Buckle up, music fiends, because we're about to dive headfirst into the sonic maelstrom that is "Alive, She Cried!," The Doors' second live album, a vinyl testament to the raw power and poetic fury that defined their legendary concerts. Forget the studio polish and pristine production; this is the Lizard King and his shamanistic bandmates unleashed in their natural habitat, the stage, where they could truly conjure their sonic spells.
Released in 1983, a decade after Jim Morrison's tragic demise, "Alive, She Cried!" catapulted us back to the tumultuous late '60s and early '70s, a time of social upheaval and musical exploration. The Doors, with their intoxicating blend of blues-rock, psychedelia, and Morrison's enigmatic poetry, were the perfect soundtrack to this era of rebellion and self-discovery. This album, culled from various live performances between 1968 and 1970, captured the band at their most visceral and unhinged.
The opening track, "Gloria," a cover of Them's garage rock classic, sets the tone for the entire album. Morrison's growling vocals and the band's relentless energy transform the song into a primal scream, a celebration of uninhibited sexuality and youthful rebellion. It's a performance that has become legendary among Doors fans, often cited as one of the greatest live covers of all time.
"Light My Fire," The Doors' signature anthem, is stretched out to an epic 18-minute jam, showcasing the band's improvisational prowess and their ability to create a hypnotic, trance-like atmosphere. This extended version, which includes Morrison's haunting "Graveyard Poem," has become a fan favorite, a testament to the band's ability to transcend the boundaries of conventional rock music.
The rest of the album is a wild ride through The Doors' eclectic repertoire. "You Make Me Real" is a swaggering blues-rocker, driven by Robby Krieger's searing guitar riffs and John Densmore's thunderous drumming. "Texas Radio & The Big Beat" is a spoken word piece that showcases Morrison's dark, poetic sensibility, while "Love Me Two Times" is a sultry, blues-infused number that oozes with raw sexuality.
One of the most controversial aspects of the album was the inclusion of the song "Little Red Rooster," a traditional blues standard. Some critics accused The Doors of cultural appropriation, while others praised their ability to breathe new life into an old classic. Regardless of one's opinion, there's no denying the power and intensity of their performance.
"Alive, She Cried!" was more than just a collection of live recordings; it was a time capsule, a sonic snapshot of a band that embodied the spirit of an entire generation. It was a reminder of a time when music was more than just entertainment; it was a force of nature, a catalyst for change, a reflection of the turbulent times we lived in.
The album was produced by Paul A. Rothchild, The Doors' longtime producer, and Bruce Botnick, their engineer. The recordings were made at various venues across the United States, including the Aquarius Theater in Hollywood, the Felt Forum in New York City, and Cobo Hall in Detroit. The album was mixed at The Doors Workshop in Los Angeles.
