"DOORS - Morrison Hotel Hard Rock Cafe " was released in 1970. After their experimental work "The Soft Parade" was not as well-received as anticipated, the group went back to basics and back to their roots. On this album, there is a slight steer toward blues, which would be fully explored by the band on their next album, L.A. Woman. This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.
The year was 1970, and The Doors, one of the iconic bands of the 1960s, were at a crossroads. Their previous album, "The Soft Parade," had taken a departure from their traditional sound, incorporating orchestral elements and a more elaborate production. However, the reception was not as expected, and the band faced criticism for deviating from their blues and rock roots.
In response to this, The Doors decided to go back to basics, rediscovering the essence of their sound and reconnecting with the raw energy that had made them legendary. The result was the creation of the classic album "Morrison Hotel."
Released in 1970, "Morrison Hotel" marked a significant shift in The Doors' musical direction. The album embraced a more straightforward and stripped-down approach, showcasing the band's prowess in rock and blues. The decision to return to their roots was a deliberate one, a response to both the musical climate of the time and the band's own artistic instincts.
The album cover itself is iconic, featuring a photograph taken by Henry Diltz of the Morrison Hotel in Los Angeles. The cover captures the essence of the album - a gritty and unpolished image that reflects the raw energy within the music. The gatefold 12" LP vinyl format adds to the tactile experience of the album, inviting listeners to engage with the music on a more physical level.
One notable aspect of "Morrison Hotel" is the inclusion of blues influences, a subtle steer towards a genre that would be fully explored in their subsequent album, "L.A. Woman." Tracks like "Roadhouse Blues" exemplify this bluesy shift, with Jim Morrison's vocals taking on a more soulful and raspy quality. The album, as a whole, serves as a bridge between the experimental phase of "The Soft Parade" and the bluesy exploration of "L.A. Woman."
The creative process behind the album involved a renewed collaboration among band members. Jim Morrison's poetic lyrics, Ray Manzarek's distinctive keyboard work, Robby Krieger's skillful guitar playing, and John Densmore's dynamic drumming all converged to create a cohesive and powerful musical statement.
"Morrison Hotel" not only revitalized The Doors' career but also left an indelible mark on the history of rock music. It stands as a testament to the band's ability to evolve and adapt while staying true to their artistic roots. The raw, unfiltered sound of the album, coupled with its distinctive cover art, makes it a timeless piece of musical history that continues to captivate listeners decades after its release.
Music Genre: Blues rock, psychedelic rock |
Album Production Information: The album: "DOORS - Morrison Hotel Hard Rock Cafe " was produced by: Paul A. Rothchild Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Bruce Botnick This album was recorded at: November 1969 "Indian Summer": late August 1966 "Waiting for the Sun" begun in March 1968 Album cover design: Gary Burden Album cover photography: Henry Diltz |
Record Label Information: Elektra 42 080 / Exulta EKS 75 007 |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 280 gram |
Year & Country: 1970 Made in Germany |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: DOORS - Morrison Hotel Hard Rock Cafe |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "DOORS - Morrison Hotel Hard Rock Cafe " |
The detailed tracklist of this record "DOORS - Morrison Hotel Hard Rock Cafe " is:
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )
Record Label Details: Exulta 42 080 ( EKS 75 007 ) MADE IN GERMANY
The Doors are a legendary American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1965. The band consisted of Jim Morrison on vocals, Ray Manzarek on keyboards, Robby Krieger on guitar, and John Densmore on drums. The Doors were known for their unique sound and Morrison's provocative lyrics, which made them one of the most influential and controversial bands of the 1960s.
The Doors' music was a fusion of rock, blues, and jazz, with Manzarek's keyboard playing providing a distinctive sound. Morrison's lyrics were often cryptic and provocative, and his performances were known for their intensity and unpredictability. The band's self-titled debut album, released in 1967, was a commercial and critical success, featuring hits like "Light My Fire," "Break on Through (To the Other Side)," and "The End."
The Doors' music was a reflection of the cultural and social changes happening in the 1960s, with songs that dealt with issues like love, freedom, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. Morrison's lyrics, in particular, touched on themes of sexuality, drugs, and death, and his live performances were often controversial, with his onstage behavior ranging from the mesmerizing to the outrageous.
The Doors' success was not without controversy, however. In 1969, Morrison was arrested on charges of indecent exposure and profanity during a concert in Miami, leading to a decline in the band's popularity and the cancellation of their upcoming tour. Morrison's subsequent drug use and erratic behavior further strained the band's relationships and led to his eventual death in 1971 at the age of 27.
Despite their relatively short career, The Doors' influence on rock music has been profound. Their music has inspired countless artists and continues to be celebrated today, with their songs still played on the radio and in movies and TV shows. The Doors were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, and their legacy as one of the greatest rock bands of all time continues to be celebrated by fans around the world.