OTHER VOICES

Looks like I'm in a minority with this album, the first post-Morrison release by The Doors. This album has bought me much joy for the last 2 decades, and continues to do so. I dearly love Jim and his band, and I can't help but feel some of the songs here were conceived with Jim in mind. Songs such as 'In The Eye of The Sun', 'Tightrope Ride' or 'Down on the Farm' would've suited Jim perfectly, but alas it wasn't to be. Ray, Robbie and John really had a go with this one and I'm so glad they decided to continue. With help from session Bassists and an additional Percussionist, the music here heads toward jazz-rock, something that had been hinted at previously, especially with the classic song 'Riders on the Storm'. Suffice to say, the weaker tracks here are the quirky (now that's NOT Jim) 'Variety is the Spice of Life' and 'I'm Horny, I'm Stoned' - the piano-led 'Wandering Musician' is a slow-paced rock-ballad. The remaining 5 tunes are superb : 'Ships w/ Sails' (7.38) is almost a rehash of 'Riders...' with a similar structure, grand keyboard and guitar solos and a laid-back rhythm of jazzy Drums and Congas, but boy does it cook - it's full of well thought-out melodies and a wonderful e-piano/organ build-up. Album opener 'In The Eye of The Sun' is a cool, easy going tune with shimmering guitars and Electric Piano, a fantastic song within their catalogue. 'Tightrope Ride' is bursting with energy, attitude and searing organ playing from Ray, a very catchy riff, too. 'Down on The Farm' features tranquil verses and louder, bluesy choruses. 'Hang on to Your Life' is a very diverse composition - it goes through many changes and moods, has Latino inspired parts to it, acidic organ playing through-out and is just a great piece of music. 4*