Engl. 1301.2006
3/7/2013

“Morrison Hotel by The Doors”

“The Doors”; a psychedelic rock, blues rock, classic rock band; which formed in 1965 in Los Angeles, California, with vocalist/poet Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robbie Krieger and drummer John Densmore. “An intoxicating, genre-blending sound, provocative and uncompromising songs, and the mesmerizing power of singer Jim Morrison's poetry and presence; The Doors had a transformative impact not only on popular music but on popular culture.” (The Doors) After releasing their first album in ’67, the band would later release 3 albums before releasing this album; “Morrison Hotel and L.A. Woman which would be “the last Doors album, as Jim Morrison would die less than 3 months after its release.” (Keno) Rolling Stone music review done April 30, 1970 by Lester Bangs, seemed to think that this album was too much alike to previous Doors albums. “…the unavoidable truth — and this seems to be an insurmountable problem for the Doors — is that so much of it is out of the same extremely worn cloth as the songs on all their other albums.”(Lester Bangs) Nevertheless, I disagree with Mr. Bangs. This album takes “The Doors” back to their bluesy selves. Opening the album with “…Roadhouse Blues sets the new atmosphere immediately, with its traditional bluesy piano and harmonica arrangement…” (Leer) The bluesy feel to the al bum continues on songs like “You Make Me Feel Real” and “Maggie M’Gill. “Maggie M’Gill”, I feel has the most traditional blues touch to it. Its lyrical content and sound of Robbie’s guitar really give it that touch. Simply relaxes the listener. Now, “Land Ho’ ” and “Ship of Fools” are not my favorite. Makes me wonder why “The Doors” would even record these songs. Robbie’s guitar doesn’t quite coordinate with Ray’s organ playing, or Densmore drums; Morrison’s voice in these songs sounds like Jimbo (his drunken alter ego persona). It’s like each member of the band is doing as they wish not entirely a group. In my opinion these 2 tracks should have simply been eliminated, not their best work, but everything has its bad moments. "Blue Sunday" and "Indian Summer" are two more insipidly "lyrical" pieces crooned in Morrison's most saccharine Hoagy Carmichael style.”(Bangs) Once again I disagree with Lester Bangs. I believe these 2 tracks show Jim Morrison’s poetic side. They show the listeners that the band can write soft somewhat corny yet sweet songs. “Indian Summer” short, sweet, soft piano playing in he background, followed by Robbies very soft guitar. Jim