The Doors - The Doors

The Doors - The Doors (1967)

Genre: Psychedelic Rock, Acid Rock

Often hailed as one of the greatest albums of all time, it's a wonder why I never properly heard it all the way through until recently... This album is being reviewed per request. As a reminder, I do not intend for this to be a really in-depth and complex review. I'm just sharing my quick personal thoughts on the album. As for any album review I do, I try to be objective without letting any personal bias get too much in the way of the final grade. 

One thing I always found unique about this group is their decision to mix in some prominent organ playing in nearly their music. It's honestly one of the reasons that I couldn't get into them for years. When I was younger, I just found the organ playing to be irritating at times, especially on Light My Fire, which incorporates a hefty jam session in between that seems to drag for a bit too long. As I've grown, I've come to enjoy that track and the organ playing more though, and now I view it as an integral part of the band's style.

I especially love Manzarek's organ performance on the track Soul Kitchen, which starts off front and center, and later subverts itself to subtly driving the song along on an infectious groove. Twentieth Century Fox and The End are other highlights for me. The former is simply fun and catchy, with its prominent blues influence. The latter is a near 12-minute Magnus Opus, which may not be big on extravagant music ideas, but is a grower, progressively showcasing the beauty in its general simplicity.

I can't deny that front man Jim Morrison comes off as slightly snobbish and self-conceited, not only in his lyrics, but also in his vocal performances. On the other hand, he's got some pipes. Often cited as one of the greatest front men in rock history, it's simple to discredit this as simple popularity among women, but I can agree that he's a damn good vocalist that fits well within this group. As future albums would prove, he was certainly the man for the job.

Is the praise that this record receives warranted? While I do believe it's certainly an accomplished piece of work, some of the weaker songs on here drag down the momentum just a bit, personally. The Crystal Ship and the cover Alabama Song (Whisky Bar) are by no means unpleasant, but still quite short on energy and fun as other popular standouts like Break On Through (To the Other Side) and Light my Fire. Overall, an excellent album within the realms for late 60's acid rock, if only slightly overrated by the masses.

A-

Favorite Songs: Soul Kitchen, Twentieth Century Fox, Light My Fire, Take It As It Comes, The End

Least Favorite Track: Alabama Song (Whisky Bar)

David Bowie - David Bowie [1967]

David Bowie - David Bowie (1967)

Genre: Baroque Pop, Music Hall

David Bowie's first album is one that seems to have been forgotten by fans and critics alike, as it is completely different from the sort of music he would become known for. As a reminder, I do not intend for this to be a really in-depth and complex review. I'm just sharing my quick personal thoughts on the album. As for any album review I will do, I try to be objective without letting any personal bias get too much in the way of the final grade.

Unlike Bowie's later celebrated efforts of the 70's which pulled influences from folk and glam rock, this is an odd specimen, focusing on baroque pop tunes that at times borders on cheesiness and/or cringe-worthy quips. Admittedly, the instrumentals on this record mostly work well for a 60's pop record. Quite a few tunes do have some catchy, if somewhat simplistic rhythms and some prominent brass and string arrangements. The underlying problem here mostly lies in Bowie's vocal presentation and lyrics.

Let me first point out a couple of stand-out tracks, however. Sell Me A Coat is quite a pleasant, if cliché love song. I'm sorry to say that if you find this song incredibly cheesy or cutesy, then it really doesn't get much better. Love You Till Tuesday is my other favorite on here, which ironically, just maybe the cheesiest song on the entire record. I can admit I can dig some cutesy tunes from time to time, but I still have to point out the cringe-worthy remark at the end of the song: "Well, I might stretch it till Wednesday..." It's pretty funny, and it's worth a listen just to see how far Bowie has come. 

Aside from the love songs, it's weird to see a few examples of dark subject matter here. We Are Hungry Men presents a bleak picture of the world with lyrics that target overpopulation, abortion rights, and communism. I can't help but not laugh though, as the end of the song showcases a sound clip of Bowie swallowing, as an obvious pun to the title. Please Mr. Gravedigger sees Bowie taking on the persona of a guilt-ridden murderer. It has the dishonorable distinction of being the worst track on this record simply because it lacks music. This is pretty much an acapella tune over the sounds of thunder and rain, clearly adding to the effect of the story, but this isn't what I want to hear from a pop record.

For what this album is, it still fails to deliver on interesting ideas. If you don't mind your fair share of cheesy tunes and/or are just curious about Bowie's humble beginnings, still give this record a try. For most people, fans or not, this still isn't a very good record. I'm just glad that he shied away from this genre and music style and moved onto bigger and better things. I love David Bowie, but as far as debut albums go among my favorite artists, this is one of the worst. 

D+

Favorite Tracks: Sell Me A Coat, Love You Till Tuesday, When I Live My Dream

Least Favorite Track: Please Mr. Gravedigger