America”s favorite poets have finally returned to combat the utter garbage that today”s listeners subscribe to. The Doors, lacking only the late, great Jim Morrison, have established their own Internet-only record label and released a collection of previously unreleased live tracks taken from gigs around the country. Leave it to legends like these to come teach today”s disgusting little teenyboppers and crappy hip-hoppers what real music is.
- Paul Wong
- H. Robert Reynolds conducts his final concert Friday.<br><br>Courtesy of University Symphony Band
The quality of “60s psychedelic music may never be replicated again yet The Bright Midnight Sampler certainly brings that flavor back to a generation lacking in anything truly revolutionary. To hear the Lizard King”s voice, back from the grave, is pure bliss. Jim Morrison”s electric vocals evoke emotions like none other coupled with the brilliant instrumental support of John Densmore, Ray Manzarek and Rob Krieger, the tracks induce something just short of an auditory orgasm.
Serenading fans in New York, Pittsburgh, Detroit and Los Angeles, The Doors manufacture a brand of rock held entirely to themselves. Singing of his own hedonistic excesses while conveying the tumult of the times he lived in, the shamanic Jim Morrison howls at his shows with the intensity of a man possessed. Many of the songs have mystical undertones to them. Certainly influenced by an array of psychedelics but nonetheless a genius in every sense, Morrison creates pure magic from simple lyrical repetitions and unadorned instrumental arrangements.
The Sampler begins with perhaps the most celebrated Doors single “Light My Fire.” The extended version of this song showcases Rob Krieger”s magnificent guitar work in an entrancing solo. An excellent starting piece, “Fire” paves the way for more gems like “Touch Me,” “Break on Through” and “Roadhouse Blues.” Concluding the superb compilation is a lengthened rendition of the controversial yet beautiful “The End.” Detroit”s own Cobo Hall was the venue for the deeply haunting Oedipal song. Morrison”s extra baleful tone and maniacal howls make the piece even more potent.
There is a small catch involved with buying the album it is only available online. But before groans of complaint spring forth, it must be said that your purchase of the disc is well worth your bucks. These immortal tracks embody the life of an American icon as well as the times that defined rock “n roll. Found at the official Doors website, thedoors.com, the album is easy to order.
Do yourself a favor and try undergoing the Doors experience although most of the tracks are about 30 or more years in age, they still beat most of the shit that blasts its way out of systems today. Oh, and The Bright Midnight Sampler is also an especially recommended CD for April 7th.
Grade: A+