Album Information:
Album ID: 10071
About The Doors:
The Doors were an American rock band formed in 1965 in Los Angeles, California. The band was composed of Jim Morrison (vocals), Ray Manzarek (keyboards), Robby Krieger (guitar), and John Densmore (drums). The Doors were known for their unique sound, which blended psychedelic rock with blues and jazz influences, as well as Morrison's poetic lyrics and iconic stage presence.
The band's success began with their first album, 'The Doors,' released in 1967. The album included hit singles such as 'Break on Through (To the Other Side)' and 'Light My Fire,' which became a number one hit and remains one of the most recognizable songs of the era. The album also featured Morrison's dark, brooding lyrics, which explored themes of rebellion, sexuality, and spirituality.
The Doors followed up their debut with a string of successful albums, including 'Strange Days' (1967), 'Waiting for the Sun' (1968), and 'The Soft Parade' (1969). The band's sound continued to evolve, incorporating elements of blues, jazz, and even classical music, as well as Morrison's increasing experimentation with spoken word poetry and performance art.
The Doors' success was not without controversy, however. Morrison's often provocative lyrics and on-stage behavior, which included exposing himself to the audience during a 1969 concert in Miami, stirred up controversy and led to the band's reputation as 'the most dangerous band in America.' Morrison's erratic behavior eventually took a toll on the band, and he died in Paris in 1971 at the age of 27. The remaining members of The Doors released two more albums in Morrison's absence, 'Morrison Hotel' (1970) and 'L.A. Woman' (1971), before disbanding in 1973.
Despite their relatively short career, The Doors' influence on rock music has been significant. Their innovative sound, poetic lyrics, and Morrison's charismatic persona have inspired countless musicians and continue to resonate with audiences to this day. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.
About the album Morrison Hotel:
Morrison Hotel is the fifth studio album by the American rock band The Doors, released in February 1970. The album is a departure from the band's earlier work, which was known for its psychedelic sound and experimentation. Instead, Morrison Hotel features a bluesier, riff-driven sound that channels influences from classic rock and roll, R&B, and blues.
The album opens with the track 'Roadhouse Blues,' which immediately sets the tone for what's to come. Frontman Jim Morrison's vocals are raw and powerful, and the guitar riff and harmonica accompaniment create a driving, bluesy rhythm. This continues with tracks like 'Waiting for the Sun,' which has a catchy guitar riff and a bluesy solo, and 'Peace Frog,' which features a funky bassline and spoken-word verses.
One of the standout tracks on the album is 'Indian Summer,' a slow-burning ballad that showcases the band's softer side. Morrison's vocals are hauntingly beautiful, and the acoustic guitar and gentle percussion create a dreamy, melancholic sound. Similarly, 'Blue Sunday' is a wistful, introspective track with delicate instrumentation and poetic lyrics.
'Maggie M'Gill' and 'Land Ho!' are more upbeat tracks that showcase the band's sense of humor and playfulness. 'Maggie M'Gill' features a memorable call-and-response chorus and a frenzied saxophone solo, while 'Land Ho!' has a rollicking rhythm and playful lyrics about a sea voyage.
The album also features a cover of Bo Diddley's 'Road Runner,' which showcases the band's love for classic rock and roll. The Doors put their own spin on the track, with driving guitars and Morrison's signature vocals.
Overall, Morrison Hotel is a cohesive and well-crafted album that showcases The Doors' versatility and songwriting skills. It's a departure from their earlier work, but it's a welcome change that highlights the band's range and influences.
Members:
The Doors were a popular American rock band that was formed in 1965. The band was made up of four members, including:
1. Jim Morrison (Lead vocals): Jim Morrison was a talented poet, singer, and songwriter. He was born on December 8, 1943, in Melbourne, Florida, and died on July 3, 1971, in Paris, France. Morrison was known for his charismatic stage presence and his wild behavior both on and off stage. He was the chief lyricist for the band and wrote many of their most famous songs, including 'Light My Fire,' 'The End,' and 'Riders on the Storm.'
2. Ray Manzarek (Keyboards): Ray Manzarek was born on February 12, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois. He was a classically trained pianist who also played keyboards, bass guitar, and marimba. Manzarek was one of the founders of the band and played a key role in shaping their sound. He is best known for his keyboard riff on the band's hit song 'Light My Fire.'
3. Robby Krieger (Guitar): Robby Krieger was born on January 8, 1946, in Los Angeles, California. He started playing guitar at a young age and was heavily influenced by flamenco and jazz music. Krieger joined The Doors in 1966 and played lead guitar on many of the band's most popular songs, including 'Break On Through,' 'Love Me Two Times,' and 'Roadhouse Blues.'
4. John Densmore (Drums): John Densmore was born on December 1, 1944, in Los Angeles, California. He was the drummer for The Doors and played a key role in their unique sound. Densmore was known for his jazz-influenced drumming style and his ability to create intricate rhythms. He played drums on all of The Doors' studio albums and was a key contributor to their live performances.
Track List for Morrison Hotel:
Sure, here are all the tracks in the album Morrison Hotel by The Doors in order with the play time along with a brief description of each track:
1. 'Roadhouse Blues' (4:04) - This is a classic Doors track that has a bluesy feel with a hard rock edge. The lyrics are about hitting the road and living the life of a true free spirit.
2. 'Waiting for the Sun' (4:00) - This track starts with a mellow intro before kicking into a more rock-oriented sound. The lyrics are psychedelic, with references to the sun, moon, and stars.
3. 'You Make Me Real' (2:53) - This is a harder, riff-driven track with a straightforward chorus. The lyrics are about being captivated by someone who's 'too good to be true.'
4. 'Peace Frog' (2:52) - One of the most famous tracks on the album, 'Peace Frog' features a catchy riff and poetic lyrics about urban legends in Los Angeles.
5. 'Blue Sunday' (2:08) - This is a short and sweet ballad that showcases Jim Morrison's vocals. The lyrics are about a woman who's captured the singer's heart.
6. 'Ship of Fools' (3:08) - A slower, more somber track that deals with themes of isolation and the idea of sailing through life without direction.
7. 'Land Ho!' (4:10) - This track has a sea shanty vibe with lively piano and organ accompaniment. The lyrics are inspired by the adventures of pirates and sailors.
8. 'The Spy' (4:17) - A dark, mysterious track with haunting piano and Morrison's smooth, unsettling vocals. The lyrics are about a woman who may be spying on the singer.
9. 'Queen of the Highway' (2:47) - This is a more upbeat, fun track with a catchy chorus and groovy organ. The lyrics are about a woman who's a 'motorcycle queen' and loves the open road.
10. 'Maggie M'Gill' (4:24) - The final track on the album is a hard-hitting rocker with bluesy guitar riffs and Morrison's signature growl. The lyrics are a tribute to a strong-willed, independent woman who can hold her own in any situation.
Overall, Morrison Hotel is a classic album that showcases The Doors' unique sound and deep lyrics. Each track has its own distinct style, from the hard rock edge of 'Roadhouse Blues' to the somber introspection of 'Ship of Fools.' Together, they create a cohesive picture of the world according to The Doors.
Discography for The Doors:
Here is a complete discography for The Doors in chronological order:
Albums:
1. The Doors (1967) - January 4
2. Strange Days (1967) - September 25
3. Waiting for the Sun (1968) - July 3
4. The Soft Parade (1969) - July 18
5. Morrison Hotel (1970) - February 9
6. Absolutely Live (1970) - July 20
7. L.A. Woman (1971) - April 19
8. Other Voices (1971) - October 18
9. Full Circle (1972) - August 15
10. An American Prayer (1978) - November 17
Singles:
1. 'Break on Through (To the Other Side)' b/w 'End of the Night' (1967) - January 1
2. 'Light My Fire' b/w 'The Crystal Ship' (1967) - April 24
3. 'People Are Strange' b/w 'Unhappy Girl' (1967) - September 25
4. 'Love Me Two Times' b/w 'Moonlight Drive' (1968) - March 1
5. 'The Unknown Soldier' b/w 'We Could Be So Good Together' (1968) - February 25
6. 'Hello, I Love You' b/w 'Love Street' (1968) - June 3
7. 'Touch Me' b/w 'Wild Child' (1968) - December 23
8. 'Wishful Sinful' b/w 'Who Scared You' (1969) - April 29
9. 'Tell All the People' b/w 'Easy Ride' (1969) - July 14
10. 'Runnin' Blue' b/w 'Do It' (1969) - November 3
11. 'Roadhouse Blues' b/w 'You Make Me Real' (1970) - March 3
12. 'Love Her Madly' b/w '(You Need Meat) Don't Go No Further' (1971) - March 20
13. 'Riders on the Storm' b/w 'The Changeling' (1971) - June 7
14. 'Tightrope Ride' b/w 'Variety Is the Spice of Life' (1971) - October
15. 'Get Up and Dance' b/w 'Treetrunk' (1972) - May
Other releases:
1. 'The Doors: Original Soundtrack Recording' (1968)
2. '13' (1970)
3. 'Weird Scenes Inside the Gold Mine' (1972)
4. 'The Best of The Doors' (1973)
5. 'Alive, She Cried' (1983)
6. 'The Doors Box Set' (1997)
7. 'The Future Starts Here: The Essential Doors Hits' (2008)
Note: All release dates are for the United States.