Long time, indeed

One of the reasons we started our other blog, The Midnight Tracker, was to revive some of the free-form sounds heard on FM radio in the early ’70s.

The tune we have for you tonight is one I remember from that free-form programming, which usually took place after 9 p.m., when listeners and advertisers became scarce. At midnight, at least where I lived in central Wisconsin, they played one album side in its entirety.

“Long Time Leavin’” is off Rare Earth’s classic — and hard-to-find — 1970 album, “Ecology.” It’s on Side 1, sandwiched between two much better-known songs, “Born To Wander” and “(I Know) I’m Losing You.”

You may not know “Long Time Leavin’” by name. But you may remember its sound from the free-form airwaves of the ’70s.

“Long Time Leavin’,” Rare Earth, from “Ecology,” 1970. It’s out of print.

If you’re too young to remember the free-form airwaves of the ’70s, head over to The Midnight Tracker. There, you’ll find Side 1 of “Ecology,” and you’ll get some idea of how it all went together. In this case, hit single followed by free-form classic followed by hit single turned extended, freaked-out jam.

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