Double extended play

A double extended play (double EP) is the name typically given to vinyl records or CDs released as a set of two discs, each of which would normally qualify as an EP. The name is thus analogous to double album. As vinyl records, they may consist of a pair of 7" discs recorded at 33rpm, or two 12" discs recorded at 45rpm.

Double EPs are rare, since the amount of material recordable on a double EP could usually be more economically and sensibly recorded on a single LP. There are a limited number of double EPs which serve other purposes, however. An example of this is the Dunedin Double EP, which contains tracks by four different bands. Using a double EP in this instance allowed each band to have its tracks occupying a different side. In addition, the groove on the physical record could be wider and thus allow for a louder album.

The format is also useful when an album's-worth of material is being pressed by a small plant geared for the production of singles rather than albums. The unusual format also has novelty value which can be turned to advantage for publicity purposes.

One well-known double EP is the original release of The Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour, originally released as a double 7" EP before being extended from its original six songs and released as a full album. In the 1950s, US record company Capitol had released a number of double EPs by its more popular artists, including Les Paul. The pair of double EPs (EBF 1-577, sides 1 to 8!) were described on the original covers as "parts... of a four part album". In 1960, Joe Meek's I Hear A New World Double EP was released. It is one of the rarest double EPs available.

The Style Council album The Cost of Loving was originally issued as two 12" EPs.

An example of something that is close, but not a double EP, is Jon Foreman's solo Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer EP combos. They were not technically referred to as double EP's, because they are on separate discs, although they were in the same package.

It is becoming less uncommon to release two 12" 45s rather than a single 12" LP. Though there are 11 songs that total about 40 minutes, enough for one LP, the songs are spread across 2 12" 45 RPM discs. Also, the vinyl pressing of Hail to the Thief by Radiohead uses this practice but is considered to be a full length album.

Also, when CD singles began to be released with two different track listings, titled "CD 1" and "CD 2", the 'CD 1' packaging usually contained a case which had another "claw" (CD tray) in the case, to hold another disc (in this case the 'CD 2'). A good example of this is "Chemical World" by Blur.