There's more bonus material than original, but you better be a fan of "Roadhouse Blues" since over 30 minutes is about working on that track over a couple of days. A cover of Chuck Berry's "Carol" starts already in progress. "Peace Frog (False Starts & Dialogue)" finds Morrison castigating the band, which is funny considering how many problems he presented during recording sessions. Densmore's shuffling drums, Kreiger's high-pitched guitar twang, and Mazarek's tinkling piano give "The Spy (Version 2)" an easygoing country vibe. "Queen Of The Highway (Jazz Version)" certainly is that. I can't hear Krieger's guitar, but the bass is very prominent alongside Densmore's brushwork. It's what Morrison might have been doing if he had to play lounges in his later days.
Morrison Hotel saw the band return to form. Diehard fans will want to get this version for the extras, although some might not care for the remixing choices. "Roadhouse Blues" sounds too pristine and is better with the raggedness it had in previous releases. For no apparent reason "Ship of Fools" begins with someone announcing "16," most likely the number of the take. "The Spy" begins with Jim in the middle of saying something and an unintelligible response. It adds nothing, coming across like the engineer screwed up the edit. However, don't let that deter you if Morrison Hotel is not in your collection.
Article comments
1 - JC Mosquito
Yeah, I dunno about the extraneous noises - on LA Woman, the title song has a few extra notes tacked onto the front - it sounds like Krieger is trying to play God Save the Queen throught an FX pedal (seriously!).
Maybe they were going for a cinema verite sound on the remixes. Whatever - looks like I get to purchase Morrison Hotel for the 4th time (LP, 8 track, CD, & now the remastered CD). No wonder everyone's stealing stuff off the internet.
2 - JANK
Although reknowned for its rockers, Morrison Hotel also has some of the best Doors ballads.
Indian Summer - perhaps the best song ever with this title as it evokes the ellusiveness of the perfect summer, and its passing.
Blue Sunday - segueing from Peace Frog, this is a very haunting track and is well placed on the album.
3 - JC Mosquito
I was surprised to find this for under $7 yesterday, so I picked it up, The multiple takes of Roadhouse show how the song was developed overt time. FAscinating, but I wouldn't listen to it too often.
Much more interesting bonus tracks are on SOft Parade - I'd necer heard Whiskey, Mustics & Men before - hey - a new Doors song for my mp3 player!