Jim Morrison of the Doors would have been 60 today - for some reason that just staggers me. Since he only lived to be 27, he has been dead six years longer than he was alive. 27 just seems preposterously young to me - I have t-shirts older than 27. How hard would you have to try to drink yourself to death by 27? Really, really hard.…
Article comments
— go to most recent comments76 - Eric Berlin
I'm definitely guilty of saying interesting in conversation when I don't have much to say and am in fact not really all that interested in what the speaker is saying. It fills conversational gaps nicely at other times.
"Okay" is one of those words too. If you ask someone what they think of your friends or how beautiful your new girlfriend is and they say, "They're / she's okay," that's downright brutal.
77 - Eric Berlin
Perhaps a word like "random" is a way to quantify an increasingly scattered, complex, and disconnected existence.
Or something.
78 - Bob A. Booey
I'm buying you boys shots if they rebuild New Orleans for Mardi Gras.
We'll be so High Fidelity if you can overlook my rowdy friends and the boobs in every direction.
That is all.
79 - Jak Colton
Mr. Eric Olsen perhaps you should do more reading on what is fact and what is fiction in the musical world.
The Record books are their for a reason, but they are there to show you who sold what and who the leading artists were at the time. Check Billboards.
TDN songs by the way Dominated the Airways on both AM and FM dials across the USA.
Its ashame the drug culture keeps the lowly rock bands alive.and that is really all it is. Unfortunately while James Morrison went to his maker at an early age in 1971 while I was just a kid he arguably did'nt even believe in God or much else. I am not condemning him, because of it. But all I am trying to say is if that is what makes a real man to you is someone that believes in nothing except being an atheist. well great. its not to me.
At least Three Dog Night members and its Three Lead Singers are still around today almost 40 years later?
What happened to the Doors? they fell apart? And by the way, All of those lead singers that Three Dog Night possessed could easily out sing James Morrison to the point he would look silly on stage opposite them! Danny Hutton the founder of Three Dog Night, Cory Wells, and Chuck Negron. Now mind you I am sure members of Three Dog Night did a little bit of weed as that was the going on then. But at least they knew when to say when. You would be very wise to re-read the history books of music and not believe in word of mouth stories that were obviously told to you in school regarding who was Great and who was'nt, and then pass it off as fact! When it isn't. Take it from someone who lived in the 1960's and remembers the era.
I am calling you a fraud if your gonna stand there and tell people your a musical buff when your not, and you certainly don't belong telling people who the top ten groups are either. Who ever hired you should also be fired along with you! If you have an interest in musical tastes great just make sure you get your facts straight first before opening your mouth! And you'll be A ok
80 - Eric Berlin
Dominated the Airwaves is one of my all time faves from Billboards, especially when I'm hanging out here and their.
81 - Evan
Jack, it sounds like you're taking your personal hatred of drugs out on some great bands. Too bad, your loss.
82 - Evan
Top 50 Billboard Singles / Top 10 Ablums
The Beatles 67 / 34
Paul McCartney 53 / 18
The Who 30 / 9
Bob Dylan 27 / 16
Three Dog Night 23 / 5
Led Zeppelin 12 / 12 (10 of 11 albums)
CCR 19 / 5
The Doors 2 / 7 (Each album they released during Jim Morrison's life time went to the top 10. Talk about consistent.)
Cream 3 / 4
Jimi Hendrix 1 / 11 (all four of the albums released in his lifetime were in the top 4)
I think you'll find that in comparing actual amount of singles/albums released by each artist, and how many of them were hits, that your beloved Three Dog Night are not the pillars of rock that you think they are. (I'm talking consistent quality here) You can't compare the Doors, who released 7 albums in Jim Morrison's lifetime, to Three Dog Night, who released 15 albums. That's about as futile as comparing The Who's entire discography to Jimi Hendrix's extremely limited one. Also, notably, much of the music represented here is so varied that there is simply no point in comparing their chart standings. By doing so it only suits to advertise your incredible ignorance.
83 - Eric Berlin
However you slice it, them's some strong numbers by The Beatles and Paul.
I'm assuming you left the Stones off that list, Evan?
84 - John Bill
He is not dead, just hiding. Last week I saw him at a Burger King mopping the floor.
85 - Evan
Jack said:
"Once again No other group put out more hits songs between 1969 and 1974 NO ONE!"
One point should be made. Three Dog Night (28%)released 18 singles that charted in that span of 5 years. Of these, 5 went to number one. The Rolling Stones released 10, and 3 went to number one. This means, percentage wise, the Stones beat out Three Dog Night. Had they released 8 more singles in that time, I have no doubt that they would flat out have more number ones.
Well, this has been fun. Pointless, but fun.
One last thing.
"I had a friend in college that went through every band that was in existence."
I don't believe you.
86 - Evan
Yeah Eric, I left the Stones off the list because Jak had said he didn't like them, and I didn't think the numbers would sway him, however impressive they are (which is VERY.
Here they are though:
The Rolling Stones 74/36
87 - Evan
*Is there any way to edit posts?*
88 - Eric Olsen
EB - dig it: "'random' is a way to quantify an increasingly scattered, complex, and disconnected existence"
BAB - I'll be there, really, and "rowdy friends" - hah
Fascinating info Evan, thanks!
Jak, generally I hire myself, which makes me hard to fire
89 - MCH
Jak;
Gotta disagree with ya re Eric Olsen's music qualifications. Actually, E.O.'s quite knowledgeable in a variety of subjects, but especially the musical genre. And although I wouldn't take advice from him about combat, since he's never served, the man definitely knows his music.
90 - DJRadiohead
My only problem with Morrison is that he lost focus too often... even on the records. When Morrison was on his game, he was among the best of his generation. Like too many of his contemporaries, you could hear them cracking up on record a little too often.
I don't know - maybe I am not making sense.
91 - Evan
One MORE thing.
Jak said:
"But all I am trying to say is if that is what makes a real man to you is someone that believes in nothing except being an atheist. well great. its not to me."
What the hell does being a "real man" have to do with having artistic talent? And what gives you the right to define what a "real man" is?
92 - Jak Colton
Hey Evan I am laughing so hard right now, because of your stupidity.
The Rolling Stones my friend had a few good songs and that was about it. After that they just toured after that
to say they lasted longer. Big Deal!
It does'nt qualify them as a great Band.Sorry to burst your bubble!
They don't.
The Beatles Dominated the charts.
No question there.
The Who they sucked what more can I say?
The Who 30 / 9? Hmmm I don't believe your stats there and there is a way Stats don't tell the truth. People always use the stats to lie. In this case Big Time! haha sorry I got your hand caught in the cookie jar my friend. Slap! HAHA
Your gonna take a beating here!
Because alot of the crap songs they made were at the very bottom of the Chart(Barrel)? If they indeed put 30 song on the top 50 once again
they barely made it and they were no where near number 1 songs either! Fact.
Bob Dylan 27 / 16
Same situation although good guitarist he could not sing to save his life!
People universally agree on that.
My best friend is a Bob Dylan Aficionado and the reason he loves him
is because of his guitar work.
Once again Most of his Top 50 singles were not even close to the Top 20(same case as above) much less Top 10 and oh course I don't think he ever saw a number 1 in his life! Once again you were smoked again my friend!
Three Dog Night 23 / 5
They are the bench mark in America as an American Band formed in Southern California. The stats speak for themselves; in the US alone, Three Dog Night had twenty one
consecutive Top 40 hits (Something the Rolling Stone in the wildest dreams could never equal), eighteen straight Top 20s, eleven Top Tens. that would be the envy of almost any band, any time. And I am not even finished yet!
Seven number ones, seven million-selling singles and twelve straight gold LPs. By late '75, they had sold nearly 50 million records. That's wiped the smile off your face hasn't it Evan!
This one is on the House by the way Three Dog Night Biggest Hit:"Joy To The World"#1, on charts for 17 weeks!
Name one of your Groups that could even come close. I thought not!
The laughable part of it all is
if the song was probably reintroduced today it would be on the charts even longer!!! Scary isn't it!
The Groups you have mentioned had very little if no Number Ones' and by the way. The Number Ones the Rolling Stones had at Number One did not last very long in comparison.
That was good you stayed away from number one's because the pathetic groups you mention really don't have any! haha. The groups you mention was had a hard time putting a thought together much less singing which they could'nt do. The had a few songs that speckled the bottom of the charts.
And by the way Three Dog Night had Great Albums ok 19 to be exact!. How many did the Doors and Zeppelin have together??? I did'nt think so!
Led Zeppelin 12 / 12 (10 of 11 albums)
Pathetic
CCR 19 / 5
Ok CCR was and is a Great Rock Group
There we can agree upon! Touche!
The Doors 2 / 7 (Each album they released during Jim Morrison's life time went to the top 10. Talk about consistent.)
I personally am embarrassed for you. For even listing such pathetic stats.
2 Top 50's Hits? Come on. How old are you anyway? Yeah if the albums sold it was do to the loser lifestyle of the druggies. Once again Total number of Albums sold does not equate when combined with other Groups to match Three Dog Night total number of Albums sold period paragraph.
Cream 3 / 4- They were good they had
Eric Clapton. Excellent choice.
Jimi Hendrix 1 / 11 (all four of the albums released in his lifetime were in the top 4)
Once again Hendrix is considered a legend but his stats are'nt there.
Well I am not Comparing Three Dog Night one on one with The Who, The Doors, or Led Zeppelin independently.
I don't think that is fair for these lessor bands up against " Three Dog Night" and yeah they are the Pillars of Rock and Roll my Friend your in Denial!!! Laughing so hard right now!
. You'd have to combine put their resources together to get even close to the amount of Endless True Classic Rock and Roll Universal Worldwide Favorites that Three Dog Night Pumped out.
That's fact. I've already done my research in Billboards and other muscial sources of information. Where are you getting your information
from your friends? I would'nt advise that.
Well this much can be said for a one on one comparo. As to who was the Best of the Best ok. Three Dog Night had a Universal Appeal whereas the other bands had very limited appeal.
A Band such as the Doors appealed mostly to the Drug Culture,and their music appeal to those that sought after rebelling against authority,
anarchy, chaos, and basically doing their own thing no matter whose life they ruined. On the other Hand, I think Three Dog Night enjoyed a Universal appeal the other groups could'nt match. They appealed to all age groups much to your chagrin.
The formula is simple. They spoke about the things in life that were most important in their songs like Love
and the changes in Life. You can't get more down to earth than that.
If that is too goodie two shoes for you well then too bad. Eat Crow!
A millenium will pass and the only thing people will really care to know about are groups that brought people together not apart! That is why the Beatles were so popular even though I was not a devotee of theirs.
And by the way, your right I am not suppose to judge anyone. But we all do it everyday. You have your set of bench marks and so do I.
93 - Evan
"Where are you getting your information
from your friends? I would'nt advise that."
Actually I'm getting it from Billboard, via a little known website known as www.allmusic.com.
Okay, let's get started here.
First of all, judging the artistic merit of music based on charts is simply ludicrous. Throughout history, many of the more culturally and historically important, not to mention better bands/artists, have not been popular with the mainstream public. (Big Star, the Velvet Underground, Nick Drake, Linda Perhacs, etc. This even dates back to the 20s and 30s, when many fantastic blues/folk/country performers were never known until a man named Alan Lomax came along.) But, if you're not going to agree that "good music" is subjective, then there's no point in debating at all. How do I know you're not going to agree that subjectivity exists? "The Who they sucked what more can I say?", "Led Zeppelin 12 / 12 (10 of 11 albums)
Pathetic" This belief that your opinion is in fact the correct and only opinion clearly illustrates your stunning ignorance and snobbery. But we'll move on shall we?
"The Who 30 / 9? Hmmm I don't believe your stats there... sorry I got your hand caught in the cookie jar my friend. Slap! HAHA"
Alright, a quick (not really) rundown of the Billboard stats.
Singles
Year Single Chart Peak
1967 Happy Jack Pop Singles 24
1967 I Can See For Miles Pop Singles 9
1968 Call Me Lightning Pop Singles 40
1968 Magic Bus Pop Singles 25
1969 I'm Free Pop Singles 37
1969 Pinball Wizard Pop Singles 19
1970 Summertime Blues Pop Singles 27
1970 The Seeker Pop Singles 44
1971 Behind Blue Eyes Pop Singles 34
1971 Won't Get Fooled Again Pop Singles 15
1972 Join Together Pop Singles 17
1973 The Relay Pop Singles 39
1976 Squeeze Box Pop Singles 16
1978 Who Are You Pop Singles 14
1979 5:15 Pop Singles 45
1981 Another Tricky Day Mainstream Rock 6
1981 Daily Records Mainstream Rock 36
1981 Did You Steal My Money Mainstream Rock 38
1981 How Can You Do It Alone Mainstream Rock 50
1981 Won't Get Fooled Again Mainstream Rock 39
1981 You Better You Bet** Mainstream Rock 1
1982 Athena** Mainstream Rock 3
1982 Cry If You Want Mainstream Rock 34
1982 Dangerous Mainstream Rock 38
1982 Eminence Front Mainstream Rock 5
1982 It's Hard Mainstream Rock 39
1991 Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting** Mainstream Rock Tracks 8
** appeared in the top 50 on multiple charts.
Albums
Year Album Chart Peak
1970 Live At Leeds Pop Albums 4
1970 Tommy Buy Now! Pop Albums 4
1971 Who's Next Pop Albums 4
1973 Quadrophenia Pop Albums 2
1975 The Who By Numbers Pop Albums 8
1978 Who Are You Pop Albums 2
1979 The Kids Are Alright Pop Albums 8
1981 Face Dances Pop Albums 4
1982 It's Hard Buy Now! Pop Albums 8
"Because alot of the crap songs they made were at the very bottom of the Chart(Barrel)? If they indeed put 30 song on the top 50 once again they barely made it and they were no where near number 1 songs either!"
So, umm, yeah. You're right about the number 1's. They only had one, in 1981. However, they had 6 in the top ten throughout. And I think the fact that early in their career they were largely a mod rock band accounts for lower peaks, as mod wasn't as hugely popular as pop-rock (hence the "pop").
So, them's the facts. Moving on.
"Bob Dylan 27 / 16
Same situation although good guitarist he could not sing to save his life!
People universally agree on that."
Nope, again, that's subjective. Since I happen to enjoy his singing (it's quite distinctive, and fairly emotional) I can assure that people don't universally agree on it.
"Once again Most of his Top 50 singles were not even close to the Top 20(same case as above) much less Top 10 and oh course I don't think he ever saw a number 1 in his life!"
Actually, he had nine singles in the top 10. Would you like me to list them? Sigh, I'll just do it now, save you some time.
Year Single Chart Peak
1965 Like A Rolling Stone Pop Singles 2
1965 Positively 4th Street Pop Singles 7
1965 Subterranean Homesick Blues Adult Contemporary 6
1966 Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 Pop Singles 2
1969 Lay Lady Lay Pop Singles 7
1973 Knockin' on Heaven's Door Adult Contemporary 5
1988 Silvio Mainstream Rock Tracks 5
1989 Everything Is Broken Mainstream Rock Tracks 8
1989 Slow Train Mainstream Rock Tracks 8
He also had two more in the top 20.
"Three Dog Night 23 / 5
They are the bench mark in America...
Seven number ones, seven million-selling singles and twelve straight gold LPs... Three Dog Night Biggest Hit:"Joy To The World"#1, on charts for 17 weeks!"
Statistically, you're correct. I applaud your ability to read charts and agree with them. However, I think a fairly large amount of music historians/professors/lovers/archivists/etc would agree that in the areas of cultural and historical significance, not to mention artistic merit, Three Dog Night would not be at the top. I think awards such as the Grammy's (of which Three Dog Night have none. Dylan has 7 by the way.) speak to that.
"The groups you mention was had a hard time putting a thought together much less singing which they could'nt do."
You seem to have a harder time putting sentences together, but I won't get childish.
"And by the way Three Dog Night had Great Albums ok 19 to be exact!. How many did the Doors and Zeppelin have together??? I did'nt think so!"
Together, they had 16, but why do you ask? You're telling me that their inability, or respectful decision, to not continue as a band due to the death of a member and personal friend makes them crappy?
"CCR 19 / 5
Ok CCR was and is a Great Rock Group
There we can agree upon! Touche!"
I personally can't stand CCR. I'm not saying they suck, because, as before, it's subjective. I just don't like them very much. I only included them because you had mentioned you liked them before, and I wanted to show that many of the other bands top CCR stats wise, which would illustrate that you hold a clearly contradictory opinion that TDN and CCR are two of the great rock bands of the 20th century.
"2 Top 50's Hits? Come on. How old are you anyway?"
I'm 18, but again, I fail to see the relevance.
"Yeah if the albums sold it was do to the loser lifestyle of the druggies."
That would be your opinion, which is a clear portrayol of your view of people. Sad.
"That's fact. I've already done my research in Billboards and other muscial sources of information."
Try again.
"A Band such as the Doors appealed mostly to the Drug Culture,and their music appeal to those that sought after rebelling against authority,
anarchy, chaos, and basically doing their own thing no matter whose life they ruined."
I love the Doors. I don't use drugs, rebel against authority, and I'm not pro-anarchy, chaos and destruction. I can, however, recognize a fantastic tune, compelling lyrics, instrumental prowess and cohesion when I hear it though.
94 - Mark the Sane and Sensible
"Yeah if the albums sold it was do to the loser lifestyle of the druggies."
That's true! Half that shit back then wouldn't have sold if the consumers were sane and sober.
95 - Evan
"Yeah if the albums sold it was do to the loser lifestyle of the druggies."
That must be why they continue to sell today... (sarcasm)
At least come up with a real argument.
96 - Jak Colton
I hate to burst your bubble again on Grammy's that were won in the music industry but since you put your foot in your mouth I could'nt resist teaching you a lesson one more time.
Negron put and kept Three Dog Night on the charts for years. His soaring, soulful, four octave range and unique vocal styling became a part of the American landscape. His gut wrenching performance on the band’s follow up hit to “One”, “Easy To Be Hard” is now a classic, as is his beautiful and smooth vocal on “Old Fashioned Love Song.” Chuck’s unmistakable voice exclaiming “Jeremiah Was A Bullfrog” on the "Multi-Grammy Nominated" and "1971 Record Of The Year", “Joy To The World” is today a part of Americana, securing a place for Chuck Negron as one of the great singers in rock.
This one is for you Evan. The band contractually had artistic control.” Few bands were as popular in concert. They pioneered stadium extravaganzas, prompting Rolling Stone Magazine in its 1972 cover story to exclaim “More Gold Than The Stones!” “Bigger Crowds Than Credence!” “Fatter Purses Than Elvis!”
For their run between 69' to 75' will be unequal in many ways. Historians will remember them well.
97 - Evan
Show me your starts.
Most bands contractually have artistic control. Doesn't mean they're artistic.
98 - Jak Colton
The Stats are there and in the Stones Face ok.
Try A Little Tenderness - charted #29 - Jan. 1969
One - charted #5 - April 1969
Easy To Be Hard - charted #4 - July 1969
Eli's Coming - charted # 10 - October 1969
Celebrate - charted #15 - February 1970
Mama Told Me Not To Come - charted #1 - May 1970
Out In The Country - charted #15 - August 1970
One Man Band - charted #19 - November 1970
Joy To The World - charted #1 Feb. 1971
Liar - charted #7 June 1971
An Old Fashioned Love Song - charted #4 Oct. 1971
Never Been To Spain - charted #5 Dec. 1971
The Family Of Man - charted #12 March 1971
Black and White - charted #1 July 1972
Pieces Of April - charted #19 October 1972
Shambala - charted #3 May 1973
Let Me Serenade You - charted #17 October 1973
The Show Must Go On - charted #4 Feb.1974
Sure As I'm Sittin' Here - charted #16 June 1974
Play Something Sweet - charted #33 Sept. 1974
Till The World Ends - charted #32 June 1975
99 - Jak Colton
What gets me is that your 18 years of age. Your obviously bright you can look up charts and read them Evan. But you must know that even before you were born you just missed some of the best Rock in Roll from the 1980's.
You had Genesis, Huey Lewis and the News, Bruce Springsteen, The Carrs, Modern English w/ "I'll start the world and melt with you" which personified the 1980's. So you don't even need to go all the way back to the sixities or 70's to get great music.
But I tell you the more I know about James Morrison the less him!
The Man consistently showed up drunk at his Doors concerts, pissing, and vomiting all over the crowd. I mean that's disgusting and that is what you think is so great. And yeah I do have a right to tell you what a real man is. I served my country in the US Navy. if I went to one of the Doors concerts and he tried that crap in front of me. i would have jumped up on stage and knock James Morrison's ass out.
I was a kid when this Doors phenomenon was going on, but to be quite honest after what I just told you I was'nt missing a thing and neither was anyone else! So get a life.
The man OD and that's that. And right now I am going to Church something I don't think James Morrison and his second wife the Witch ever practiced! His loss! because he chose a self indulgent life and never got to know the supreme being that created him and each of us!
100 - Jak Colton
Evan, I have to correct my mistake here. Hey even I make a mistake big deal. But the more I know about James Morrison the less I like him! He was an atheist. And yeah I have been around and I know what is worth living for and what isn't and Godless activities that Mr. Morrison was involved in does make him a man.
In many ways he died a spoil army brat that rebelled against authority and never learned what life was about! ok so I can tell you what a real man is. When you live another 22 years come talk to me as to how smart you just became.
101 - Jak Colton
Goofed again damn spell checker
And yeah I have been around and I know what is worth living for and what isn't and Godless activities that Mr. Morrison was involved in does NOT make him a man. He was still very much a boy at age 27 that went out of control.
And while your at it. Why don't you read how his own estranged family discovered him years later. That might change your tune as to what that guy was all about. To me he deserved more than just a good spanking for his permissive activities. If that is ok by you than that is truly sad at 18 you can't look any higher.
102 - Frak
The problem that most Doors haters have is..They Hate Morrison.
They hate Morrison because all they know is what they have seen in the OLIVER STONE MOVIE.
That movie really brought the down many, many notches. Ray Manzarek has stated.."I would have never been in a band with the guy that was portrayed in the Doors movie"
Morrison NEVER pissed on a crowd..HE NEVER Vomited on people..You mistake the MYTH with the MAN.
103 - Scott Butki
Oh I disliked the Doors way before Oliver Stone's movie.
I remember when I was shooting pool at a pool hall with a juke box and a friend - on a lark - put "the end" on at the jukebox.
MAn I wanted to leave - it was that bad.
When good, they were good but when bad... wow, few could be worse.
As for the Monkees... I remember in college when a dormmate was picked to
be in some kind of new Monkeys series.
Wonder what ever happened to that.
Hmm,
I could see a reality show: Who would
you pick to be in the Monkees today?
104 - Frak
To compare The Doors with any other band in rock history is a huge mistake. The Doors are too unique for that. One Fella called them 60's pop (Just like the monkees) That is so musically ignorant...And Culturally ignorant. The Doors are the only band that never had a bad album...Listen to all the early Beatles albums-Much of that music is so embarrassingly bad to modern ears. The Stones has soo many clunkers too. But honestly the Doors never even recorded a lousy track! I suppose something called "My wild Love" could be viewed as filler..and perhaps even bad. But other then that, everything they ever did is unique and terrific. Very unique band...Every player in the group played with so many fascinating idiosyncrasies that they can never be boring. The Doors didn't approach music with the same head that most bands have. Their goal wasn't TO ROCK. So don't compare them to the simple bravado of the Rolling stones. The Doors would have been better off in another decade. The 1960's weren't fair to them...Another 5 years and they would have been able to make an album like "Celebration of the Lizard" They weren't trying for musical perfection...Just trying to be artful. An ugly sounding note and changes in tempo weren't necessarily done on purpose-But the Band would not rehearse before tours so that they Wouldn't sound rehersed...They wanted an organic sound were anything might happen. That's the antithesis of EGO...That's artestic bravery.
105 - The Duke
I'll have to hand it to Jak, that's one typin' mofro. GoodGawdAlmighty you can crank out the verbiage!
Hands down winner! Period.
Thanks for the insight. Didn't the 60's end in 75? I thought so. All the heavy hitters kept on putting out product then the likes of Aerosmith, Queen came out around 74 or 75 and the scene changed a bit, it was getting stale.
Let's see, as far as the Stones go, I think Let It Bleed and Beggars Banquet, and perhaps Ya Ya's and of course Sticky Fingers were about it for me.
The Doors, the first 2 albums and maybe Waiting for the Sun, but I never liked Kreiger's lead work and as an electric bassist myself, I just didn't dig the sound.
Beatles... my sisters wet their panties over them, so naturally I thought they were pussies.
Kinks, okay.
Animals, over done one or two songs.
Led Zepp. Listening to them now I don't see what I liked about them back then. But I did see them in concert in '72 at it was awesome.
The who had their moments.
Elton John, no thanks.
Boston, nah.
John Hall from Orleans... great songwriter, if you can still get his older stuff, but Orleans didn't do anything for me either.
JJ Cale, cool.
Early Leon Russell, cool.
Miles Davis, cool.
Any Allan Holdsworth is good.
Van Halen, the 1st album really rocked and broke new ground.
Cream, a couple of things stand out, but the early pyschodelic english tripe was awful!
Hendrix, broke ground, seems a bit stale now. I just listened to Ladyland today, Long Hot Summer Night is a cool tune, and so is 1983 a merman I should turn to be.... other than that the release sounds really dated.
Garcia noodled around alot, and some of the Dead stuff in okay.
I got into Jazz and some other stuff around the beginning of the 80's and really got out of rock, but I do listen to good guitarists like Eric Johnson and Danny Gatton.
I guess I'm just a jazz dude now. Alf Ebers (from Steve Smith). Henderson, Gambale, Vai is okay... I mean the list could go on and on. But it won't.
I'm about ready to sell off a lot of CD's because what was once pivitol in my mind, once upon a time just doesn't do a thing for me now.
Oh by the way, Morrison may have drunk himself into oblivion with regularity, but from what I understood it was the opium smoking that conjested his lungs and led to heart failure.
At least that was story years ago.
106 - The Duke
Here's a few more I just remembered.
I really dug early Allman Brothers.
I wore the grooves of their early stuff.
Marshall Tucker Band, Early Charlie Daniels Band rocked.
ZZ top.... come on... they hit the charts pretty hard.
Mmmm. Let's see.
Plus all the regular stuff. 3DG was okay, Chicago was okay (for a while).
Yes, in studio.
Leo Kottkke, Leon Redbone.
TOWER OF POWER!!!
Motown was cool, so was Stax stuff out of Memphis. Lynard Skynrd had a few good ones. They were actually a tight group.
Dr. John, The Band (but Robertson couldn't play a good lead break to save his life).
Joni Mitchell has a great lookin butt inside the Blue Album cover.
Heart.... before the weight gain.
Oh yeah... the Dixi Dregs.
Little Feat, always a favorite.
Then the 80's came along... Talking Heads for a while. A flurry of new stuff. Missing Persons Spring Session M, was a great band... all of whom came out of the Zappa outfit and could really play their asses off.
Like I said... then jazz hit me, playin in horn bands (I'm a bassist on the side, still am).
I even throw on classical periodically.
I got into Bluegrass for a bit, well Newgrass.
John Hartford, New Grass Revival with Sam Bush.
Is Vassar Clements okay, I heard he was in the hospital recently.
Ry Cooder
The Nashville Bluegrass Band
Tony Rice Unit
David Grissom
The Stray Cats were pretty cool, for a 3 piece.
Medeski, Martin and Wood.
Of course I also went through this 60 jazz guitar period with Wes Montgomery, Herb Ellis, Barney Kessel, Tal Farlow.
Bruce Forman, he's been around for about 20 plus years... 60's bebop guitar... quite gifted.
I'm goin' to bed I have to finish up a research project tomorrow. It's been fun.
Duke
107 - Eric Olsen
#89 MCH, thanks I think; I don't recall ever having offered advice on combat, but I will now: shoot them before they shoot you.
108 - Eric Olsen
#90 DJR, that makes a lot of sense, actually
109 - Eric Olsen
Morrison and the Doors were very ambitious on the artistic and commercial level, achieved much, left much undone - for the life of me I can't understand the hatred against them, nor the worship, but the latter makes a little more sense to me.
110 - Jak Colton
Frak you don't know what your talking about. The stuff about the Pissing and vomiting of James Morrison while on tour with the Doors sell out concert was'nt a thing of Oliver Stone's creation in his Hollywood Movie (Of Which I have seen as well ok.) It came from eyewitness accounts from not only those that were foolish enough to attend the Doors concerts but also the ones who reported it and local authorities.
I mean James Morrison was a slob.
I mean as much as I don't like to admit this. My so called beloved Three Dog Night. Did drugs and had their orgies, and groupies too. It was the thing to do i guess and has continued to this very day in Rock groups. nothing new. Chuck Negron one of the lead singers in TDN would almost repeated James Morrison mistake almost 20 years later. But could have done it then. But luckily he escaped his misadventures with Drugs after numerous rehabs. i am please at least he has mentioned God even though he does not want to be thought of as a Holy Roller which he'll never be. So if someone wants to say hey Jak did a light bulb come on in my head about the halo over Three Dog Night disappearing after reading that. Well yeah maybe just a little.
Once again I don't hate the Doors they had musical talent ok. I think it is Sad that JM cashed in his chips early.
But see what happens when you marry a Witch and no mention to God that to me is the sadiest. I hope he found God at the end. Who knows?
111 - Evan
Congratulations Jak, you showed me TDN's charted singles, but failed to show me what you alleged. Their grammy nominated, album of the year.
Again you bring your definition of a "real man" and God into it. Why you allow your religious delusions to colour your perception of music isn't my business, and you're free to do so, but as I stated before, you're missing out.
As for the 80s, well, yeah, I'm not particularly fond of it. Some things like the Smiths, a few Springsteen records, and the mod revival are all right, but for the most part, no thanks.
What does being a "real man" (whatever that is) have to do with making good music? There are many great female artists out there you know.
And don't make accusations that you can't backup.
"The Man consistently showed up drunk at his Doors concerts, pissing, and vomiting all over the crowd."
Show me a quote from a reliable source that supports this laughable statement.
112 - Frak
JakColton You are terrible misinformed.
Were is this "Jim Morrison was an Atheist" coming from? There is no evidence of that-He never said anything anti-Christian. The Married a Witch thing was an invention of a very sick woman who was trying to latch onto Morrison. That was hightailed in the OLIVER STONE movie (She even wrote her own scenes) When asked about the Witch the other Doors members haven't even heard of her. Morrison even calls out in the song "When the Music's over" "Save us..Jesus..Save US!" Want to talk about an ant-God atheist?
John Lennon was the most anti-Religion guy in music with lyrics like..."I don't believe in Jesus..I just believe in me" The Classic song "Imagine' was called he first secular hymn "Imagine there's no heaven..Easy if you try" Lennon was always saying things like. "God is a concept" So there is your real Atheist.
113 - Eric Olsen
The Duke, Vassar died of cancer
114 - Jak Colton
Evan I don't have to prove anything to you. But there are countless sources that will tell you the same thing and I am not talking tabloid source here either! If I am the only source of information that is indeed sad. Use your noggin you seem to be quite resourceful go to google or even the Library and you will listen to other ok.
But if your asking me. ok I know that Jimbo Morrison did these despicable acts in public and that is all you need to know kid. (this includes saying something morally degrading to his own estranged family that showed up at one of his concerts.) But heck I guess its ok to tell your mother your going to F*** her and that you'd kill your father is acceptable in some song; then I guess anything is ok.)
Yeah believe me he won't be runner up for a model citizen much less a God fearing one. I see where Frak is trying to lead me. Frak if you have some sort of hang up over God why don't you tell us all about it? But back to Evan. Listen if you came home in any decent home you'd have your mouth washed out with soap for using that kind of language with your folks. So there goes any argument for J. Morrison as being a decent guy or anything in that facsimile. Even the teachers that taught me back 20 years ago back in High School that may have been caught up in the Doors back in the sixties. Are quick to tell you that the DOORS were a Garbage outfit!
And by the way I was around slightly before the Doors got together ok. I'm a sixties kid ok. So my point is I was around listening to what was played and not. and to my limited knowledge they were not a significant musical source in comparison to other bands in terms of air time played ok.
IN comparion, you were'nt even a thing yet swimming in your fathers balls yet and would'nt be for another 20 years. So tell me who your secondary sources are? I suppose your old man may be as old as me or a little older but probably not old enough to attend a crappy concert like that.
One other point to Eric Olsen if you were paying attention to what I just told to young Evan, The Dislike for " the Doors" stems from the fact they were a bunch of Ass****** in public.
Yeah pissing, vomiting over their crowds the same way Alice Cooper did at his concerts ok. So don't try and take me to school, because you can't. I just took both of you to school on the facts. I lived it. Relearn your history from someone who is at least my age and lived back in the late sixties or very early seventies while Mr. Morrison was still around. I just admitted to anyone listening that my Rock Star hero ok Mr. Negron became addicted to drugs just like J. Morrison. Chuck Negron is no saint either but he is making a back as we speak. He is fortunate he almost went the same path that Morrison went and almost killed himself. Why he did'nt I don't know. Yeah and God must of been watching he got a second chance. Morrison did not.
Morrison will never be confused with Hans Christian Anderson let me tell you. So Frak if you think that because he uttered a few syllables about Jesus in a song great, but the reality is he lead a life that was contradictory to what Jesus taught and Morrison existance certainly was'nt a christian one.
He lived a very Pagan lifestyle. And if want to stand here now and tell me what is wrong with that. Everything is my answer!
And in regard to Lennon and his lyrics hey you know. I know "Imagine" was a very popular song. But I don't know if the man believe or did'nt believe in God. I think many people wander through life never really knowing until the moment the life is required of them. And then they know for sure who their creator is. Like we will all find out when that happens ok.
I just hope he knew who God was too.
If not shame on him. Its not my soul at stake its his. As for religion and music and artisitc ability you say what do they have in common. your right in some ways very little, But I think religion and some "Gospel Music" does inspire musicians and singers when they play. anyway that's all for today kiddies
115 - Ronald C McKito
(Jak Colton)
How can you make a list of great rock bands and go off of hit records and most sold albums? Just becasue a band pumps outs semi ok songs and has a big following does not mean that band is great because of its record sales. Album Sales does not make a band great in all cases. There our loads of bands with not very many albums out that our great bands.
116 - Larry A. Sakin
Hmmm... Monkees vs. Doors... kind of an odd comparison if you ask me. The Monkees were a group of cutie boys who didn't record nor write the songs that ended up on the records. They were wholly manufactured. Michael Nesmith was the only real talent, and this shows by his endurance in the music biz as opposed to Jones, Mickey Dolenz, and Peter Tork.
The Doors wrote their own songs, recorded, were not put together by a record label and challenged many of the parameters of rock music.
In my unhumble view, placing the Monkees over the Doors is a little like placing Brittney Spears over Alanis Morrisette. Of course, everything is a matter of taste, so whatever floats your boat.
117 - Larry A. Sakin
In Re: Jak Colton (Comment #92)
Am unsure of your age and experience Jak, but you seem to have some interesting ideas about what defines music. Certainly any artistic venture is subject to the taste of the beholder and if you're into TDN and CCR more power to you. However, don't fool yourself in regards to drug use of each group. John Fogerty struggled with alcoholism for many years, and brother Tom died of a heart attack not long ago because of his drug and alcohol usage. As for TDN, you might want to speak to Jimmy Greenspoon about the bands forays with alcohol, LSD, cocaine and heroin. Ringo Starr can give you an earful about the Beatles as well. If you had toured with a rock band, you'd understand the incredible presssures they're all under and why drug use among bands is so prevelant. This is not to say I either condone nore condemn drug usage. But having been on the road with more than a few well known bands in my time, I know how easy they're used when creative types are dry for ideas.
As to some of the musicians/groups you mentioned, there is certainly a schism between what most people appreciate about the bands you mentioned and what you find lacking. An example is Bob Dylan. Frankly, I've never known anyone who listens to Dylan for either his singing or his guitar work (which is mediocre at best). However, Dylan is a brilliant poet/lyricist, an amazingly gifted writer, and this is what Dylan fans appreciate. They understand his nasally intoned vocals are to be tolerated in order to hear the magic of his writing. A friend put it well once: "Dylans lyrics are on a similar scale with Segovia's skill with classical guitar."
For comments on the Doors, please see my comment on Al Barger's review of the recent box set.
Led Zeppelin certainly is not to everyone's taste. But Led Zeppelin, like the Doors, challenged the boundaries of rock, mixing myriad forms of music into their witches brew of a creation. Jimmy Page was among the first few electric guitarists to understand the mathematical principles of tuning and made his instrument sound like any number of others in the process. His and the groups ability to generate natural effects with their instruments, especially with songs like "Kashmir" (a natural flange on Page's guitar was created by Page's use of a bow with the guitar on eight tracks, and then mixing them at the same level as the backward orchestral violin tracks) made for an incomparable sound. It was a bold experiment that groups like TDN and CCR would've never tried.
As Frak and Evan quite lucidly pointed out, universal appeal does not necessarily mean musical proficiency or talent. I've worked with completely talentless vocalists in the studio and used numerable effects to make their vocalization palatable. Its why so many "singers" still lyp sync. They don't have the chops, yet they're popular and gotta sell records on the road.
There's nothing wrong with your choice of music. And there's nothing wrong with Evan's, Flaks, Al's or mine. Art is perception, and your perceptions may draw you to paintings of dogs playing cards while others may find Picasso's cubism more appealing. But keep in mind that our perceptions are formed by the depth of our experiences, intuition, and emotions. As we mature in the world, our perceptions change, and we may indeed find ourselves liking things we'd have never given a chance to before.
118 - Evan
"Evan I don't have to prove anything to you. But there are countless sources that will tell you the same thing and I am not talking tabloid source here either!"
No, you DO have to prove something to me. The onus is on you. You really don't understand here. You're the one alleging he pissed and vomitted on a crowd, you prove it. You say you've got the sources, so what's the problem?
"ok I know that Jimbo Morrison did these despicable acts in public... tell your mother your going to F*** her and that you'd kill your father is acceptable in some song; then I guess anything is ok.)"
I do believe you're missing the ENTIRE point of the song. Think 'Oedipus'.
And just because someone write's something in their lyrics, it doesn't mean they actually do it or believe it.
"So there goes any argument for J. Morrison as being a decent guy or anything in that facsimile."
I never argued that he was a decent guy. I simply asked what that has to do with the music or artistic talent.
"but the reality is he lead a life that was contradictory to what Jesus taught and Morrison existance certainly was'nt a christian one."
Again, this has NOTHING to do with the music. I think you're confusing our debate about music with a religious debate. Calm down, you don't have to convert me.
119 - Jak Colton
Larry,
I don't know your age either. Well listen Larry. Its is true that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. That goes for Music or anything else that can be measured. While you muse about the strengths of Jimmy Page's guitar skills that's fine. He really isn't to my liking but recognize he has talent ok. I'll make this comparion music is like food. You consume what you like. And your right there are experiences through out life that shape and form our opinion as to why we like various artists. ok. You might like Alpo Dog food and I like the Filet Mignon. or vice versa. you., While you grin about Jimmy and things never tried. Listen a Three Leader Singers in a Rock band was never tried till Three Dog Night did it first. And it can be easily argued their is alot of Artistic talent a singer puts their heart and sould into the song even more so than merely writing it or playing a musical instrument along side of it. And your right there are vocalist or singer who have no talent. Three Dog Night would NOT be one of them. All three Singers ok were no slouches. But James Morrison could barely hold a tune. The man was not gifted in the area of vocalization and holding a melody. You have Kreiger in the background doing his thing to cover up Jim's gross mistakes. You don't produced 3 number- 1, and 21 consecutive top 40 hits ok many of which were top 10's, and even more it could have been argued a few of those songs could have easily been more number one's for the groups like at least 2 others- "Shambala" and "Old Fashion Love Song". so your looking at maybe even 5 or 6 number one hits! Which brings to mind Mr. McKito inane comment on singles. Your argument has no weight. TDN to date has turn out 19 Albums! So where are the limited albums that TDN night produced? Well in case you just missed 19 I just answered your question for you. Plus TDN achieve greatestness in the shear depth and quality of their songs and did so consecutively! There were no dry spells as their were with the Groups you just mentioned. How many Albums did the Doors turn out ok. I rest my case. Now Evan is probably getting mad now because Jimmy Boy did'nt last long enough to turn our more bad music and piss on a few more fire hydrants while attending his own concerts. What can I say the guy could'nt find an appropriate place to relieve himself when he needed to.
So McKita without a shred of doubt TDN is a legendary Rock Band they dominated the late sixites and early seventies. I don't care how you want to measure them.
And Larry Sakin please read everything first before you open your mouth. Here's another guy that goes off half cocked. Listen if you read what I said above you'd know that I said TDN had drug problems too ok. You obviously did'nt so keep your mouth shut dummy.
Evan there is no Onus on me over what?
I have to cut and paste everything to see. Listen if you go and do a google search on your idols life. Mr James Morrison; then I think you'll be shocked at what you find about what he did with his life. It really is a sad story and I am not talking about the ad lib stuff Oliver Stone did to the making of the movie the Doors but what really happened. But I am not going to sit here and cut and paste everything his life story for you to compare notes. Its everywhere my friend, and if you can't accept that then your in DENIAL my friend. SO GET A LIFE!!! NOW
120 - Jak Colton
Larry one other point if your taking guitarists I will take Eric Clapton over Jimmy Page any day. or Michael Allsup as well from TDN. Once again I doubt you or I would be doing much talking over who was great and who was'nt face to face. But the fact of the matter is TDN is still touring today almost 40 years later and an accomplishment few bands can claim.
As for Jimmy Greenspoon or Joe Schermie both some of the best keyboardists you'll ever find. When it came to drugs yeah i know they were passing them out while deciding what song to record.
However, as a member recently said their still around and still Kicking major Ass.
121 - frak
O.K. I see that Jak colton is just a fool. You call Morrison a degenerate but Your idol is Chuck Negron who was Junky and whose penis exploded because of obsessive sex. You call the Doors a bunch of Atheist with no proff-But you give John Lennon a free pass when it is well know that he was a godless anti-war liberal. You say that Three Dog night was more prolific than the Doors.TDN had just 1 more studio album then the Doors had during their first 5 years. Plus the Doors wrote their own songs..TDN had Huge talents writing their albums for them (Randy Newman, Paul Williams ect..)You obviously have some sort of bias. I agree that Three dog night was a terrific performance band. Though They were absolutely Not the first band to have 3 singers who are able to sing lead. The Beach Boys had 5 singers and were All able to sing lead and had hit songs featuring each of them singing solo at some point. THE BEATLES...All 4 of them had leads too. You really don't know much about music. Just the fact that you try to compare the Doors to Three Dog night is so silly. Compare them to the Bee Gees or some group closer to their style. You say that TDN is more influential then the Doors-But there has hardly been a band who has been "borrowed from" more consistently than the Doors. You say that TDN is still doing tours...Well yes, but not as a group. Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger are still touring too (On a much grander scale then the members of TDN)
122 - Evan
frak, I think he might be a band member.
123 - Jak Colton
Frak your just another retard who does'nt bother to read the entire post. And I called Morrison for what he was and will always be remembered historically and viewed by most people. Just a Pure Slob plain and a simple. And Mr Negron who ( I admit was no saint either.) Lead the same kind of life as a drug addict ok.
And He almost bought the farm too.
(I am repeating myself on Negron for your benefit here since you obvious don't know how to read posts! so pay attention)
Although the key distinction other than surviving the druggie lifestyle that both Negron, Morrison, shared along with so many other singers is the simple fact. One survived their addiction the other one did not. Am I saying it to put your hero down no, because I think its ashame that anyone has to pay with their life at an early age like that.
One thing you do have to bear in mind. Is that at least Chuck Negron mentioned he thank God for coming out of being a Heroine Addict. And he has mentioned him several times if you have been to his new website.
Could it be God looked out for him? maybe. I'm not God and I don't know.
But at least even as a Sinner Chuck Negron had the common sense and decency by mentioning God for assisting him to come back in his life. I did not find God mentioned anywhere by James Morrison.
Chuck Negron's drug rehab has gone fairly well. And as far as John Lennon being a Liberal, ant-God, and Anti-War well your opening another can of worms here. He did'nt go around vomiting and pissing on his crowds as far as I know. At least Lennon had some repect for the crowds he performed for many times over.
Then again at that time who was'nt anti-vietnam war ok. If you were young most people were against it.
I served my country in the US Navy how about you did you serve your country?
Anyway, Three Dog Night enlisted the talent of several up and coming song writers that's for sure. But saying that does not take away from the bands musical accomplishments and artistic abilities as a Rock Group ok. If you want to haggle with that your wasting your time ok. When it comes right down to real musical talent and the ability to sing Three Dog Night. Then TDN has is all over the Doors ok. No question and that is how most people view it.
The Doors could'nt sing if their life depended on it ok. If anyone needed to be lip sync it would have been Jimbo Morrison similar to "Milli Vanilli"
No the Beach Boys were'nt all lead singers ok. you had tenures, alto's, and other sing bass ok. The Beatles same thing not all lead singers either ok. Your the one that does'nt know music my friend. Ok you want me to Compare Three Dog Night to the Bee Gees. Hmm let see Well their not the same musical format. Bee Gees were Disco ok. But I think the Bee Gee and Three Dog Night both had one thing in common they both came out with many more albums and hit songs and than the Doors ok. And your right the doors and "Three Dog Night" are not in the same class. The Doors are an Inferior Group and DON"T belong in the same sentence with Three Dog Night or any other Real rock band for that matter.
You asked for this, Name one band that borrowed the style from the Doors?
Your wrong once again. Three Dog Night has regular tours if you have been on the website you know that! and does still do tours as a group. Its probably more intimidating now for you that band is divided and has two strong following for touring with either Three Dog Night or the former lead Chuck Negron. Excellent site as a matter of fact. more so than the Doors could hope for musical talents is out there in two separated forces. Chuck is doing his own thing, and if you looked at his website you can see he is very busy. So is the rest of the Three Dog Night Band Danny Hutton the original founder and Cory Wells.
Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger might tour but in very limited fashion in comparion ok.
They tremble when they hear Three Dog Night mentioned from the years of total domination over them.
124 - Eric Olsen
Jak, you are entitled to your Three Dog Night obsession: as I said lon ago, I think they are underrated by the cognoscenti and I quite like a lot of their songs.
But when you extrapolate that obsession out into the world, you only do each harm
125 - Evan
Please stop saying "ok" at the beginning and end of each sentence. Please.
How old did you say you are? In your 40s? You really can't tell. Not simply because of your grammar, but your willingness to make wild claims without proof, your refusal to supply proof once asked, your ignorance, obsessiveness, and plain rudeness.
There's just no point anymore. You're no fun anymore.