The Doors

Morrison managed to keep the shaman out of the fire pit in 1970, finally delivering a solid album marked by blues, barroom piano and the occasional nautical theme. You'll find odd respite in "Peace Frog" (probably the best song they ever recorded), and enter into a quasi-mystical dream state during "Indian Summer."

Morrison Hotel opens with a powerful blast of raw funk called "Roadhouse Blues." It
features jagged barrelhouse piano, fierce guitar, and one of the most convincing raunchy
vocals Jim Morrison has ever recorded. This angry hard rock is that at which the Doors
have always excelled, and given us so seldom, and this track is one of their very best ever,
with brooding lyrics that ring chillingly, true: "I woke up this morning and I got m... More >

One side is called "Hard Rock Cafe," the other "Morrison Hotel." Guess which I prefer. Now guess which is supposed to be more "poetic." And now guess which is more poetic. "The future's uncertain and the end is always near" is just the Lizard King's excuse for mingling with the proles who "get on down," but it sure beats the Anaïs Nin tribute for originality and aptness of thought. Still, the band is rocking tighter than it ever has, Robbie Krieger's phrasing keeps things moving, and Morrison's gliding vocal presence--arty and self-absorbed though it may be--provides focus. He's not the genius he makes himself out to be, so maybe his genius is that he doesn't let his pretensions cancel out his talent. (Grade - B+)