WAITING FOR THE SUN

The frenesy with which The Doors released their first three albums is rather impressive. Three albums in two years. To put things into perspective, this was usual at that time. People will now say that since the albums were shorter (which is true) it was easier to produce more albums. I just believe that these bands were more creative than current ones (prog or non-prog, it does not matter).

We have already noticed that their second work, was much less psyche than their debut one. The tendancy will continue here.

The Doors were touring extensively and they needed more original Doors songs (so far, they used to play a lot of covers during their concerts). The rather provocative (to say the least) Morrison was a master in manipulation and was known to create great fuss with the police during thier live appearances. It was also the time during which Jim talked already of stopping his musical career and concentrate more on writing poems.

The other members of the band, their management and the record company being completely paralized when they heard this. They reminded to Jim that they had a contract to release SIX albums. So, Jim pursued his career with The Doors but also started to write poems. This latter side of his talent was never obvious to me.

The album opens brilliantly with "Hello, I Love You", another Doors anthem and very well known of course. "Love Street" is a jazzy ballad. Almost tranquil.

The chorus of "Not to Touch the Earth" is absolutely gorgeous and most of the song has a psyche and disjointed flavour. It reminds their great debut album (their best, by far). This is only a part of what should have been a very long song (a complete side actually) called : "The Celebration Of The Lizard". This Morrison "poetic" piece was not welcomed by the band and brought the first real friciton amongst them. They rejected the project as such but this "song" will be the central piece of their concert. Almost an hymn. We can get the full picure on their "In Concert" double CD. IMO, I can only understand the band's decision pretty well. It is by no means a masterpiece. Just a Morrison showcase.

"Summer's Almost Gone" also flirts with the psychedelic sound, but more on the melodious side. A bit bluesy with some slide guitar sounds. Very good number I must say.

The short "Wintertime Love" is a bit of a filler but it features the so recognizable Manzarek sound. The next track, is IMO the best one of this album. The most contravertial one of their career (even more than "The End"). It is a protest song against the Vietnam War. The clip for this song (available on the fantastic DVD "The Doors" : 30 Years Commemorative Edition) has been forbidden in the US for a very long time. It is interesting to know that in 1968, The Doors already released a video clip to support one of their song.

Next two songs are rather poor : "Spanish Caravan" like it is titled, features a flamenco guitar style which is not very convincing. With "My Wild Love" we reach the bottoms : this Indian "chant" has really nothing to offer. I guess that since the album was already very short (just around thirty three minutes), they had to publish it but frankly it is totally useless and boring.

"We Could Be So Good Together" is a clone for "The Unknown Soldier" at least musically. The chorus is very catchy. It is another of the good songs featured on this album. "Yes, the River Knows" is a very melancholic tune. Very quiet, almost piano-bar sound with nice Krieger guitar play. And this guy can play, I bet you. I have seen him recently with "The Riders Of The Storm" (in January 2007) and he was really impressive.

"Five To One" is also a great number. A bit incoherent or hectic if you prefer. It sounds as if it was played live (the real essence of the band was live actually). They could develop their most crazy side at the max. The hypnotic riff works very well and Jim is brilliant in his tortured role.

Ouups. The album is already finished ! I told you it was a very short one.

I prefer this one compared to their second album. Some great songs, some very interesting but less commercial ones ("Not to Touch the Earth" and "The Unknown Soldier") makes it a very good work. Four stars.