Weekend Music

The Doors' doomed, Dionysian singer Jim Morrison would have turned 74 today (he died in Paris in 1971 at the age of 27).  Fifty years ago, The Doors released their second album, "Strange Days," and this single, "Love Me Two Times," written by guitarist Robbie Krieger. Hope you enjoy and have a good weekend.

Weekend Breakthrough Song

Happy 70th birthday to fine guitarist and composer for The Doors, Robbie Krieger (yes, we know it's also Elvis' birthday - sorry, not big fans - as well as David Bowie, who turns 69).  Krieger's bottleneck guitar work was integral to The Doors' early sound, and he co-wrote many of The Doors' most popular songs, including their breakout single "Light My Fire."  This is a song co-written by Krieger that was the first single they released, on New Year's Day 1967:  "Break On Through (To The Other Side)."  Interesting promotional video, to boot.

Mid-Week Memorial Song

The Doors' versatile keyboardist and founding member, Ray Manzarek, passed away Monday of cancer.  He was 74.  Fluent in blues, rock, and jazz styles, Manzarek was one of the most influential rock keyboardists of his era.  His keyboard literally introduced The Doors to the world with the opening bars of their first hit, "Light My Fire," and added a far-away, melancholy tone to their last hit, "Riders on the Storm."  NPR, among many, had this remembrance of him.  RIP.

Valentine Weekend Twofer

With the majority of popular songs having love or love lost as the main theme, it's impossible to select the most appropriate song to recognize Valentine's Day on Monday. So, essentially we gave up after several hours of searching. Herewith, then, are two songs selected mainly because the word "love" appears in the title (also because Feb. 12 is Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek's 71st (!) birthday, and we love the dance stylin' of the Soul Train gang - yes, that's Rerun doing the slo-mo butt drop at around 1:19). Happy Valentine's Day!

Saturday Songs

After seeing The Doors on PBS' "American Masters" this week, I wanted to post one of their songs, but couldn't decide between a couple. So, I'm posting both. (The first vid shows Jim Morrison's longtime companion Pamela Courson.) These songs bring back particular memories of college days in Madison, Wisconsin (sigh).