shorter albums.
• Economic considerations: Record labels focused on singles rather than lengthy projects.

Shift in Listening Habits

• The emergence of MTV and music videos: Visual media shifted focus from album artistry to hit singles.
• The rise of radio formats emphasizing shorter songs.

Digital Era and Streaming (2000s-Present)

• Playlist culture: Listeners favor curated collections over lengthy albums.
• Shorter tracks dominate streaming platforms, leading to a decline in the production of double albums.

V. Resurgence and Evolution

1. Recent Trends (2010s-Present)

• Some artists, like Taylor Swift (The Double Album), explore the format, appealing to nostalgia and artistry.
• Conceptual storytelling continues in fragmented forms (e.g., extended play releases or singles).

Legacy of the Double Album

• Influence on modern artists: Many still draw inspiration from the narrative and artistic ambitions of classic double albums.
• Critical appreciation: Recognition of double albums as significant artistic statements.

VI. Conclusion

• Reflection on the evolution of the double album in the context of broader changes in popular music.
• Enduring legacy: While its prominence may have waned, the double album remains an important part of music history, embodying the struggle between commercial viability and artistic expression.

The greatest double albums of all time:

https://www.google.com/search?q=the+most+important+double+albums+of+all+time&sca_esv=9e556a6b58aef874&sxsrf=ADLYWIKkcUDDNCKglv7ygX8kIkbP2CWZhg%3A1728351563421&source=hp&ei=S40EZ_GjF9DaptQP16upMA&iflsig=AL9hbdgAAAAAZwSbW6lgun8H7EM64J1LyNVRvReuIRSd&oq=the+most+important+double+albums+&gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6IiF0aGUgbW9zdCBpbXBvcnRhbnQgZG91YmxlIGFsYnVtcyAqAggAMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYnwUyBRAhGJ8FMgUQIRifBTIFECEYnwUyBRAhGJ8FMgUQIRifBUi6lQFQ-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-vbAw&sclient=gws-wiz

New & Notable:

Loudini: Flying Joes; Black Stone

Mr Pittsburgh: Tiny Warz; Walking On Clouds