Why does Octavarium feel so much shorter than it is?

[npiazza91]

I'm not just saying this because it's so great, it's something about the way it's structured.  The 5 minutes of intro goes by in about two seconds, then the "medicate me" part goes fast, then the "as far as I could tell" section also goes fast.  Next thing you know the instrumental section is over, and the "Dave Mustaine" section is on, then it only has a few minutes left which goes by in a blink.

No other song past 10 minutes feels as short as this one.  I always feel like I started the song 5 minutes ago, then I look and it's at 19 minutes.  Power to DT for writing a song as well structured as this one.  It is simply amazing.

Does anyone else feel like Octavarium is much shorter than 24 minutes?

[Sacul]

I feel the same towards Six Degrees, and I think it happens because each section introduces new ideas, and great ones - like a collection of short songs that flow through each other while keeping a common sound and theme, with some reprises here and there.

[npiazza91]

I feel the same towards Six Degrees, and I think it happens because each section introduces new ideas, and great ones - like a collection of short songs that flow through each other while keeping a common sound and theme, with some reprises here and there.

For me personally, I always thought of Six Degrees (the song) as an album.  I think it's because I was introduced to the different "sections" as individual songs.  I never got the "only one long song" vibe from it.  It also might be the fact that it's separated into multiple tracks.

Although, I do think that Overture, About to Crash, About to Crash (Reprise) and Losing Time/Grand Finale feels like one song if listened to straight.

[wolfking]

Does anyone else feel like Octavarium is much shorter than 24 minutes?

Yes, big time.

I think because it's just a well crafted, thoughtful and well done piece of work.  Every section has it's place and purpose and the song just holds your interest from start to finish.

[TheGreatPretender]

Does anyone else feel like Octavarium is much shorter than 24 minutes?

Yes, big time.

I think because it's just a well crafted, thoughtful and well done piece of work.  Every section has it's place and purpose and the song just holds your interest from start to finish.

In other words, it doesn't drag.

I have to admit, the first time I heard ACOS, I thought it kinda dragged.

[ResultsMayVary]

Personally, ACOS grew on me a lot since I first heard it. I loved Octavarium from listen #1.

[wolfking]

I don't think ACOS drags, but 8VM flows much better and does feel shorter.

I think with 8VM is there isn't as much going on as say ACOS I think.  The sections are more free flowing with a lot of light and shade between each part.  The whole thing gaining momentum from a quiet start all the way up to the climax is just good songwriting too.  ACOS starts heavy and goes back and forth between a heavy and quiet section, 8VM builds keeping your interest the whole time.

[BlobVanDam]

I don't know if it's just because it's an amazing song, or because of the structure of it, with longer sections with not a lot of walls of notes, very atmospheric and melodic.
For such a long song, it doesn't have that many sections, and each one is so beautiful that it doesn't really drag to the next. ACOS probably feels longer simply because it has a lot more changes/sections.

I feel the same towards Six Degrees...

Me too. It always flies by effortlessly. Again, I'm not sure if that's just because it's so well written, or if it's the way it's structured with its sections.

[ResultsMayVary]

Couldn't agree more, Blob. I feel like Six Degrees is much shorter than 42 minutes and Octavarium much less than 24 minutes. I'm convinced that's solely due to fantastic song writing. The songs (read: sections) are never dull.

[TheCountOfNYC]

I'm not just saying this because it's so great, it's something about the way it's structured.  The 5 minutes of intro goes by in about two seconds, then the "medicate me" part goes fast, then the "as far as I could tell" section also goes fast.  Next thing you know the instrumental section is over, and the "Dave Mustaine" section is on, then it only has a few minutes left which goes by in a blink.

No other song past 10 minutes feels as short as this one.  I always feel like I started the song 5 minutes ago, then I look and it's at 19 minutes.  Power to DT for writing a song as well structured as this one.  It is simply amazing.

Does anyone else feel like Octavarium is much shorter than 24 minutes?

I think it has a lot to do with how well it's structured. Every section flows into each other perfectly and there's no jarring disjointed-ness anywhere in the song. Also, it keeps building momentum throughout the song much like The Spirit Carries On does but on a much grander scale. Musically, it feels like a story and really holds your interest as a listener. Those two factors I feel are the main reasons as to why it feels shorter than it actually is.

[erwinrafael]

The only thing I could cut down is the intro. It does serve its purpose of creating an atmosphere, so I wouldn't really cut it down. But if forced to cut down a part, the intro can be shortened. The other parts are perfect as it is.

[The Stray Seed]

For the same reason why the working week lasts forever and holidays week flies by in a split second.

[Podaar]

The only thing I could cut down is the intro. It does serve its purpose of creating an atmosphere, so I wouldn't really cut it down. But if forced to cut down a part, the intro can be shortened. The other parts are perfect as it is.

I only feel this way about the live version on Score. I'm always pleasantly surprised how short the intro feels when listening to the album version.

Yes, 8VM definitely feels shorter than 24 minutes and for me it's due to the constant build up. Always something to look forward to.

I must say, JR's moog section is brilliant! It's my favorite part and I'm usually disappointed when it's over.

[cramx3]

For the same reason why the working week lasts forever and holidays week flies by in a split second.

[Outcrier]

For the same reason why the working week lasts forever and holidays week flies by in a split second.

Give this man a medal!

[Kotowboy]

I have to admit, the first time I heard ACOS, I thought it kinda dragged.

It's because ACOS has no flow to it at all. Sections just start and end. I don't get the love for that song in the slightest.

[Dublagent66]

I feel the same towards Six Degrees, and I think it happens because each section introduces new ideas, and great ones - like a collection of short songs that flow through each other while keeping a common sound and theme, with some reprises here and there.

This.  Listening to SDOIT title track is effortless and fun.  That's why it flies by so fast.  IT on the other hand, 19 mins seems like an eternity.

I have to admit, the first time I heard ACOS, I thought it kinda dragged.

It's because ACOS has no flow to it at all. Sections just start and end. I don't get the love for that song in the slightest.

It's the quality of the sections that make ACOS really good.  Not all good songs flow seamlessly from beginning to end.

[cramx3]

I have no issues with the flow of ACOS, flows fine to me.  Maybe not as good as 8VM flows, but I think it flows better than SDOIT, IMO that does not flow well at all and part of the reason why I dislike it amongst the other epics.

[paulstfu]

I have to admit, the first time I heard ACOS, I thought it kinda dragged.

It's because ACOS has no flow to it at all. Sections just start and end. I don't get the love for that song in the slightest.

Finally find the reason I prefer Octvarium over ACOS put into words.
SDOIT does have flow between paired songs:

Overture-ATC
WIMH-TTTSTA
GNK-SS
ATC(R)-LT/GF

[Madman Shepherd]

Its shorter because I always fast forward through Full Circle. 

[Kotowboy]

I feel the same towards Six Degrees, and I think it happens because each section introduces new ideas, and great ones - like a collection of short songs that flow through each other while keeping a common sound and theme, with some reprises here and there.

This.  Listening to SDOIT title track is effortless and fun.  That's why it flies by so fast.  IT on the other hand, 19 mins seems like an eternity.

I have to admit, the first time I heard ACOS, I thought it kinda dragged.

It's because ACOS has no flow to it at all. Sections just start and end. I don't get the love for that song in the slightest.

It's the quality of the sections that make ACOS really good.  Not all good songs flow seamlessly from beginning to end.

Octavarium > > The Count Of Tuscany > > Illumination Theory > > > > > A Change Of Seasons.

[RoeDent]

Funny that, because ACOS is the song that always feels shorter to me. When I listen to it (and it is an absolute masterpiece), I forget that 23 minutes of real time have passed. The intro to Octavarium drags on a little bit too long for me. I don't mind a minute or so of that, but it doesn't really need 4. That was done already with Shine On You Crazy Diamond.

[King Postwhore]

So for now on, my wife will call sex, Octavarium.

[BlobVanDam]

So for now on, my wife will call sex, Octavarium.

Because she repeatedly screams that she's trapped inside it?

[paulstfu]

So for now on, my wife will call sex, Octavarium.

Because it's glorious, right?

[Kotowboy]

No its because she has 8....um....never mind. 

[King Postwhore]

All wrong!  It's so good that it goes by so fast.


Well at least she hopes so

[hefdaddy42]

I'm just proud of you for correctly spelling Octavarium.

[King Postwhore]

Funny, it's the easy words Hef that I miss.

My aptitude tests in high school for reading was at the 98 percentile.  I absorb everything.  My spelling skills was at 68%.  Very poor.

My cousin's answer to this problem when we were teens.  "You just need an editor in your life".

Blob has asked to take that on for a fee.

[BlobVanDam]

To be fair, my fees are extremely reasonable.

[King Postwhore]

1.21 gigawatts is not reasonable.

[hefdaddy42]

[Kotowboy]

Doc Brown.

[ToT-147]

It's shorter because I only listen to Full Circle.

FTFF

[Kotowboy]

Its shorter because I always fast forward through Full Circle.

REPORTED.