The Doors open the studio door
On The Soft Parade, released in 1969, the Doors expanded their palette with strings and horns. Producer Paul A. Rothchild brought in Paul Harris to arrange them. Jim Morrison, Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger and John Densmore faced a new question: how does a band retain its character within a larger ensemble? That question remains an engaging way into this album. Its additional instruments reflect a deliberate musical choice, one that was far from universally welcomed.
The recordings stretch across 1968 and 1969; Easy Ride came from work on the preceding album. A substantial part was recorded in Elektra’s new Hollywood studio, with Bruce Botnick engineering. The nine selections therefore bring together ideas developed over an extended period rather than a single concentrated session.
Curtis Amy and the sound of the horns
Touch Me leads directly to one of the record’s important guests: Curtis Amy plays the saxophone solo. The song is a Robby Krieger composition, as are Tell All The People and Wishful Sinful. This was the first Doors album to give individual songwriting credits. Listening with Krieger’s contribution in mind offers another perspective on its direction.
The expanded personnel reach well beyond the saxophone. Harvey Brooks and Doug Lubahn divide the bass duties between different tracks. George Bohanon, Champ Webb and other guests are documented, although not every orchestral player is identified by name. The personnel list distinguishes established contributions from uncertain track assignments. It provides a route into the sessions without claiming a completeness that the sources cannot support.
From Runnin’ Blue to the title suite
The additional colors extend beyond strings and horns. Jesse McReynolds plays mandolin on Runnin’ Blue, with Krieger singing its chorus. Details like these invite a listen from the perspective of the supporting players. Which color comes from the band and which arrives with a guest? The changes between songs become part of the album’s story.
The extended title track returns to Morrison and a form developed from his text fragments. It supplies a different setting from the shorter songs that precede it. On this double LP it occupies side D by itself, leaving space to follow its course continuously until the stylus reaches the runout. It is a fitting conclusion to an album that explores so many directions.
The Analogue Productions 45 RPM edition
This is the Analogue Productions stereo double LP, catalogue number AAPP 75005-45. Doug Sax and Sangwook Nam worked on the mastering at The Mastering Lab, and the records were pressed at Quality Record Pressings. Bruce Botnick supervised the reissue. His account identifies the original analog master tapes as the source and describes the preparation required for the aging tapes.
Documented pressings and product descriptions differ over record weight, so no single gram figure is promised for every copy here. The two 45 RPM records and gatefold format are established. The musical invitation is specific: spend time with the Doors and the players around them, and discover the decisions behind this unusual album.
You order from Michael 45 in Germany. We arrange the US import and dispatch from Hilden.
Also on SACD: The Soft Parade
More by The Doors: Strange Days · Waiting For The Sun
Artist page: All titles by The Doors
Customer question: Buying Analogue Productions records in Europe
Musicians
Participants and documented credit status. Track references correspond to the tracklist.
- Jim MorrisonvocalsParticipation: Album personnel
- Ray ManzarekkeyboardsParticipation: Album personnel
- Robby Kriegerguitar, vocals (chorus C2)Participation: Guitar: album · vocals: chorus C2
- John DensmoredrumsParticipation: Album personnel
- Harvey Brookselectric bassParticipation: A1, A2, B1, B2, C2, D1
- Doug Lubahnelectric bassParticipation: B3, C1, C3
- Paul Harrisorchestral/horn arrangementsParticipation: Orchestral and horn arrangements
- Curtis Amysaxophone solosParticipation: A2
- George Bohanontrombone soloParticipation: Track assignments unconfirmed
- Champ WebbEnglish horn soloParticipation: Track assignments unconfirmed
- Jesse McReynoldsmandolinParticipation: C2
- Jim BuchananfiddleParticipation: Track assignments unconfirmed
- Reinol AndinocongasParticipation: Track assignments unconfirmed
Harvey Brooks: A1, A2, B1, B2, C2, D1. Doug Lubahn: B3, C1, C3. Krieger sings the chorus of Runnin’ Blue (C2). Not all orchestral players are documented by name; uncertain track assignments remain unconfirmed.
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