Disco de The Doors: “Bright Midnight: Live in America”

No, Jim is generally not as "hungry" or as vocally flexible range-wise here as in the first couple years of the Doors' existence, perhaps (check out the Soundstage DVD for sheer perfection). But to dismiss these performances as drunken poetry recitals is just plain false--but then, similar criticisms were launched even in 1968 by those who had a set notion of what goods the Lizard King should be expected to deliver. Not only is the sound quality superb, but to these ears there's plenty of energy and magic. I mean, how much more inspired of a performance of "Been Down So Long" could you want from Jim? Or how much more beautifully sung a "Crystal Ship?" "The End" also--though the beginning lines are less than ideal with the band & Jim getting out of synch, some serious mojo is stirred up in the middle, with Jim in a deep poetic space. No, you don't get "the killer awoke before dawn;" why should Jim have to always visit that particular room (fans were singing along to those lines by 1968, for crying out loud) when he had so many others to choose from. The beauty is that, like the Grateful Dead exploring Dark Star, Jim is free to wander wherever he wants each time out so that each is unique & special, for both audience, and just as importantly, for him & the band.

"Touch Me" is a big treat, with Robbie jamming instead of a saxophone--nice to hear this with just the band filling all the space. Really like the "St. James Infirmary" back into "Love Me Two Times," too.

Perhaps this isn't the hottest Doors ever played, but it's pretty damned great--I know I'd have counted myself lucky to have attended one of these shows. And I'm very happy to have this document as consolation.

Since Jim Morrison's demise in 1971, the band has been subject to countless compilations, live albums and greatest hits packages. What distinguishes this release from the others is that it is on a label the remaining three band members have formed. The performances on the album are very strong and a song like "Break On Through" shows off the hyperkinetic energy the band possessed. The band could jam with the best of them and extended versions of "Light My Fire", the ubiquitous "The End", "Five To One" and "Roadhouse Blues" show off their prowess. Bright Midnight is a solid collection and any fan of the band will be satisfied with the performances.

I hated this...for taking so long to come out! The Doors LIVE IN AMERICA is by far their best live CD. Standouts include Touch Me, without the studio orchestration.The result is a straight rocker! The live,Been Down So Long is better than the version on the LA WOMAN album! Certainly one of Morrisons' best blues vocals. Roadhouse Blues is loud and sexually loaded during the middle part of the song. Morrison simply rants like a mad man on, Bellowing, one of the most hallarious live tracks on LIVE IN AMERICA. While Five to One and Love Me Two Times are a bit rough on the edges they still sting melodically. The fact that the music on this CD has survived all these years without ever being released is amazing becasue it is extremely good! Finally a very unusual The End, with alternate lyrics and an extended section that is sure to light anyones fire!!!!pun intended!

Jim, Ray, John and Robbie roll, explore and climax on this recording. Excellent mood setter...sensous delivery...highly recommended if you're a Door's fan and love "this is the best trip; the part I really like," while understanding the jazz tonality and blues traditions as seamless aparitions that ensconced and nurtured this band to its height. Awesome delivery...and emplifies the lyrics: "take a journey to the bright midnight." Get it if you get off to this band.

Released in 2002, "Bright Midnight: Live in America" offered previously unissued 1969-70 recordings of The Doors in concert. Now that the complete shows are available, this disc serves as a tantalizing sampler of the Hollywood, New York, Boston, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Detroit engagements. Along with the excellent sound quality are memorable versions of "Break On Through," "Five to One" and "Light My Fire." From an unvarnished standpoint, Jim Morrison's drunken interpretation of "Roadhouse Blues" tells you all you need to know about the group's wild and unpredictable Boston gig. Though derived from the same concert tapes, "Bright Midnight" remains a more satisfying Doors compilation than "Absolutely Live."