The Los Angeles rock band (group of four UCLA film students), The Doors, released several albums during 1967-1970, containing several legendary songs. However, it is hard to distinct the styles of these albums, as they have almost the same style. Nevertheless, there is novel creativity in each album producing different songs; though the whole structure of the music was the characteristic style of The Doors.
The Self-Titled Debut Album
The first record of The Doors was released in January 1967. This album is of particular importance from different aspects. First, this is a pioneering work in 1960s rock (particularly according to the keyboard and vocal). Second, it is one of the legendary albums in the rock history. Third, the whole structure of the album is incredibly matured for a debut album of a young band.
Usually, the first album of such youth-based bands is supported by their talents and creativity; but, it is still premature and needs some technical improvements. On the other hand, as such rock records are based on team work, the band is perfectly matched together just after the first releases. Surprisingly, the first album of The Doors is perfectly mature.
This is the reason that the whole structure of The Doors music remains unchanged in different albums, and it is hard to find a chronicle of their releases.
Pioneering Keyboard
Contrary to the common belief that The Doors mainly relies on the legendary vocalist, Jim Morrison; the musical success of The Doors is based on the creativity of the keyboardist, Ray Manzarek. The dominant instrument in the whole composition is keyboard. The style of keyboard playing was quite new in that time; and even few keyboardists in the rock history are comparable with Ray Manzarek.
However, the talent of Ray Manzarek was not limited to the keyboard playing but also songwriting. As a result, he was significantly successful in composing rock songs on the keyboard backbone.
In The Doors music, the audience feels the total rhythm from the keyboard sound (while in general structure of rock music, this is usually the duty of guitar or drum).
Legendary Jim Morrison
Undoubtedly, the public success of The Doors is related to the legendary vocalist, Jim Morrison. This is mainly related to his strong pioneering rock vocals, and also his personal character. As discussed in The Rise of Psychedelic Rock, a new alternative culture was about to evolve in the late 1960s among rock fans (and generally youth with similar interests). The special character of Jim Morrison perfectly matched the youth interests and expectations.
Therefore, live performances of the band became very popular in a short period of time; and in some cases, it was indeed a rock feasting. Strong addiction to drugs and his personal characters causes psychedelic reflections in both records and live performances; and this was so exciting for the audience.
However, the Jim Morrison vocal is technically considered as one of the most pioneering examples of strong and heavy vocals in the realms of rock music. In addition, it was extremely influential as followed by many leading vocalists.
The Band Structure
Once again, it should be emphasized that the overall success of The Doors is generally related to the prefect match of the members making a united composition. It is wonderful to explore how much the musical instruments are harmonious in The Doors music; particularly in strong alterations. In fact, the powerful vocal of Jim Morrison becomes visible in such musically harmonic transitions.
Further Information
- The best resource for the history of The Doors is the movie made by the famous director, Oliver Stone (though many, including the band members, believe it is not truth about Jim Morrison).
- Ray Manzarek, Light My Fire, Berkley Trade, 1999.
- John Densmore, Riders on the Storm: My Life with Jim Morrison and the Doors, Delta, 1991.
- Ben Fong-Torres, The Doors, Hyperion, 2006.
 |
 |
 |
 |
