THE DOORS: L.A. Woman (BLUES): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

The Doors are one of those bands that, guided by a brilliant leader, only remain active for a very short time to finally leave an indelible mark on the music world. Thus, in 8 years of career (1965-1973), they are going to become one of the most influential bands of the Seventies by producing a brilliant psychedelic rock and strongly tinged with blues. In 1971, they released their sixth and last album with their leader, Jim Morrison. After having recorded this album in 10 days, accompanied by the usual members of the group helped by Jerry Scheff on the bass and Marc Benno as additional guitar, he will leave to live his last days in Paris to devote himself to the poetry and the cinema, his two passions. He will die there on July 3rd of the same year at 27 years old...

This album is a kind of return to the roots for The Doors, because they will come back to the blues and rock, which are the basis of their music. Thus, the rhythmic section of the group is more than ever assured and mastered with simply brilliant bass riffs ('The Changeling' or 'Riders On The Storm') supported by a rather effaced but very effective drums and in perfect symbiosis with the bass. The addition of a rhythm guitar allows Robby Krieger to pose more melodies and to allow himself some deviations as the use of a bottleneck (L.A. Woman).

Jim Morrison gratifies us throughout the album with a simply incredible voice! A voice that one would swear came out of the mouth of an old black bluesman of the 30's! This is obvious on the very bluesy 'Been Down So Long', where his tone, more hoarse than ever, is dazzling.

Despite the blues-rock dominance of the album, Jim obviously allows himself to add the poetic touch that characterizes him, as on the magnificent 'Riders On The Storm', a track taking place in a rainy and stormy background, or even on 'L'America', the latter being a musical adaptation of one of his poems. To support this poetic and psychedelic atmosphere, the keyboards are always there, sometimes lyrical and melodic, or more bluesy on tracks like 'Love Her Madly' or 'Been Down So Long'.

"L.A. Woman" is a must in the discography of The Doors and in rock in general because it is the last one with Jim Morrison but also by its undeniable qualities and its atmospheres of another time. Certainly, Jim sings sometimes a little bit wrong, certainly there are some minimal errors in the interpretation! This is nothing compared to the influence that this album will have on his whole generation. "L.A. Woman" is a small step for The Doors, but a big step for rock'n'roll! - Official website

THE DOORS

L.A. WOMAN

ELEKTRA ENTERTAINMENT

BLUES