This song actually is abstract. Most people assume it's about women in L.A. It is actually a song about L.A. as a woman. "I see your hair is burning...hills are filled with fire". "Riding down your freeways....". "Never saw a woman so alone". This was Jim's love letter to L.A.
Oh no, if you've lived in L.A., this is the song. It's the 101 freeway at night, diving through the night on the way to the Valley, all of L.A. spread out like a starry carpet. It's PCH at noon, the wind flying through your hair as you round the cliffs to Malibu. L.A. culture, especially back when this song came out, was car culture, and the city was properly seen through the windshield of a red Mustang, every road eternal, every streetlight illuminating possibilities. The feel of the song perfectly embodies that rushing flow behind the wheel, the river of the freeway that pulls us along like salmon.
Man, I gotta admit, our generation just took this stuff for granted. Gifted artists like The Doors seemed ubiquitous. To hear it again through a young person's ears... it's just so damn good. It can't be said enough: the amount of innovative, top-notch music created during the 60's and 70's was phenomenal. I'm thankful to have lived during that era. Enjoy, Syed. There's so much more.
@@rileytinny5946 Good music is out there but not pushed by mainstream music industry. There's good independent musicians around. I don't think they want to take record deals and be controlled by "The Industry".
Oh man, we were so spoiled we could afford to pick bands and turn up our noses at the ones we didn't favor. Looking at the era now, it seems everyone back then was a genius compared to the corporate gunk around now.
No, I haven't but close .I was in Huntington Beach , Canoga Park , Anaheim , but not specifically on the freeway...I get the gist of what you are saying, however ..Encapsulates a vibe in that area...And it was. so much different when the Doors came up with it in 67-70 , whenever the exact date of production was
Grew up in LA and have stood on a hilltop overlooking the Valley several times and every hill you see is on fire. The words make you feel that hilltop. The instant I heard it I knew what he was describing which led to understanding the whole song in one sitting. Wonderful symbolism.
I so agree about Morrison's voice! His baritone is as good as Plant's tenor. Incredibly expressive and incredibly smooth. He IS the poet-shaman. A musical conjurer.
This song is not about a "woman" as in a human being, but this is Morrison's tribute to the city of Los Angles. If you listen to the lyrics closely, it is clear. "I see your hair is burning," is a reference to the Santa Anna fires that happen every fall in the grassy Hollywood Hills. Another one is "Driving down your Freeways," Morrison himself stated the song is about the city of Los Angeles, as sort of a "Beautiful woman." One of the greatest 60s "Classic Rock" Bands. Thanks
I'm glad you gave props to keyboardist Ray Manzarek. Many younger listeners, who weren't around in the late 60's, mistakenly believe now that the Doors were a pop band made famous mainly due to the celebrity-like persona and eccentrics of front-man Morrison. On closer inspection, they are surprised to discover the musicianship of Manzarek, Robby Krieger, and John Densmore.
Mr. Mojo Risin (and acronym for Jim Morrison) a nick name he gave himself around a story from his youth involving a car accident with a bunch of Navajo in New Mexico. He claimed some of the souls leapt into his (at least this was part of his mythos he tried to create)
That was 6 guys Live in a room capturing lightning in a bottle. It was the 4th Take when they nailed it. They have released the other 3 Takes. They are hard to listen to because they are almost there. The missed beats and cues are a punch to the gut. Then BOOM....perfection.
@@johnthursfield3056 Try "The Celebration of the Lizard" off of their 1969 Live Album "The Doors Absolutely Live" The entire album will blow your skivvies clean off. Tho I think that record and another live record later have been combined into one album. Just check out the Doors live albums. Absolutely Live has the Doors playing Bo Diddley's "Who Do You Love" And the instrumentation and Jim's vocals will blow you out of your chair.
A little story: i was at a Knebworth outdooor concert in early '70s. A few local bands had played but crowd was sitting & listening. They played LA Woman on p a system & all the people started getting up & dancing!! It was great!
You're two songs into a seriously deep catalogue of music that is wildy wide-ranging in musical styles and sub-genre. You will likely be amused at your declarations about them at this point, when you look /listen back at this, after you've heard another double handful or two of their songs.
The quintessential LA song for my generation who were there for all this amazing music you are listening to. The Doors were one of the best and this song is just one example why. From them try their epics when you have a chance, When the Music's Over and The End are mind blowing and the Doors at their improv best. Enjoy! 🎵🎹🎸
These guys were always on point. Morrison with his dramatic vocals and poetry, Robby Krieger with his great guitar licks, James Dinsmore on awesome drums and Ray Manzarek with the best rock keyboards ever. You need to do more of this fantabulous band, just pick one.
Hell, yes. I couldn't agree more. Those guys thoroughly rocked it. Ray, Robby and John were tremendously talented. And, Jim, holy shit. The guy was one of a kind. His whisky throated, wild blues vocal on L.A. Woman is on another level. 😎👍
I may be alone on this, but if you listen to the first two albums, I think his vocal style most resembles Sinatra in the tenor and cadence. He said Sinatra was a big influence.
my favorite part of the song is the breakdown, it almost becomes like a spanish flamenco song, its something you take for granted when you are younger listening but when you hear it back with more musical knowledge its so impressive.
Some people like male singers to have high girl- like voices, I guess. Morrison was a baritone and I think it gave the Doors depth and power. This At this point, though, his naturally deep voice had been made raw from way too much whiskey and cigarettes. As you mentioned he only had months to live. His death came pretty close to the release of this album.
It’s not only about his love affair and addiction to the city of LA, but it’s also about culture of the western culture via LA, the emperor media city, as the microcosm… framed by the outline and diversity of the city itself, hwood, the hiways, Compton, the desert & the canyons w/ all the inhabitants intermingling w/in… some great lines into the culture and people: never saw a woman so alone (America’s need for gratification and affirmation from others); the alliteration of motel, money, murder, madness (no ownership restless souls wh/ can drive to violence); city of nite, city of light (hope and darkness, also LA but paris too where he was headed).
I've always liked Morrison's voice, became a fan as a kid - my older brothers had a massive record collection including all Doors, Beatles, Dylan & hundreds of other albums. Thanks Bobby & Joe ✨✨ Some Morrison family history: Jim's father was youngest ever Rear Admiral & a naval aviator. He was commander of naval forces during the alleged false flag Gulf of Tonkin Incident that escalated America's involvement in Vietnam War.
The song LA Woman and the larger album WERE an attempt by the band to go into the studio with a more loose feel to counteract an enormous amount of stress resulting from legal and chemical problems brought on by Morrison's recent behavior. I sense that they all internally knew things would not continue. Also, the version you are listening to seems to reflect a significant remix from the original. One thing to ponder as people recommend songs to hear. Not all remixes just correct noise problems from the original masters. They often change levels, stereo positions in the mix or change out entire parts that materially alter the result, often not in good ways.
For a first time listen, I think it's probably advisable to listen to as close to the original release as possible. I think it's fine to use "remasters" that tried to remain true to the original recording.
Yes isn't this the time when Jim started wearing his hair longer and grew that beard. Oh yes he also got fat! He was a bloody good looking guy at the beginning 🤣 from a completely superficial and girly standpoint of course 😜
LA is the woman. Extended metaphor. “Your hair is burning” = wildfires in the Hollywood Hills around the time (and/or a specific event that escapes me at the moment)
I grew up in Altadena CA. "I see your hair is burning" is a reference to all the fires in the San Gabriel Mountains that cover the northern flank of La Country. Altadena was in the foothills of the San Gabriels and we watched them burn year after year.
Ray has one hand on one keyboard and one hand on the other for the bass line. That's right, no bass guitar, except for sessions and rare occasions. Wow, right? Still loving your reactions. You take on the the difficult songs with such ease!
That was generally true, including live performances. However, Jerry Scheff was the invited bass player on this album and comes through clearly at the beginning of this song.
Jim Morrison certainly has a particular and unique tone of voice. If you're interested in out-of-the-ordinary voice types, why not try a Frank Zappa reaction? If you decide to take up this challenge, I suggest you start with (Don't Eat the Yellow Snow Suite), a suite of 4 songs from the album Apostrophe ('), studio version. Let yourself be carried away in the unique universe of Frank Zappa. That would definitely be a most interesting and entertaining reaction.
Reread the lyrics Jim Morriston was known for his flamboyant lifestyle I think this is a reflection of what he saw and the things he loved and hated about la, it was seen as bright lights but beneath that was seriously ugly.
Hi Syed...love your reactions...yes it does sound like a jam session which is one of the things I love about it...I had to laugh about your comment of the speeding ticket...another song that does that for me is "Radar Love" by Golden Earring...give it a listen and you'll know....great review
Check out more Doors.The LA Woman album has a very different sound than all of their other albums. It was their first and only album they produced themselves. It was recorded in their offices, rather than a studio, with Jim doing vocals in the bathroom. Gives it a garage band feel. The beauty of this album, in my opinion, is that it sounds like they were really enjoying themselves. Which comes across in the music. Lyrically i would highly recommend "When the Music's Over" and the tour de force that is "The Celebration of the Lizard"(Live) from other albums.
This is the city as a woman. “Never saw a woman, so alone.” It’s the alienation of a town built on social interaction among strangers trying to become famous, and the stranger you become to yourself. Under the Bridge by RHCP explores some of this alienation years later.
well said... its a killer line & you nailed.... its drives into how greed and envy the more its amped out, the deeper the addiction & eventual loneliness grows.
In the beginning when you said whoa, that was" my country to the sweet land of liberty". Despite being American I don't actually know what song that comes from but it's equivalent to Woody Guthrie's this "land is your land this land is my land" patriotic song about America. Nice pic, thank you and thumbs up on the video.
You should stay with this album and do 'Riders on the storm', 'The cars hiss by my window' and ' Texas radio' before going backwards in their catalogue 'Light my fire' and 'The End' from their first album 4 years earlier.
Jim was brilliant but the others are so in harmony when they play, and you are right, this is not rehearsed in detail and when they click they are unreal and I agree on Ray, great guy too, he his humble and maybe Jim's biggest fan, some great interviews with him on YT and he explains what the doors is very well, but he could and should take way more credits for his part in the Doors , utter brilliant piano player. Anyway, first time here, great video, just subscribed so I will be back
You should do ..Been down so long..it's well known with true doors fans it didn't get any air play in the day but one of there best tracks. Once you listen you will see why
0:24 "To Live and Die in L.A." was a song and album by Wang Chung in 1985. It was also the soundtrack for the movie of the same name directed by William Friedkin. Shakur's song come out in 1996.
People reacting to these groups from back in the day...late 60's and 70's.... cannot fully understand these songs because they didn't experience the era. The atmosphere, the politics, the war in Vietnam, the age of innocence ending and the world exploding into all these new discoveries. The 50's kids were naive and spoiled compared to their parents. They had a good safe life. But with the advent of the TV and more sophisticated movies, the music....Elvis, The Beatles....and then rock and roll....on into hard rock, acid rock, as well with the love and peace folk music and hippiedom. Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin were considered harder core for most tastes....but the hippies loved it all. Led Zeppelin and of course the Doors. Sexual liberation, love of all things natural....casting off the 50's etiquette and the parents way of doing things. Jim Morrison and Robert Plant were pushing the boundaries of the sexual mores of the time. Drugs, birth control pill, the war and the open road. People hitchhiked without fear. The world was exciting and new and the vibe was total freedom. Until the Tate-LaBianca murders. Hippiedom took on a dark side thanks to Charles Manson and some people who didn't know where the boundaries needed to be drawn. People tend to get carried away and forget....extremes are not good. There is no such thing as complete freedom. Not and maintain a livable free society. Boundaries are necessary. The Doors were a product of their time. But their music is timeless. Great music is. LA Woman is a metaphor for the city....but it's also a blend of metaphor and experience with the people who live there. All the young people who came to follow their dreams in the city of light.
You can feel a musical connection through west coast bands/performers over the decades Whether it is the Beach Boys, the Doors, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana and right up to Kendrick Lamar you can identify their music as west coast.
Used to hang out in this dive bar in San Francisco. Loved putting Riders On the Storm and Kid Charlemagne by Steely Dan on the Juke Box, both songs just seem so appropriate and Like A Rolling Stone by Bob Dylan too.
I think you guys are critiquing that voice a little soon. You have only reacted to songs from their last album. His voice was gravelly and alcohol soaked on this album. Unlike the velvety, "Crystal Ship" vocals he laid down a few years earlier. Its unbelievable that someone would have a voice like that with zero training.
Motel Money Murder Madness! Let’s change the mood from glad to sadness! Cops in Cars, the Topless Bars Never met a Woman so alone. Another Lost Angel City of Night! Brilliant song! Along with Riders on the Storm, the two best tracks on LA Woman. Jim left for Paris the City of Lights to escape the City of Night LA. Only problem is they knew him there too so he couldn’t completely escape. He and his girlfriend Pam were trying to start over with their lives and wipe the slate clean. Actually not a bad idea but it didn’t work out sadly. He ended up dead in a bathtub after ODing after six months. But he left behind an incredible musical legacy with the Doors! I love the Mr. Mojo Rising part where it slows down and then speeds up again. What a great Rocker! The Doors did it all! Six great albums and then they were done! They never really played LA Woman live except a couple of times at the very end. Great Reaction! I knew you’d get this song. Killer Tune!
Yeah! "Hills are filled with fire. If they say I never loved you, you know they were a liar. Motel money murder madness." LA itself is the woman in question.
@@Katehowe3010 I agree. The Doors started off with a great debut album and finished with a great last album. This almost never happens. Most bands start off well and then start to decline. They just fade away or become a parody of what they used to be. Not the Doors! They ended on a high note! Brilliant Band! One of the best ever! Some even say they are the best American band. I tend to agree.
Jim had a certain amount of self-deprecation. He believed that unfettered free-love, radicalism and delving into the drug culture of the 60's and early seventies was going to lead to unfathomable despair. He thought it was very short-sighted and yet... Notice he says, "Are you another lucky lady in the city of light Or just another lost angel City of night, city of night, city of night, city of night..." Paris is the city of light. LA, is something else.
This song actually is abstract. Most people assume it's about women in L.A. It is actually a song about L.A. as a woman. "I see your hair is burning...hills are filled with fire". "Riding down your freeways....". "Never saw a woman so alone". This was Jim's love letter to L.A.
great take Cody!
@@williamcabell142 Why the negativity
Yes, I always found it a shame how many people didn’t know the meaning. I feel like this must have been one of his favorites.
Yep got it right and Mr. Mojo Risin was him doing an anagram to his name )
Jim hated L.A. so that makes sense
I was 16 in '71 when this came out, and in my humble opinion, 1971 was the BEST for rock music.
Oh no, if you've lived in L.A., this is the song. It's the 101 freeway at night, diving through the night on the way to the Valley, all of L.A. spread out like a starry carpet. It's PCH at noon, the wind flying through your hair as you round the cliffs to Malibu. L.A. culture, especially back when this song came out, was car culture, and the city was properly seen through the windshield of a red Mustang, every road eternal, every streetlight illuminating possibilities. The feel of the song perfectly embodies that rushing flow behind the wheel, the river of the freeway that pulls us along like salmon.
Man, I gotta admit, our generation just took this stuff for granted. Gifted artists like The Doors seemed ubiquitous. To hear it again through a young person's ears... it's just so damn good. It can't be said enough: the amount of innovative, top-notch music created during the 60's and 70's was phenomenal. I'm thankful to have lived during that era. Enjoy, Syed. There's so much more.
I know, hunh!? It was like we thought that music was always like that and always would be. "You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone".
Good music really doesn't exist anymore....
I know so many good artists I used to jam to !!
@@rileytinny5946
Good music is out there but not pushed by mainstream music industry. There's good independent musicians around.
I don't think they want to take record deals and be controlled by "The Industry".
Oh man, we were so spoiled we could afford to pick bands and turn up our noses at the ones we didn't favor. Looking at the era now, it seems everyone back then was a genius compared to the corporate gunk around now.
Mr Mojo Rising is Jim Morrison's anagram of his name. Very fitting for a poet who sampled everything in life to excess.
If you’ve ever driven on the freeways of LA this song absolutely captures that feeling
I was just about to write the exact same comment and then I looked down and saw yours. 👍
So true!
Yes, stopped on the 405
No, I haven't but close .I was in Huntington Beach , Canoga Park , Anaheim , but not specifically on the freeway...I get the gist of what you are saying, however ..Encapsulates a vibe in that area...And it was. so much different when the Doors came up with it in 67-70 , whenever the exact date of production was
Exactly -- especially if you're out late and you've got a bit of space on the road.
Grew up in LA and have stood on a hilltop overlooking the Valley several times and every hill you see is on fire. The words make you feel that hilltop. The instant I heard it I knew what he was describing which led to understanding the whole song in one sitting. Wonderful symbolism.
This song, this band F’N rocks!!!! It’s cemented in history!
No way any hip hop from today can even come close to this music 🎵🎶 😎 this is real music
Real musicians. What has happened
Got that right the greatest to American Rock n Roll Band of all the Jazz Blues Baroque Rock true masters
Meant to say American Rock n Roll Band ever
Nobody today comes close real music
La Woman Their first album Morrison Hotel Strange Days Waiting for the Sun enough said and even The Soft Parade h lol ad I grew up when I did
Glad I heard them all ✌️ out
I cannot comprehend how someone could not like Jim Morrison's voice. It's one of the greatest of all time...
I so agree about Morrison's voice! His baritone is as good as Plant's tenor. Incredibly expressive and incredibly smooth. He IS the poet-shaman. A musical conjurer.
The instrumental interlude is my favorite part of this song, along with the crisp drumming throughout.
John Densmore is one of my top inspirations to become a drummer. So powerful for such a slender guy. Also, was Lead Snare at UCLA.
@@ramonalfaro3252 FACTS!!!!!! So jazzy and incredible. All the best drummers have their roots in jazz. Densmore, Bill Ward, John Bonham. So good
This song is not about a "woman" as in a human being, but this is Morrison's tribute to the city of Los Angles. If you listen to the lyrics closely, it is clear. "I see your hair is burning," is a reference to the Santa Anna fires that happen every fall in the grassy Hollywood Hills. Another one is "Driving down your Freeways," Morrison himself stated the song is about the city of Los Angeles, as sort of a "Beautiful woman." One of the greatest 60s "Classic Rock" Bands.
Thanks
Can't wait til you do "Roadhouse Blues"
I'm glad you gave props to keyboardist Ray Manzarek. Many younger listeners, who weren't around in the late 60's, mistakenly believe now that the Doors were a pop band made famous mainly due to the celebrity-like persona and eccentrics of front-man Morrison. On closer inspection, they are surprised to discover the musicianship of Manzarek, Robby Krieger, and John Densmore.
Mr. Mojo Risin (and acronym for Jim Morrison) a nick name he gave himself around a story from his youth involving a car accident with a bunch of Navajo in New Mexico. He claimed some of the souls leapt into his (at least this was part of his mythos he tried to create)
NOT TO TOUCH THE EARTH, FIVE TO ONE, and BACKDOOR MAN are awesome Morrison tracks.
Awesome info Mike, this is why he seemed like he had multiple personalities!
Anagram of Jim Morrison. Jim was tinkering around with his notepad one day and came up with it, then all giddy, showed it to Ray.
@@SyedRewinds NEXT ON THE LIST SHOULD BE "THE END"!! ONE OF JIM'S DARKER POEMS!!
Mike, it's actually an ANAGRAM not an ACRONYM.
An ACRONYM is the initials of words.
Rock On mate!!!!!!
That was 6 guys Live in a room capturing lightning in a bottle. It was the 4th Take when they nailed it. They have released the other 3 Takes. They are hard to listen to because they are almost there. The missed beats and cues are a punch to the gut. Then BOOM....perfection.
City of Night = Los Angeles
City of Light = Paris (where he died)
“another lost angel” = los(t) angel(es)
Quintesential LA song? This has to be it for the musicianshp alone. What an amazing band.
If You want some poetry from Morrison listen to "The End" or "When the music over"
Up next for sure!
@@SyedRewinds Definitely think The End will be up your street
@@johnthursfield3056 Try "The Celebration of the Lizard" off of their 1969 Live Album "The Doors Absolutely Live" The entire album will blow your skivvies clean off. Tho I think that record and another live record later have been combined into one album. Just check out the Doors live albums. Absolutely Live has the Doors playing Bo Diddley's "Who Do You Love" And the instrumentation and Jim's vocals will blow you out of your chair.
I’ve heard everything they’ve made, it’s insanely unique…. Very diverse, it’s , I love this band. Thank you Syed
A little story: i was at a Knebworth outdooor concert in early '70s. A few local bands had played but crowd was sitting & listening. They played LA Woman on p a system & all the people started getting up & dancing!! It was great!
No one misses the keys in this band. This band is the keys. All I want to do is dance when I hear The Doors, and I don’t dance
You're two songs into a seriously deep catalogue of music that is wildy wide-ranging in musical styles and sub-genre. You will likely be amused at your declarations about them at this point, when you look /listen back at this, after you've heard another double handful or two of their songs.
Morrison was a film student, hence the cinematic feel to his lyrics.
I really like your takes on these old songs. Cool channel man! 👍
7:11 Yeah, I call Ray 'the Mad Scientist' and I get the feeling, he is a lot of the genius force behind so much of the Doors' greatness.
Yes he does seem like a scientist on the organ! Perfect observation
I cannot drive slow when grooving to this....IMPOSSIBLE !
Roadhouse Blues is an upbeat banger by The Doors! You'll love it!
The quintessential LA song for my generation who were there for all this amazing music you are listening to. The Doors were one of the best and this song is just one example why. From them try their epics when you have a chance, When the Music's Over and The End are mind blowing and the Doors at their improv best. Enjoy! 🎵🎹🎸
These guys were always on point. Morrison with his dramatic vocals and poetry, Robby Krieger with his great guitar licks, James Dinsmore on awesome drums and Ray Manzarek with the best rock keyboards ever. You need to do more of this fantabulous band, just pick one.
Hell, yes. I couldn't agree more. Those guys thoroughly rocked it. Ray, Robby and John were tremendously talented. And, Jim, holy shit. The guy was one of a kind. His whisky throated, wild blues vocal on L.A. Woman is on another level. 😎👍
Who the hell is James Dinsmore?
@@forsakenjones4695 why you have to be a dick? SMH
I may be alone on this, but if you listen to the first two albums, I think his vocal style most resembles Sinatra in the tenor and cadence. He said Sinatra was a big influence.
I always thought Riders on the Storm was Andy Williams when I was a kid and it was on the radio.
So heavy bluesy sound....Love IT!!!!!!
When he changed the "mood from glad to sadness" .. he was referring to the homicide rate in L.A. at the time including the Charles Manson murders
You've gotta check out The End. The last song on their first album, it's the cinematic side you talk about and it's brilliant
my favorite part of the song is the breakdown, it almost becomes like a spanish flamenco song, its something you take for granted when you are younger listening but when you hear it back with more musical knowledge its so impressive.
Some people like male singers to have high girl- like voices, I guess. Morrison was a baritone and I think it gave the Doors depth and power. This
At this point, though, his naturally deep voice had been made raw from way too much whiskey and cigarettes. As you mentioned he only had months to live. His death came pretty close to the release of this album.
It’s not only about his love affair and addiction to the city of LA, but it’s also about culture of the western culture via LA, the emperor media city, as the microcosm… framed by the outline and diversity of the city itself, hwood, the hiways, Compton, the desert & the canyons w/ all the inhabitants intermingling w/in… some great lines into the culture and people: never saw a woman so alone (America’s need for gratification and affirmation from others); the alliteration of motel, money, murder, madness (no ownership restless souls wh/ can drive to violence); city of nite, city of light (hope and darkness, also LA but paris too where he was headed).
This has the feel of Raymond Chandler's Hollywood but twenty years later
I've always liked Morrison's voice, became a fan as a kid - my older brothers had a massive record collection including all Doors, Beatles, Dylan & hundreds of other albums. Thanks Bobby & Joe ✨✨
Some Morrison family history: Jim's father was youngest ever Rear Admiral & a naval aviator.
He was commander of naval forces during the alleged false flag Gulf of Tonkin Incident that escalated America's involvement in Vietnam War.
Such actuate description of LA.👍🏻👍🏻✌✌
The soft parade for a 🤪 crazy experience
The song LA Woman and the larger album WERE an attempt by the band to go into the studio with a more loose feel to counteract an enormous amount of stress resulting from legal and chemical problems brought on by Morrison's recent behavior. I sense that they all internally knew things would not continue. Also, the version you are listening to seems to reflect a significant remix from the original. One thing to ponder as people recommend songs to hear. Not all remixes just correct noise problems from the original masters. They often change levels, stereo positions in the mix or change out entire parts that materially alter the result, often not in good ways.
Good comment - I thought this sounded a bit different from my CD from years ago.
For a first time listen, I think it's probably advisable to listen to as close to the original release as possible. I think it's fine to use "remasters" that tried to remain true to the original recording.
Yes isn't this the time when Jim started wearing his hair longer and grew that beard. Oh yes he also got fat! He was a bloody good looking guy at the beginning 🤣 from a completely superficial and girly standpoint of course 😜
@@zaradragonia9863 Love the early Jim...But I've always kinda liked how he looked like a bear or a mountain man or a cross between the two here...
LA is the woman
Yes I had forgotten about that 😸
please do the whole ALBUM, ' Morrison Hotel'
LA is the woman. Extended metaphor.
“Your hair is burning” = wildfires in the Hollywood Hills around the time (and/or a specific event that escapes me at the moment)
yep !
I grew up in Altadena CA. "I see your hair is burning" is a reference to all the fires in the San Gabriel Mountains that cover the northern flank of La Country. Altadena was in the foothills of the San Gabriels and we watched them burn year after year.
Ray has one hand on one keyboard and one hand on the other for the bass line. That's right, no bass guitar, except for sessions and rare occasions. Wow, right? Still loving your reactions. You take on the the difficult songs with such ease!
That was generally true, including live performances. However, Jerry Scheff was the invited bass player on this album and comes through clearly at the beginning of this song.
Think what you want, but the Doors were first, and this is an iconic song!
Never missed Manzarek. Was always completely tuned-in and appreciative. His organ solo on Light My Fire is like listening to a New Cosmic Mass.
Great reaction Please do THE CHANGLING by the Doors
Jim Morrison certainly has a particular and unique tone of voice.
If you're interested in out-of-the-ordinary voice types, why not try a Frank Zappa reaction?
If you decide to take up this challenge, I suggest you start with (Don't Eat the Yellow Snow Suite), a suite of 4 songs from the album Apostrophe ('), studio version.
Let yourself be carried away in the unique universe of Frank Zappa.
That would definitely be a most interesting and entertaining reaction.
Oh ha ha don't let Syed near Frank Zappa! :)
Reread the lyrics Jim Morriston was known for his flamboyant lifestyle I think this is a reflection of what he saw and the things he loved and hated about la, it was seen as bright lights but beneath that was seriously ugly.
Peace frog is another great one by the doors
Hi Syed...love your reactions...yes it does sound like a jam session which is one of the things I love about it...I had to laugh about your comment of the speeding ticket...another song that does that for me is "Radar Love" by Golden Earring...give it a listen and you'll know....great review
@Gary Cottam absolutely!! I have OTR drivers in my family so yes...please travel safe out there...and keep rockin"
Loved your story during the steam mate
You also have to watch your foot during Deep Purple's "Highway Star"...
Another great song😸
Another speeding ticket song is Emerson Lake and Palmer version of “fanfare for the common man”
Check out more Doors.The LA Woman album has a very different sound than all of their other albums. It was their first and only album they produced themselves. It was recorded in their offices, rather than a studio, with Jim doing vocals in the bathroom. Gives it a garage band feel. The beauty of this album, in my opinion, is that it sounds like they were really enjoying themselves. Which comes across in the music. Lyrically i would highly recommend "When the Music's Over" and the tour de force that is "The Celebration of the Lizard"(Live) from other albums.
IMO that killer twist in the middle of LA Woman is the best music to ever be written.
This is the city as a woman. “Never saw a woman, so alone.” It’s the alienation of a town built on social interaction among strangers trying to become famous, and the stranger you become to yourself. Under the Bridge by RHCP explores some of this alienation years later.
well said... its a killer line & you nailed.... its drives into how greed and envy the more its amped out, the deeper the addiction & eventual loneliness grows.
In the beginning when you said whoa, that was" my country to the sweet land of liberty". Despite being American I don't actually know what song that comes from but it's equivalent to Woody Guthrie's this "land is your land this land is my land" patriotic song about America. Nice pic, thank you and thumbs up on the video.
You should stay with this album and do 'Riders on the storm', 'The cars hiss by my window' and ' Texas radio' before going backwards in their catalogue 'Light my fire' and 'The End' from their first album 4 years earlier.
Great reaction as always - I love hearing your take on the song - you are a reactionist demi-god!
🙏😁
@@SyedRewinds you are my favorite- just don't stop please - your awesome !
Jim was brilliant but the others are so in harmony when they play, and you are right, this is not rehearsed in detail and when they click they are unreal and I agree on Ray, great guy too, he his humble and maybe Jim's biggest fan, some great interviews with him on YT and he explains what the doors is very well, but he could and should take way more credits for his part in the Doors , utter brilliant piano player. Anyway, first time here, great video, just subscribed so I will be back
Its interesting you keep returning to how cinematic the music is. Both Morrison and Manzarek met in film school
You should do ..Been down so long..it's well known with true doors fans it didn't get any air play in the day but one of there best tracks. Once you listen you will see why
Fucking rite man!! Probably their hardest rocking song, only hard core fans are aware unfortunately..... 😎🤘
@@rileytinny5946 You either love The Doors or you hate them there is no in-between..I agree with your statement...right on
so that was your first - it will be with you for the rest of your life now - you won't stop playing it
0:24 "To Live and Die in L.A." was a song and album by Wang Chung in 1985. It was also the soundtrack for the movie of the same name directed by William Friedkin. Shakur's song come out in 1996.
Robby Kreiger rocking the SG
Don't know if anyone has pointed out yet but Ray Manzeric plays bass with his left hand on a bass master, and keys on his right....which he's a God!!
Morrison nailed it after time of obscurity . Done in studio with no tricky enhancements
Ray manzareck played keyboards and bass foot pedals at same time, ingenious
"I love how Cinematic it is."
The band did meet in Film School.
I'm afraid this period was the most creative musical generation.
People reacting to these groups from back in the day...late 60's and 70's.... cannot fully understand these songs because they didn't experience the era. The atmosphere, the politics, the war in Vietnam, the age of innocence ending and the world exploding into all these new discoveries. The 50's kids were naive and spoiled compared to their parents. They had a good safe life. But with the advent of the TV and more sophisticated movies, the music....Elvis, The Beatles....and then rock and roll....on into hard rock, acid rock, as well with the love and peace folk music and hippiedom. Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin were considered harder core for most tastes....but the hippies loved it all. Led Zeppelin and of course the Doors. Sexual liberation, love of all things natural....casting off the 50's etiquette and the parents way of doing things. Jim Morrison and Robert Plant were pushing the boundaries of the sexual mores of the time. Drugs, birth control pill, the war and the open road. People hitchhiked without fear. The world was exciting and new and the vibe was total freedom.
Until the Tate-LaBianca murders. Hippiedom took on a dark side thanks to Charles Manson and some people who didn't know where the boundaries needed to be drawn. People tend to get carried away and forget....extremes are not good. There is no such thing as complete freedom. Not and maintain a livable free society. Boundaries are necessary. The Doors were a product of their time. But their music is timeless. Great music is.
LA Woman is a metaphor for the city....but it's also a blend of metaphor and experience with the people who live there. All the young people who came to follow their dreams in the city of light.
To Live and Die in LA by Wang Chung. If you haven't heard it, then you need to.
You can feel a musical connection through west coast bands/performers over the decades Whether it is the Beach Boys, the Doors, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana and right up to Kendrick Lamar you can identify their music as west coast.
Great album. Not a bad song in the bunch.
This is his Love Letter to the city of Los Angeles.
Used to hang out in this dive bar in San Francisco. Loved putting Riders On the Storm and Kid Charlemagne by Steely Dan on the Juke Box, both songs just seem so appropriate and Like A Rolling Stone by Bob Dylan too.
3:01 Man, Robby Kreiger just doesn't get enough credit I don't think though I'm no guitarist... but what I do know... he sounds GOOD!
This one of my favorite Doors songs!
The lizard king is also epic
"This is a vibe" with a British accent. Love it.
Morrison used to use Mr. Mojo Risen to retain anonymity when checking into hotels
Here's a nice tidbit of trivia about L.A. Woman.....Morrison sang it live in the bathroom to get the natural echo. Listen closely.
Mr. Mojo Risin is an anagram for Jim Morrison,
There’s a great “driving” video thru LA to this.
If you have a chance listen to this on the dance floor you will go crazy
I think you guys are critiquing that voice a little soon. You have only reacted to songs from their last album. His voice was gravelly and alcohol soaked on this album. Unlike the velvety, "Crystal Ship" vocals he laid down a few years earlier. Its unbelievable that someone would have a voice like that with zero training.
This is his vocal peak IMO. I love how rough/raw it sounds.
If you like the more abstract and theatrical Doors stuff, check out ‘Five to One’ and ‘When the Music’s Over.’
You gotta do Roadhouse Blues!!! 🔥🔥🔥
Roadhouse blues is a must!!
Great song to listen to on the highway!
Jim Morrison and Ray Manazarek met a UCLA Film School, re your comment about The Dooors' cinematic quality.
Motel Money Murder Madness! Let’s change the mood from glad to sadness!
Cops in Cars, the Topless Bars
Never met a Woman so alone.
Another Lost Angel
City of Night!
Brilliant song!
Along with Riders on the Storm, the two best tracks on LA Woman.
Jim left for Paris the City of Lights to escape the City of Night LA.
Only problem is they knew him there too so he couldn’t completely escape. He and his girlfriend Pam were trying to start over with their lives and wipe the slate clean.
Actually not a bad idea but it didn’t work out sadly. He ended up dead in a bathtub after ODing after six months.
But he left behind an incredible musical legacy with the Doors!
I love the Mr. Mojo Rising part where it slows down and then speeds up again.
What a great Rocker!
The Doors did it all!
Six great albums and then they were done! They never really played LA Woman live except a couple of times at the very end.
Great Reaction! I knew you’d get this song. Killer Tune!
Yeah! "Hills are filled with fire. If they say I never loved you, you know they were a liar. Motel money murder madness." LA itself is the woman in question.
The whole album is perfect, but "Been Down So Long" is equal to the aforementioned songs!
@@Katehowe3010
I agree. The Doors started off with a great debut album and finished with a great last album. This almost never happens. Most bands start off well and then start to decline. They just fade away or become a parody of what they used to be. Not the Doors! They ended on a high note!
Brilliant Band!
One of the best ever! Some even say they are the best American band. I tend to agree.
@@dynjarren8355 When viewed that way, there is definitely a strong argument for best ever!
1st song. The Changling rocks. Texas Radio and the big Beat. Hyacinth House. Car hiss by my window. Whole Album is solid.
Drafted in Elvis bass player Jerry sheff for this album. Mr mojo risin is an anagram of his name and comes from the blues got my mojo workin.
Lost my driverslicence to this song only 2 months after I had gotten it when I was 18 years old.
Seen a few of your videos so far. Loving your content, keep up the great work!
“This is a vibe” has become the catch phrase of a generation without context.
If I’m not mistaken, most of the album was recorded in a rye of jam session. They recorded live most of the music in a home studio.
Jam session*
try also ' Moonlight Drive' the doors very 1st song.............
Jim had a certain amount of self-deprecation. He believed that unfettered free-love, radicalism and delving into the drug culture of the 60's and early
seventies was going to lead to unfathomable despair. He thought it was very short-sighted and yet...
Notice he says, "Are you another lucky lady in the city of light
Or just another lost angel
City of night, city of night, city of night, city of night..."
Paris is the city of light. LA, is something else.
The End should be next please. Thank you ✌🏻❤️