STRANGE DAYS

Nine months after the release of their fabulous first opus, The Doors came back with a new release. At that time it was not an exception for a band to produce a album every year or even two (the Beatles will do so during their whole - short - career; the Stones as well at least till 1969). But could they be on par with this masterpiece ? Let's hear.

I guess they wanted to capitalize on their growing fame generated by their first effort as well as their incredible live sets.

The opener "Strange Days" is superb. Bizarre atmosphere, catchy and dark melody. Manzarek is, again, very present and his sound so unique. Really good. "You're Lost Little Girl" is a nice rock ballad with childish lyrics but it sounds fresh and harmonious. "Love Me Two Times" is a strong bluesy song with a very catchy chorus. The whole band is backing Jim superbly. I guess lots of ladies would have loved to do what Jim was asking (maybe on purpose, I don't know).

"Unhappy Girl" is a short mellow psychedelic track. It could have come out of Syd's mind. A bit naïve and innocent. We are far from "The End". "Horse Latitudes" is more a "poem" than a song. Completely crazy. "Moonlight Drive" is another bluesy one. Good rythm but nothing really exciting. This is the main problem of this album : it's a collection of good songs (like the next one : "People Are Strange") but little highlights.

I understand that it is very difficult two produce two great albums so rapidly. They put maybe too much efforts in their first release ? "My Eyes have Seen You" is a good rock song. This is the Doors'side I prefer. I could hardly enter very much in their bluesy side which will have more and more the leading in their production. This song though does not belong to their classic repertoire but is quite good.

"I Can't See Your Face in My Mind" has a weird sound (somewhat trippy). Some marimba in the background adds an exotic flavour to this rather bluesy song. Light to no drumming. The rythm is marked by the bass and the organ play. Bizarre, bizarre.

The closing number is of course the highlight of this album. IMO, it is obvious that The Doors tried to recreated a second version of "The End". Not only by its lenght ("Music is your only friend, Until the end"). The hypnotic keys from Ray are really great. Strong bass. The band serves Jim as a backing musical element to his "vocal jam" in the middle part before taking the lead for the finale. A very good song. More strutured but less psyche than "The End". A great closing number.

The incredible feeling led by their initial album is a bit set aside with this one. I guess I had waited more from the Doors than just an average album. The bluesy orientation is felt a bit more with this album.Three stars.