THE DOORS

Talk about hitting the ground running! It is astonishing to think that we need to go back to 1967 for this seminal album, such is its currency even today. And talking of hitting the ground running, what better way for a band to introduce themselves than with the first track "Break on through (to the other side"). Even when you consider the 40 (yes 40!) years of music which has been made since, this track still catches the ear as a wonderfully confident initial statement.

It is though when we get to "Light my fire" that we really discover the supreme talent which has been assembled here. This monument of proto-prog has it all; a compulsive organ solo by Ray Manzarek, some fine guitar work by Bobby Kreiger, and an orgasmic vocal performance by Jim Morrison. The other song which is of particular interest to this site is the 11½ minute closing track "The end". Apart from the fact that at the time it was still highly unusual for a band to include a such a long song on what was essentially a pop orientated album, the song itself is a haunting, gloomy affair which has often been imitated since, but never bettered.

There are inevitably less notable songs, but even these have a consistency of quality which makes the album as a whole a truly remarkable debut. Mention should be made of the cover of Willie Dixon's "Back door man", which demonstrates the blues side of the band's roots. Good to see Dixon receiving a credit too, something Led Zeppelin omitted when they used this and other songs by him.

In summary, a masterful debut album which stands proudly as a great album in itself, but is also essential listening for those interested in the roots of prog.

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