FULL CIRCLE

This album comes from a period in the band's life after the sad passing of Jim Morrison. Once upon a time I really loved this LP, and the previous release, 'Other Voices' (which has proven to be my preferred album) but in the light of the many wonderful bands and intense music that I've discovered since, one can't get too excited.

The most engaging tracks on the album are possibly ; 'Verdilac', with its mysterious atmosphere, jazzy inclinations, a great sax workout, abstract lyrics and interesting structure - Ray recites something in Latin (or maybe Egyptian ??) after the instrumental section, almost laughable, but quite effective and spooky. 'The Mosquito', shows off how tight the band can be - especially Ray's extraordinary organ work, as well as searing guitar breaks from Robbie.. 'The Piano Bird' , a song by drummer John Densmore and friend Jack Conrad, and is very laid back with blissful electric piano work, soft flute playing and some cool drum fills. The melodies are beautiful. 'The Peking King and The New York Queen', the longest track, clocking in at 6min 25secs, starts with some lovely Harpsichord (or is it a 'tack' piano ??) and a funky riff, and features amusing lyrics - like the quirky character conversation in the middle section - (The King) "I like Sushi" and (The Queen) "Eating raw fish is digusting", but musically maybe a bit repetitive and 'standard' to make any major impact on the listener. Perhaps '4 Billion Souls' is almost classic Doors, had Jim been at the mic.

The remaining tracks (Get Up and Dance, Hardwood Floor, Good Rockin' and It Slipped My Mind) are generally straight-forward pop/rock songs, well written and arranged, but don't really offer anything new. Overall, a good album, but any really special ideas were scarce this time around. I should mention that the female vocal backings employed on this album give it a commercial feel.