The Crystal Ship by The Doors
When one takes the time to ponder The Doors, they think about breaking on through to the other side or lighting various fires, oh my brothers. But, no, not I. The song which I feel is the very best by this now much reviled Psychedelic Rock outfit would have to be the curious and strange "The Crystal Ship." Just what is this little tune exactly? A generic prom song? A longing love song with lyrical stress that somehow conjures up Edgar Allan Poe? One ultimately tends to wonder, believe me you. Others celebrate the latter day Doors music found on albums like "Morrison Hotel" and "LA Woman," which is fine, as they are quite apt at Blues Rock much as they were earlier in their career as Jazz Rockers and Acid Rockers with an impressive improvisational bent in a live setting.
However, it is still that first self-titled record that is most revered to this day, and even amongst those who may very much dislike the band for the most part. And it is on that record then, that "The Crystal Ship" is contained. In fact, I believe it was the B-side to the "Light My Fire" single. This is such a curious and other worldly jam that it almost somehow gathers a timeless quality that is not easily expressed in words or even in the sacred poodle alphabet. Is this a fleeting love song in a shanty town? Because I am at a loss here, people. Jim Morrison almost sounds like a cheesy '70's Pop Ballad dork, but so be it. This is essentially the opposite of some of The Doors more muscular songs like "Five to One." I must admit that I much prefer the Light Rock variation of The Doors, as it is just naturally more tuneful and melodic, and the sort of cut that made The Lizard King quite impressive on the Teen Idol circuit in the late '60's.
Here we have a song that has nothing to do with The Doors musical trademarks, no bizarre extended poetry, no eleven minute Psychedelic freak-out, not even any standard Jazz or Blues Rock. This is a Pop Ballad with dark lyrical content that is uplifted by a beautiful piano melody and minimalist percussion. The guitar casually strums away as Morrison does his best Mel Tormé. Enjoy, you whimsical romantics:
However, it is still that first self-titled record that is most revered to this day, and even amongst those who may very much dislike the band for the most part. And it is on that record then, that "The Crystal Ship" is contained. In fact, I believe it was the B-side to the "Light My Fire" single. This is such a curious and other worldly jam that it almost somehow gathers a timeless quality that is not easily expressed in words or even in the sacred poodle alphabet. Is this a fleeting love song in a shanty town? Because I am at a loss here, people. Jim Morrison almost sounds like a cheesy '70's Pop Ballad dork, but so be it. This is essentially the opposite of some of The Doors more muscular songs like "Five to One." I must admit that I much prefer the Light Rock variation of The Doors, as it is just naturally more tuneful and melodic, and the sort of cut that made The Lizard King quite impressive on the Teen Idol circuit in the late '60's.
Here we have a song that has nothing to do with The Doors musical trademarks, no bizarre extended poetry, no eleven minute Psychedelic freak-out, not even any standard Jazz or Blues Rock. This is a Pop Ballad with dark lyrical content that is uplifted by a beautiful piano melody and minimalist percussion. The guitar casually strums away as Morrison does his best Mel Tormé. Enjoy, you whimsical romantics:
Labels: The Doors
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