The Doors: Soundstage Performances

For those who came of age after the death of singer-poet Jim Morrison in 1971, and wonder what all the fuss is/was about, The Doors: Soundstage Performances may shed some light on the ongoing phenomenon of the “Lizard King” and the three others who comprised the Doors. Three performances are included here (as the title implies, these are not actual concerts, but shows that were recorded for television): the epic “The End,” recorded in Toronto in '67, when the band was still relatively unknown; five tunes drawn from a '68 gig for Danish TV; and another five from a 1969 appearance on the PBS program Critique. The first two shows are good, with Morrison--a notorious substance abuser and libertine--charismatic and in control, and musicians Ray Manzarek, Robbie Krieger and John Densmore playing well (the '69 show isn't so hot, mostly because the sound is dreadful). At their best, the Doors were simply a darn good band with a clutch of great songs, including here “Love Me Two Times,” “The Unknown Soldier,” “When the Music's Over” (another epic), and their cover of Kurt Weill's “Alabama Song (Whiskey Bar).” The DVD also features contemporary interviews from the three remaining Doors, as well as an excerpt from an old interview with all four, including a subdued, bearded, cigar-chomping Morrison. A strong optional purchase. Aud: P. (S. Graham)