Long Season (subtitled ...we are not four seasons) is the sixth studio album by Japanese band Fishmans, released on October 25, 1996 in Japan through Polydor Records.[3] Regarded as a landmark of Japanese rock music, it consists of a single 35-minute composition based on the band's earlier single "Season".
The album initially achieved modest success within the Japanese alternative scene but remained relatively obscure internationally until the 2010s. It has received acclaim from critics and online music circles since then, with Paste ranking it as the seventh-greatest album of all time in 2024.[4] Notably, Fishmans performed the entire Long Season album as one piece during their final live shows in December 1998. A recording of one of these performances was later included on the album "98.12.28 男達の別れ" ("98.12.28 Otokotachi no Wakare"), further cementing the album's legacy.
Background
The concept for "Long Season" originated from discussions among Fishmans' members, who sought to create a single-song album diverging from their previous track-by-track format.[5] Over multiple recording sessions in July 1996, the band developed the album's singular composition, "Long Season," expanding upon their earlier work, "Season," which would be released as a single in September 1996.
Collaborating with co-producer ZAK at their studio, Waikiki Beach, Fishmans meticulously refined their ideas, with ZAK occasionally experiencing eye strain due to prolonged screen time, humorously referred to as "shedding blood from his eyes."[5]
Fishmans collaborated with several guest musicians for the recording of Long Season. Notably, their frequent collaborator Honzi contributed keyboards and violin to the album. J-pop singer MariMari, who maintained a continued association with Fishmans in subsequent years, also lent her talents to the project. "Long Season" marked the debut of Michio "Darts" Sekiguchi as a guest guitarist, a role he fulfilled until the band's final concert. Singer UA enriched the album with her vocals, adding depth to its musical landscape. Additionally, Asa-Chang contributed an extended improvised tabla passage, accompanied by various percussive elements, further enhancing the album's sonic texture.[6]
Track listing
The album comprises a single 35-minute composition, which has been divided into five parts across multiple releases.
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