Long considered one of the best debut albums of all-time, The Doors self-titled 1967 debut had a nearly immediate impact on the formation of psychedelic music that was beginning to dominate in the late 60’s. The Doors had it all in the grab bag of eclectic rock– drummer John Densmore’s feverish jazz-influenced syncopated rhythms that outlined the band’s arrangements in dotted lines, organist Ray Manzarek’s complex leads that sounded like they were played in a lonely castle by Dracula himself and overflowing with notes, and guitarist Robby Krieger’s guitar lines which droned on and provided a foundation for the rest of the band to play off. And then of course there was Jim Morrison, whose haunting and self-reflective lyrics paired perfectly with his somber and dramatic vocal approach to create an alternate reality that was dark, morose, and absolutely one-of-a-kind. Morrison’s status as a hippie counterculture icon was born of The Doors’ unique blend of mysticism and poetic approach to their music, and eventually cemented when he became a member of the unfortunate “27 Club” alongside Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and Brian Jones upon his death at the age of 27 in 1971.
Standout Songs: “Break On Through (To the Other Side)”, “Alabama Song (Whisky Bar)”, “Light My Fire”, “Back Door Man”
Matthew. 