Ongoing History Daily: Why do the RHCP love such long albums?
When the compact disc first arrived in 1982, it could store 75 minutes of music. Some discs could stretch that to about 80 minutes, but 75 was considered to be the maximum.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers said “Challenge accepted!” and have often filled CDs to the brim for the last 30 years, starting with the Blood Sugar Sex Magick album, which clocked in at 73 minutes and 42 seconds. The Road Trippin’ Through Time greatest hits collection pushed capacity to 78 minutes and 9 seconds.
I’m Beside You in 2013 ran for 72 minutes and 51 seconds. When Unlimited Love showed up in April 2022, it came with 73 minutes and 4 seconds’ worth of music. And Return of the Dream Canteen doesn’t end until 75 minutes and 4 seconds have gone by.
Less is more? Not according to the Chili Peppers.
Best band of all time.