Every so often a band comes along and it leaves the kind of mark that will outlast the band's actual life. The first band that comes to mind is obviously The Beatles but there are others. One of the other bands that comes to mind is The doors. The Doors were a vital part of the 1960's, their raw edge and angst was a calling card of late 1960's turmoil. From 1965 to 1973 The Doors recorded some truly great albums that reflected something more than the charisma of the legendary frontman Jim Morrison.
From 1966's The Doors, to Strange Days, to Soft Parade, The Doors made amazing music that stood the test of time. Like most great bands with a charismatic lead the Doors would survive for a couple of years after Morrison's passing and cut a couple of records that were far different than their usual fare. With the death of Ray Manzarek the Doors have truly closed much in the same manner as the Beatles were officially done after the death of George Harrison.
The Doors will forever stand out as a classic part of an American period of revolution. While many bands were inclined to commercializing peace the Doors remained a force for that revolution against authority and repression. Yes the Doors are closed but what's behind the Doors will remain a part of the American psyche. I was not around when they were together but I can only imagine how amazing they were and the weight of their impact on that generation that was clamoring for change.
