The Day Destroys the Night: An Epic Tribute to The Doors

Let’s talk a bit about music, ok? “But this is supposed to be a movie blog!” I know, but it’s important sometimes to go out of your comfort zone! Steve from Movie Movie Blog Blog is hosting The Favourite Foursome Blogathon. The participants are writing either about a real or a fictional group composed of four people. Moreover, our host invites us to explore different facets of art and not only cinema. That’s why I decided to go with a musical foursome. It wasn’t an easy choice as there are a LOT of music bands including four musicians. You all know I’m a huge fan of David Bowie and I could have written about Ziggy Stardust (David Bowie) and The Spiders from Mars (his three-musicians band during the Glam Rock Era) but I’ve decided to go with something different: The Doors.

The Doors takes an important in my life and certainly changed my approach to music in general. So, a tribute is in order. As I start writing this text (which will however not be published right away), it is July 3rd, which marks the 47th anniversary of Jim Morrison’s death at the terribly young age of 27. Weird to think that if he was still alive today, he would turn 75 in December… As keyboardist Ray Manzarek also left us in 2013, drummer John Densmore and guitarist Robby Krieger are the only members left from the group. The last time the two musicians reunited (at least, publicly) was on January 4th, 2017 during a ceremony in Venice, LA, for the 50th anniversary of the first album of the band, The Doors (1967). I actually had forgotten this album had been released in 1967, which makes me realise two things:

1- This is another reason for 1967 to be my favourite year. I was not alive… But culturally speaking, you couldn’t ask for something better.

2- The group was formed two years before in 1965, but considering Jim Morrison’s death in 1971, it was a very short-lasting band. Yes, the other members released three albums after, but I don’t think it’s really the same.

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Break On Through : Discovering The Doors

Two things made me discover The Doors:

1st: Forrest Gump. Whatever if you like this film or not (I personally love it), you have to admit the soundtrack is pretty epic. This one includes five songs by The Door: Break On Through (To the Other Side), Hello, I Love You, People Are Strange, Love Her Madly, and Soul Kitchen. However, the only one I really “discovered” at the time was Break On Through (To the Other Side). This is explained by the fact that it’s the only one featuring on the soundtrack album. And like most of the songs in this film, we only hear short excerpts of them during Forrest’s various peripeties. Anyway, all this to say is that I didn’t really notice the other ones immediately and actually only did when I became more familiar with the band. So, Break On Through was the first Door song I discover. I had heard about the band before, but the same way you hear about the Beatles or Elvis for the first time. Can you remember when it was? Me neither. The Doors is one of rock history’s most important bands, so, surely, everybody hears about them eventually.

2nd: Glee. Yes, I’m talking about the TV show. When it was aired, I listened to it religiously. In one of the episodes, late Canadian actor and musician Cory Monteith sings Hello, I Love You. It was one of the coolest things I had heard in my musical explorations. And to tell you the truth, I was happy to discover another Doors song (I loved Break On Through very much. And still do!). I was able to listen to the original version when I discovered my father had a double best-of album of The Doors which included that song. Yay!

And of course, it allowed me to discover many more of their songs!

Oh, you might wonder how old I actually was when I discovered the band. I don’t exactly remember when I watched Forrest Gump for the firs time, but considering that the Glee episode was released on April 13, 2010, let say I was 15. I am 23 now. Wow! I’ve been a fan for ALMOST 10 years! 🙂 I know for the Doors contemporaries it might not sound very long, but yeah… I was not alive in 1965!

Earlier, I was mentioning the fact that The Doors had an important influence on my life. Indeed, it’s the band that really made me “enter” in the rock music world. Yes, I was listening to The Beatles before, but I don’t feel their influence was as strong and there’s always this debate if The Beatles is rock music or not. If I can name one singer I was religiously listening to before discovering The Doors it’s Madonna. She still is my favourite female singer, but listening to The Doors allowed me to definitely add rock music to what I was originally listening to, mostly pop music (the good one). I think it’s nice to have various music tastes. There’s also a very convenient aspect to it: I mean, there are fewer chances to get annoyed by other people’s music choices. I don’t say I like everything (not really a fan of hip-hop/rap but a few exceptions, today’s pop music, and country). But as I tweeted not a very long time ago, I would enjoy a Doris Day’s song as much as I would enjoy a Black Sabbath’s song (just two give you two very opposite examples).

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The Doors VS Queen

Anyway, let’s get back to our original subject. Well, almost! You might wonder, what is this “Doors vs Queen” thing, two bands with unique names. Yes, apart from being two iconic rock bands, having four members and a lead singer who died prematurely, they are very different. But this is just the continuity of my personal Doors journey. Queen is also a favourite band of mine and I discovered them pretty much at the time I discovered The Doors (maybe a bit after). So, for a while, what I was mostly listening to was the British and the American. But I had difficulties to say which one was my favourite as they are both excellent. My heart (so cheesy) finally chose The Doors. Yes, it’s hard to compete against Freddy Mercury stunning voice (I was, by the way, obsessed with when I discovered Queen), but Jim Morrison’s voice is also unique in its own way. Plus, I feel Queen is more mainstream, more accessible than The Doors. I mean, everybody knows at least two of Queen songs: We Will Rock You and We Are The Champion. But I don’t think we can say the same about The Doors. Just a feeling! So, this aspect sort of makes them more special to me. And the song lyrics are to die for. So, The Doors eventually became my favourite band. Not a long time ago it was dethroned by Blondie, but it does remain my second favourite.

By the way, I have to make a confession: Before I truly discovered The Doors (when I just knew they existed), I assumed it was a British band. I mean, many of the great rock bands from the 60s and the 70s were British (Queen, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Who). So, for me, it just made sense that The Doors was a British band as well! But know I’ve learned my lesson and I know there are also many great American bands (I mean, Blondie is American too!).

For a long time, I also thought Stanley Kubrick was British… But that’s another story!

Traveling with The Doors

If there’s one destination we can associate with The Doors, it’s Venice Beach, LA. All members from the band, except for Jim Morrison who was born in Florida (SO NOT BRITISH), were originally from Los Angeles. Plus, that’s on Venice Beach that the group began to be created when Jim Morrison and Ray Manzarek bumped into each other and started talking about music. They also both attended UCLA School of Theatre, Film and Television. I’ve been to Los Angeles but, unfortunately, not to Venice Beach. I remember when I was organizing my (very short) trip, my father was always telling me: “go to Venice Beach, that’s where The Doors were born!” Or something like that. The problem is that I was there only for a few days and was based in Hollywood where I had a lot to see in connection to my obvious passion that cinema is. Los Angeles is big so, first, it’s difficult to see everything. Second, without a car, it’s more difficult to access to the places that are further from the center such as Venice Beach, Santa Monica or Santa Barbara. So, Venice Beach will be for the next time!

Other than Venice Beach-Where-I-Never-Went, I do associate The Doors with some very precise traveling memories. For example, I remember listening to them in Cape-Cod. And I remember a precise moment in the camping when I lent my iPod to my father so he could listen so of the songs, including People Are Strange. I know, that’s a very precise memory, but I’m weird sometimes! I also remember listening to them in my orange tent.

Also, when I went to France in 2012, I was wandering in Chambery and entered in a bookstore where I coincidentally came by a biography of Jim Morrison: No One Gets Out Alive: The Biography of Jim Morrison by Jerry Hopkins and Daniel Sugerman. Obviously, that title was inspired by this line from Five To One “No one gets out alive now”. So, I bought it as I wanted to know more about the mysterious Jim. I remember reading this book when I was on the train between Torino, Italy and Chambéry, France. Hum.

A book that made me realise two things

It’s funny, because not a too long time ago, I saw a list on List Challenges of books you should be ashamed to have read, and Hopkins and Sugerman’s book was among them! This kind of surprised me as I didn’t feel it was a bad book when I read it. And I just checked some ratings on the internet, and most of them are good (some are bad, but it’s not the majority). For my part, as I had never read anything about Jim Morrison before or as I didn’t know so much about his life, it was difficult for me to compare with anything else. I love Jim Morrison, but I haven’t chosen him as a PhD subject either! I felt the book was informative enough. Maybe those who didn’t like it thought it didn’t depict Jim Morrison as a sympathetic person. But as I said, I really started from zero. If you ever read this book, I’ll be curious to know what you think of it. And also if there’s a book you would really recommend. However, that we like it or not, I think it remains a sort of “must read” since it was the first biography of Jim Morrison ever written.

I read this book in 2012, so that was already 6 years ago. I don’t remember everything about it but two things particularly striked me:

1- Jim Morrison’s education at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, which proved his interest in cinema, and, therefore, creates an interesting common point between me and him. He made a few short films while studying there. But, he became a rock star instead! In UCLA, Jim met Francis Ford Coppola, who later used his song The End in the impressive opening scene of Apocalypse Now.

2- The importance of lyrics. I might have realized it even more with David Bowie songs, but this book talks A LOT about the poetry of Jim Morrison. And indeed, The Doors’ songs were far from being ordinary. Jim Morrison was a passionate reader, which certainly provoked and influenced his writing talent. But not only Jim Morrison contributed to the writing of these songs. I realize more and more that what makes a song great is not only the music!

A few of my favourite lyrics from Doors’ songs:

– “You know the day destroys the night”

Break On Through (To The Other Side)  (Written by The Doors)

“Before you Sleep into unconsciousness, I’d like to have another kiss”

” You’d rather cry, I’d rather fly”

The Crystal Ship (written by Jim Morrison)

“People are strange when you’re a stranger
Faces look ugly when you’re alone
Women seem wicked when you’re unwanted
Streets are uneven when you’re down

When you’re strange
Faces come out of the rain
When you’re strange
No one remembers your name”

People Are Strange (written by Jim Morrison and Robbie Krieger)

” Your ballroom days are over, baby
Night is drawing near
Shadows of the evening crawl across the years”

Five To One (Written by Jim Morrison)

“This is the strangest life I’ve ever known”

 Waiting for the Sun (written by Jim Morrison)

“Music is your only friend

Until the end”

” I want to hear

The scream of the butterfly”

When the Music’s Over (written by Jim Morrison)

“Keep your eyes on the road, your hands upon the wheel”

Roadhouse Blues (written by Jim Morrison)

“Never saw a woman

So alone”

L.A Woman (written by Jim Morrison)

“There’s a killer on the road”

“Girl ya gotta love your man
Take him by the hand
Make him understand”

Riders on the Storm (written by The Doors)

“Now, I’m gonna love you

‘Til the heaven stops the rain”

Touch me (written by Robby Krieger)

“All your love is gone
So sing a lonely song
Of a deep blue dream”

Love Her Madly (written by Robby Krieger)

“Bullet strikes the helmet’s head”

The Unknown Soldier (written by The Doors)

“This is the end
Beautiful friend
This is the end
My only friend, the end”

“I’ll never look into your eyes…again “

“The west is the best”

The End (written by Jim Morrison)

And these are just “a few”. I could have continue! Some of these lyrics are very simple (which is sometimes all you need), but some have mysterious meanings and it’s this equilibrium that makes the charm of The Doors.

A birthday gift for a definitive fan

Unfortunately, seeing a show of The Doors these days is not really possible. However, when I was in my Doors golden years (at the peak of my discovery), I came across the announce of a tribute show. In the first part, they would cover the whole L.A. Woman album and then, sing some of their other successes. This was highly appealing to me and I told my father about this discovery… And he gave me two tickets for my birthday that year! 😀 And I decided to go with him as I knew he liked them too. He probably doesn’t listen to them as much as I do, but, after all, he’s the one who always talk about the opening scene of Apocalypse Now and who bought this Best Of album. And, anyway, at the time, I didn’t really know any friends who liked them as much as I did. So we went. It was not as if it was the real band, but it was great! The lead singer had a fine voice à la Morrison and even adopted his look. It was taking place at the Corona Theatre in Montreal, which is a beautiful place but the seats on the balcony aren’t too comfortable!

Pizza + a tribute concert to The Doors, it certainly was a night to remember for a fan like me! 🙂

The Corona Theatre in Montreal

The Doors seen through my eyes

Four people formed The Doors as you know: Jim Morrison, the singer; Ray Manzarek, the keyboard player; John Densmore, the drummer and Robby Krieger, the guitarist. Yes, Jim Morrison is the most famous one, but The Doors wouldn’t be the same without the other members who create amazing sounds and rhythms.

But before continuing, let’s check one of my favourite video of the band. Interviewed in an airport…

Oh, how I love this! And how weird that John Densmore was my age here and Robby Krueger a year younger! The way each member are introduced is priceless can give us clues about their respective personality.

First, Robby Krieger arrives with this smile and these sunglasses that make him look very cool. The smile makes us believe he was probably laughing about something that happened before. When he’s questioned (name, age, occupation), he’s very relaxed but we feel he wants to move on! Then, John Densmore arrives and he obviously has enough to be asked questions haha. But who wouldn’t? However, he remains very polite and answers them clearly and patiently! Ray Manzarek is awesome here! I love the way he answers very simple questions with as many details as possible. His low voice also makes him one of a kind. And he’s so tall! Then Jim arrives. Oh, Jim. Totally the opposite of the very “official” Ray Manzarek. He walks nonchalantly and looks around as if he was wandering in a park. Then Mr. Cool only answers “Jim” to “What’s your name?” And I LOVE that. But the most amazing thing about this video is that one-million face he makes when he’s asked about his occupation. Just that look at the camera reveals a lot about him. Jim was a poet, but he was a rebel too!

Jim Morrison

Because yes, Jim was an original. Symbol of the 60s counter-culture, a legend was built around his talent as a singer and writer but also around his complex life. When I discovered The Doors, I thought Jim Morrison was one of the sexiest men on Earth and would decorate my Facebook wall with pictures of him. Hehe! I still think he is (and I’m normally not a fan of men with long hair, but there are some exceptions). His voice is very sexy and also unique. He sang in a very soft way and that is very welcoming for our ears. But he could also scream his lyrics in an unforgettable way. In his later year, his voice became more hoarse but it never lost its appeal. I also love the way he pronounces some words in the songs (attention to detail). As a performer, there was something very mesmerizing and hypnotizing about him as you’ll see it in the following videos. Jim was also an incomparable lyricist and wrote songs that still make people talk today. He’s one of my favourite singers because his voice was like no other. It was a voice with personality and that’s what I like.

Ray Manzarek

The Doors didn’t have a bass player (which is unusual for a rock band), but they had Ray Manzarek! Ray and his keyboard created some of the most iconic sounds of their songs. I mean, what would be Light My Fire without him?? He makes us realize how a good keyboardist can sometimes be very important and creates miracles.

John Densmore

Dear John. A humble drum sound but that had still had its word to say. He was a brilliant drummer. Indeed, the sound of his drum sometimes almost sound melodious (as if it was an instrument with different notes) and that helped to create awesome effects like in The End or Riders on the Storm. There’s something very subtle and careful about the way he played drums and that accompanies perfectly the detailed lyrics of the songs.

Robby Krieger

The more I listen to The Doors, the more I realize Robby Krieger’s awesomeness. However, I feel he was (is) a very underrated guitarist. But why?? I might not be a specialist enough on guitar to judge but, to me, he deserves more recognition. I feel that this is due to the fact that he might not have had enough moments of glory that would have let us truly appreciate the sound of his guitar. Indeed, a lot of place was given to Ray Manzarek! Just like John Densmore did with his drum, Robby Krieger was able to produce creative sounds that contributed to the real spirit of The Doors. And like Jim’s voice, it could either be a very gentle sound or a more aggressive one.

A few songs

Listening to a Doors’ song is almost the same as watching a movie. There is so much to say! As I was listening to them in preparation for this blogathon, a bunch of idea pop-up in my head. They are like complex paintings with a myriad of details.

Moreover, they are no elevator songs. You really need to listen carefully to some of them to appreciate their beauty and the harmony between the musicians and the lead singer.

So, let me introduce to you my 15 most favourite Doors songs and explain why I love them. Since I’ve already discussed the lyrics, I might explore more the music itself this time!

15. Light My Fire

I must admit, I haven’t always been a fan of this song… Until I realised you precisely have to listen to it carefully in order to fully appreciate it. Here, Ray Manzarek’s organ introduction  is for sure iconic, as well as his solo. Some could find the sound of the organ a bit annoying and I did at first, but, now, I realize that it creates an interesting contrast with the other instruments (including Jim’s voice). One thing is sure: this song wouldn’t be the same without Ray’s organ. Jim’s voice is very soft as well as John Densmore’s drum, who becomes eventually more powerful when the solo starts. There’s a peak at some point and then it becomes calmer before Robby Krieger starts his brilliant guitar solo, which is probably my favourite part of the instrumental section. John Densmore keeps the rhythm and, therefore, supports perfectly his fellow musicians. I feel there’s no urge in Jim Morrison’s voice and it feels almost meditative. In the second verse (after the solo), it becomes “wilder”. This adds a lot of character and personality to Light My Fire.

14. Strange Days

I love the way John Densmore’s drum embarks on this song to introduce Jim’s voice. There’s a part in Strange Days that sounds more “festive” with a dynamic organ and a dynamic drum. The song feels as if you were climbing a mountain and going down. When Jim’s scream “Yah!”, you reached the top. Then is voice becomes slower, which marks the descent. It’s a relatively short song which ends with John’s drum and Ray’s organ just as perfectly as they started it.

13. Touch Me

One of my favourite introductions to a Doors song! I tell you, it wouldn’t be the same without Ray’s organ and John’s drum. Interestingly, the song is joined by saxophones. And Jim singing “I’m gonna love you ’till the heaven stops the rain”! Wouldn’t you like it if a boy or a girl said this to you?? It’s very romantic! To come back to the organ intro, this is something I would like to be able to play. Touch Me has music that feels very orchestral, but that never hides Jim’s voice. That’s how the Doors were able to play in perfect harmony. The end is more chaotic but couldn’t end in a sharper way.

12. When the Music’s Over

The beginning of this song makes it sound like an anodyne and sympathetic one until Robby Krieger’s guitar full of guts embarks with Jim’s voice. It is actually a pretty sad song. Jim’s sing “When the music’s over” but it certainly isn’t the case it in this song. The first lyrics are kind of repetitive (which is not necessarily a bad thing) but, as the song progresses, it becomes more and more complex. I indeed think music is a special friend to all of us and, sometimes, the only friend. It’s something everybody can access and it creates an ambiance around you. Just like Light My Fire, this song contains a long musical part. Robby Krieger starts it with an interesting guitar sound that is a bit deconstructed but that makes the song special, a bit like Mike Garson’s piano on David Bowie’s Aladdin Sane. It doesn’t last long and we are quickly brought back to something more mainstream when Jim continues to sing. When the Music’s Over as a perfect beat when Jim sings “The face in the mirror won’t stop”. Pam-pam. The musical background is brilliant. At one point, Jim sings with a very soft and very clear voice and that’s exactly what the musicians are doing. It’s strong because it’s not presented in a cliché way. My favourite moment in the song is at the end of the “quiet part”:

“We want the Earth and we want it now

Now?

NOW!”

There’s something very satisfying about this scream (NOW!). The quiet moment fades abruptly, and Ray joins the gang with his iconic organ sound.

When the Music’s Over is a great fresco that ends with Jim singing “until the end” to finish the song with John ‘s drumroll. And everybody stops together. When the music’s over, it IS over. End of the story.

11. Love Her Madly

An unforgettable guitar intro that introduces Ray’s piano and Jim’s voice more fastly than in the previous songs. They don’t lose time! Love Her Madly is this kind of song written so you can remember it. It has a great melody and everyone is in good harmony. Jim’s voice became different here, more hoarse. Robby Krieger’s lyrics are more simple than the ones in the previous song, which makes Love Her Madly maybe more accessible but still very catchy.

10. People Are Strange

The first three notes on Robby Krieger’s guitar begins this iconic song. Here, The Doors prove they could make it either long and complex, but also short and sweet. The lyrics are among my favourites as I said earlier in this text. I love the very jolly sound of the piano. Ray and Jim make a perfect team. And John Densmore’s drum is one that makes you tap your feet. And like he started it, Robbie finishes it with a guitar sound full of electric charm.

9. Alabama Song

Ok, Alabama Song was originally not written by The Doors. It was composed in 1927 by Kurt Weill and written by Elisabeth Hauptman. Through the years, it was covered by different artists including The Doors, David Bowie, Boris Vian, Nina Simone and Marilyn Manson. But, even if it wasn’t originally written by The Doors, I had to include it, as I love it! I even think it surpasses David Bowie’s version. The background music makes us think of a fanfare but Jim’s voice remains very faithful to The Doors’ style. It’s interesting to hear the various members singing together in this song. And I have to say, this “yeah” is very sexy! 😉

8. Five to One

I remember being obsessed with this song when I was discovering The Doors. It just sounded so cool. John Densmore and his drum install a powerful beat that is perfectly followed by Robby Krieger (who makes a brilliant solo) and Ray Manzarek. Jim’s voice is full of personality. I also love the “talking parts”, at the beginning and toward the end. Jim’s half-whisper makes me melt.

7. Riders On the Storm

Rain and thunder introduce this song. The beginning is just so beautiful and relaxing. Ray sort of imitates the sound of the rain, Robby Krueger’s guitar is the gentle lightning and John Densmore’s drum is a thunder that wouldn’t afraid a child. Riders On the Storm is another one of these songs that you just have to “listen”. The music makes you meditate and the lyrics are faithful to the poetry of The Doors. I like the fact that the “real storm” is present during the whole song but never hides the sound of the instruments and Morrison’s voice.

6. Roadhouse Blues

“Keep your eyes on the road, your hands upon the wheel”. Yes, this is certainly a song to listen on a road trip! Robby Krieger starts this rock-blues with a very raw guitar sound that is soon joined by harmonica. Jim’s voice presents a cool dynamism. Roadhouse Blues is a song that inspires style and good taste, which is certainly something The Doors had. If Ray Manzarek often had moments of glory in long organ solos, I believe, this time, a song was made to show Robby’s potential as a talented guitarist. Like People Are Strange, John Densmore’s drum is one that makes you tap the foot. The makes you run from conventionalities and go far far away on the road!

5. The Changeling

The Changeling is probably the less famous Doors song of this list. I discovered it with this L.A. Woman‘s concert. The first time I heard it, it immediately became a favourite. The lyrics are interesting, presenting the concept of change and, therefore, situations that opposite themselves. Finally, what I  particularly love about this song is the very entertaining beat. Interestingly, among all the songs I’ve discussed previously, this is the only one that finishes with a fade instead of one clear note.

4. Break On Through (To The Other Side)

Ah, yes! MY introduction to The Doors. I mean, how can you be not curious to discover more about them after hearing this work of genius. The cymbals and the guitar introduce a short but unforgettable song. Jim Morrison proves a great vocal versatility here. I have to say, I love the way he sings. I mean, how does it do it?! John Densmore’s drum is constantly accompanied by cymbals and becomes stronger and stronger as the song evolves, just like Jim’s voice.

3. Waiting for the Sun

This is another “weather song” that is executed in a wonderful way like Riders. Are the riders on the storm waiting for the sun??? However, even if it really feels smooth at the beginning, it’s a more rocking one than Riders On the Storm. John Densmore’s drum and Robby Krieger’s guitar contribute a lot to that. The song is a very visual one and I can indeed imagine people waiting for the sun, whatever that really means. By the way, I love the way Jim pronounces “known”. Had to say! Waiting for the Sun is a song with an interesting equilibrium between the more quiet verses and the rougher refrain. I don’t understand how it would be possible not to like this song.

2. The End

Well, The End certainly is The Doors’ masterpiece. But it’s more than a song, it’s a story. Just like When The Music’s Over, it’s a song that brings you to various directions, but these are even more complex. We are not sure exactly what it’s all about, but it surely has a profound meaning. In the book I was mentioning earlier, the authors explain how everybody in the audience would be very calm and attentive when The Doors would play The End during a show. When you listen to it, you indeed have to stop everything you’re doing. It is a sacred moment in The Doors’ agenda. Robby Krieger’s guitar begins the song in a way that makes us realize “this won’t be ordinary” The echo in Jim’s voice create a musical charm. Ray’s organ is present and adds various accents through the 11 minutes of the song. John Densmore produces a sound that is quite complex “for a drum”. Everyone is brilliant in The End. Toward the 3/4 of the song, after that famous “Mother I want to…” the song is more chaotic and we indeed feels there’s something apocalyptic about it and that “The End” is near. No surprise Francis Ford Coppola used it in his film! The lyrics are complex as I was saying, but the begin and the end are basically the same as if this song was built on a large circle. “This is the End.”

1- L.A. Woman

And finally, my favourite one! This song that reminds me of the City of Stars, Los Angeles, is certainly something that appeals to the movie addict I am. This is another Doors song that inspires coolness and style. It is among the song I once was “always listening to”. It’s entertaining and every musician has his word to say. I love how L.A. Woman starts in a progressive way. The instruments answer each other and create a beat where everyone agrees. It’s a song with a lot of instrumental parts. Jim Morrison, of course, doesn’t stop to impress us, even if in 1971, his voice had changed a lot probably due to the consumption of drugs and cigarettes. Ray Manzarek’s piano solo is probably my very favourite one of all his solos. John Densmore uses a drum that makes this song very rhythmic. After 4:35 minutes, the guitar is sort of faded in an echo and I love this sound effect. I like it when things become slower and then faster and faster in the “Mr. Mojo Risin'” part. After that, Robby once again embarks with his guitar and plays with an impressive agility. Ray keeps thing up with his piano and John makes sure nothing loses dynamism! I adore L.A. Woman, a song you have to listen with sunglasses on. #concept.

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Phew! So, as you can see, there’s a LOT to say about The Doors’ songs! I tried not to repeat myself too much, but sorry if I did at some points! If we can learn one lesson from that, it is that John Densmore, Roby Krieger, Ray Manzarek and Jim Morrison knew perfectly how to musically work as a team and create music top-notch harmonies, but wouldn’t hesitate to create more chaotic sounds to add a little something if necessary. They didn’t hesitate to open many doors to develop their creativity!

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The Very End

I know, this was a VERY long text. I knew I would have a lot to say, but I didn’t think it would be this much! Well, that gives you a clue: I am definitely a fan of The Doors (you don’t say) and I couldn’t have thought of a better subject for this blogathon. Because yes, I remind you that this text was written for The Favourite Foursome Blogathon! Writing it made me thought a lot and also made me realize the importance of each member of the band. The Doors marked history and now that the band doesn’t exist anymore, we have to make our best to keep its legacy alive. Their songs should be on everybody’s to-listen list, even for those who normally don’t listen to rock. They were no ordinary and deserve our listening and our respect. The Doors didn’t last long, but the cultural legend is here to stay, words of a true fan!

If you love The Doors, I’ll be curious to know why!

A big thanks to Steve for hosting this blogathon and giving me the opportunity to write about this rock wonder! Make sure to read the other entries here!

See you very soon!

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