Long Distance Runaround/The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the progressive rock masterpiece "Long Distance Runaround/The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus)" by Yes from their iconic 1971 album Fragile, and Zoo Freaks, you’re in for a treat with some wild trivia about this track. "The Fish" was crafted by bassist Chris Squire, who earned his nickname "The Fish" due to his habit of taking long baths, much to the annoyance of bandmates like drummer Bill Bruford when they shared a flat. The song’s subtitle, "Schindleria Praematurus," refers to a tiny, neotenic marine fish from the Pacific, a quirky nod suggested by lead singer Jon Anderson to pair with Squire’s moniker. Musically, "The Fish" is a showcase of Squire’s virtuosity, layering up to ten simultaneous basslines, creating a dense, rhythmic tapestry that’s nearly impossible to replicate live without extra players or backing tracks. Meanwhile, "Long Distance Runaround," written by Anderson, weaves a polymetric structure with drums in 5/8 time clashing against the band’s 4/4, reflecting Anderson’s musings on religious hypocrisy from his youth in northern England. Fans on Reddit have noted the track’s unique 5/4 and 7/4 time signatures, with one user calling the live Yessongs version “almost perfection” for its extended solos and jamming energy.

Another fascinating tidbit comes from the song’s production and legacy. "The Fish" seamlessly flows from the guitar harmonics of "Long Distance Runaround," with Squire’s Rickenbacker 4001 bass driving the track, accented by wah-wah pedals, cowbell, and kalimba, as noted in a 2016 Something Else! Reviews piece. The track was Squire’s solo contribution to Fragile, an album where each member composed a piece, showcasing their individual talents. A 2024 post on X celebrated Squire’s birthday, highlighting his sole songwriting credit on "The Fish" from the album. The song’s enduring appeal is evident in its inclusion in the 2024 Super Deluxe Edition of Fragile, which features an alternate version of the track, blending it with "Long Distance Runaround" as performed live in 1972, according to BraveWords. Fans have also created spaces to discuss the song, like a Discord server dedicated to Yes, where enthusiasts dive into the band’s intricate compositions.

Yes began in London in 1968, founded by Jon Anderson and Chris Squire, who met at a Soho bar and bonded over their love for complex harmonies and ambitious song structures. Joined by guitarist Peter Banks, drummer Bill Bruford, and keyboardist Tony Kaye, the band honed their sound through relentless gigging, blending rock, jazz, and classical influences. Their first two albums, Yes (1969) and Time and a Word (1970), showed promise but lacked commercial traction. The breakthrough came with The Yes Album (1971), which refined their progressive rock style. By the time Fragile was recorded, Rick Wakeman had replaced Kaye, adding his virtuosic keyboard work, and Steve Howe had taken over from Banks, bringing intricate guitar textures. This lineup, often considered Yes’s classic era, propelled them to international fame, with Fragile reaching No. 4 on the US Billboard charts, driven by hits like "Roundabout" and the beloved B-side "Long Distance Runaround."

Zoo Freaks can connect with Yes through their official Facebook page, where they share updates on tours and releases, or follow their Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and archival photos. On X, the band posts about milestones, like the 1972 release of "Roundabout" with "Long Distance Runaround" as its B-side. Fans can dive deeper at sites like YesFans.com, a hub for discussions and news, or join the Yes Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts share memories and debate the band’s vast discography. For those craving more, the r/yesband Reddit community offers a space to geek out over the band’s progressive rock legacy.