Friday, January 8, 2016

Throwback Thursday: The Doors, by The Doors

 
In 1967, one of the most groundbreaking and influential debut albums of all time came out: The Doors, by The Doors. The LA based group would forever change the way many people viewed rock n' roll by including longer jams, deeper lyrics, and an overall sense of wonder and adventure throughout the entire LP. The Doors became the central focal point in the shift from pop rock to psychedelic rock in the late 60's.

The Doors has a rather psychedelic bluesy/jazzy sound to it, though it has many straight up rock n' roll over tones as well. There are so many layers to the songs both on a musical as well as a lyrical level. The musicianship from the musicians is top notch and Jim Morrison's lyrics have so many profound double meanings that your head will spin. The Doors features quite a few of the band's hits, such as Light My Fire, Break on Through, The Crystal Ship, The End, and more.

Light My Fire is a prime example of how The Doors would absolutely jam it out. There are lengthy instrumental sections that feature solos trading off between keyboardist Ray Manzarek and guitarist Robby Krieger while drummer John Densmore absolutely pounds away at the drums while keeping a rather jazzy rhythm going. It makes you want to dance around in circles around a camp fire or something. Given the name of the song, that isn't a big surprise right?

The Crystal Ship is one of my absolute FAVORITE Doors songs of all time. It is the epitome of psychedelic rock. It has an absolutely dreamy soundscape. Morrison does a fantastic job of drawing you in with his smooth bourbon-like vocals while painting a word picture in your head. When this tune plays you feel as though you are gently falling into a warm soft pit of darkness. While that sounds kind of scary, it's actually quite comforting and safe. It's like a security blanket in a way.

The Doors is an absolutely essential album. Whether you're into prolific lyrics or guys who really know how to jam away at their instruments, there is something in here for you. It is definitely where I would recommend beginning if you are looking to check the band out. Plus, it's not like you can go a day without hearing a lot of the songs on it on any classic rock radio station anyway. You can't escape The Doors and it's an absolutely wonderful thing.

The Doors, by The Doors receives 4 out of 5 stars.

Track List:

1. Break On Through
2. Soul Kitchen
3. The Crystal Ship
4. Twentieth Century Fox
5. Alabama Song
6. Light My Fire
7. Back Door Man
8. I Looked At You
9. End of the Night
10. Take It As It Comes
11. The End

Buy the album on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Doors-DOORS/dp/B000MCIBE8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452246252&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Doors

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